Sorry, Annie59, I've had a busy time of it lately.

Did you go to the doctor RIGHT AWAY at the sign of the flu? They can give you Tamiflu within 24 hours that should help. You have to start getting to the doctor a lot sooner than you have been.

Do you have the copy of the ANA? If not, get it. ANA's can come and go like that. Just because you had a negative one does not mean it nullifies the positive one!!! Autoimmune diseases fluctuate and antibody levels do too.

You HAVE TO get that rash checked out. Whether it's at a regular doc, urgent care or the ER. Rashes don't happen for no reason. Sure, it could be a fungal rash from heat and moisture under the breast area but it might not be. One thing that will get rid of that particular kind of rash is cornstarch. Yes, cornstarch. It dries up the area and can cool it down, thereby acting as an anti-inflammatory. DO NOT use talcum powder. Breast cancer can have rashes associated with it too.

Mayo questions EVERYTHING they themselves didn't diagnose. Very arrogant. Again, do you have copies of the original Sjogren's diagnosis?

Pain like you have is often an inflammatory condition. Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and polymyositis are ones I have thought about with you. It is even more important for people with inflammatory conditions to have an "anti-inflammatory" diet. No white food, sugar, etc. Lots of whole grains, fruits and vegies, good omega 3's (like fish oil).

The thing about the cold making you better really makes me think what you have is a rheumatic condition and not MG. No, I'm not doubting you but MG will get worse in COLD temperatures. Cold is often used as an anti-inflammatory so it's more logical that is what's wrong. Plus you have to have pain meds all the time.

This is the thing with doctors who say they aren't taking patients anymore. It's a rule. There are exceptions to any rule. Call their nurse. Talk in very simple terms to them. DO NOT overwhelm them with details over the phone. Simply ask if the rheumatologist would consider seeing you. You'd be amazed at what you can get to happen when you ASK the question.

Myositis will NOT be cleared up with cataract surgery! Who told you that?

Yes, I think many of us know what it's like to be treated with zero respect and treated like we "want" to be sick. I know what it's like to be mistreated due to a doctor's fear of being sued, even though I never even hinted at that. My goal, like yours, was always the truth and getting proper treatment.

It sounds like your daughter who "shushed" you has trouble with conflict. There are some people who are very uncomfortable around those who challenge authority. And a simple question to a doctor can sometimes be seen, especially by the doctor, as questioning their authority. Total poppycock.

Alice is right about doctors. I don't know why they can't trust their instincts. Why they have such a hard time believing in what they SEE.

Annie, the point is to get some help as soon as possible. Inflammatory conditions are very damaging to the body. Inflammation basically destroys the body. So you need help in a lot of areas. Please "work the system" and ask for help. Don't get bogged down in all the details of what is going on with you. Think of it as "dating." You wouldn't dump all of your personal junk on a potential mate at all once. Don't do the same thing to doctors. Just get the date.

I hope you will get some help soon. It's awful what you are going through.

Annie