I got a new GP who is an older, more experienced gentleman. He took one look at my hands (severe swelling makes my knuckles look as though they disappeared) and never questioned referring me to a rheumatologist. He believes I have RA so he has started me on Mobic. While I have seen minimal improvement, it's not as great as I had hoped. He was being careful with NSAIDS due to my aspirin related sensitive stomach, but it feels great to be believed for a change!

The day after I left the GP's office, the neurologist called and said he went over my labs (with the elevated CRP, SED, and positive RH factor) and said he believes I have an autoimmune disease and need to see a rheumatologist asap.

I have been searching for a rheumatologist that accepts my crappy insurance, but I hope to have an appointment soon. In the meantime, it is 3am here, and I am unable to sleep due to the numbness and pain. I want to ask for an additional med, but I'm scared of being labeled a drug seeker.

I have been dealing with PN and pain for 1 year, 1 month. All my tests were normal until now, and I even had the original neurologist wanting me to take psych meds. I almost want to write him and tell him that he should not discount his patients in the future, but I don't know if I will actually do it.

I am thrilled that 2 separate doctors have verified that I'm not some hypochondriac. That is something that will make me smile in the dark days, and I hope everyone finds a physician that believes them. For the life of me, I just don't understand why so many doctors rely on bloodwork when they know a large percentage of people are seronegative.

I hope that others here can find answers to their PN causes, and I urge everyone who is struggling for a dx to not give up. I was given that same advice here, and I'm glad I kept pushing for different doctors.