fairly new member

[jola57]

Sangy, am I on the list LOL? Gina, I agree with the others it does sound like Wegs. The only true way to find out is by a biopsy. I hope it proves not to be since you have enough on your plate even now.

[peachyhugsgina]

I called Dr Fessler's office at UAB, and was told that I need to get my rheumatologist to make a referral for me. That is next on my agenda.. to get my rheumatologist to make me a referral so I can get in to see her or the other doctor mentioned.. Dr Robert Kimberley, also a Wegs specialist at UAB as soon as an appt is available. This is a 3 hour drive for me one way, but may well be worth the drive to get someone who is familiar with Wegs and maybe give me some definitive answers.. my rheumatologist isn't saying for sure I have Wegs but she isn't say I don't.. she says she is watching me for more signs and symptoms of Wegs before she can make a definitive diagnosis. So this is where I am, having lots of signs and symptoms of Wegs, elevated antiproteinase 3, and etc..
Take care and thanks for all the suggestions thus far.. I start back on my methotrexate injections on Thursday.
Peachy hugs,
Gina

[JanW]

I would imagine that given that you have other AI diseases a definite diagnosis without biopsy could be challenging. Hang in there and I hope you get your referral soon!

[Sangye]

Jolanta, I have you on my partial nag list. I'm still wondering if you've contacted the VF to see if any of the consultants in the US can work with your docs.

[JanW]

Heh...I love the idea of a partial nag list!

[elephant]

Gina, I would definitely see the WG specialist, I would not wait for more symptoms, you can have silent damage going on ( I did and now it's permanent). The Wg specialist will be give you a more definitive diagnosis and it could be great news (No Wegeners Yippee). I had to get that whole nag in. How much methotrexate are you on? Prednisone?
Gina, could you get someone to go with you to see the WG specialist at UAB? You could make a day of it and go out to eat or shopping or whatever.

[Sangye]

Gina-- I agree with Elephant. Don't wait-- get to the Wegs doc. Believe me, you really want to get off my nag list.

[Dumpy]

Gina sorry I didn't get back to you sooner with the info but I know you are looking for relief as soon as possible. I was fortunate to have a pulmonogilist who had me diagnoised already and called in for the referal to Dr. Fesseler. Maybe you could ask your rheumy to send you a referal along with the test results that he already has. Just do what ever you have to to get in to see Dr. Fessler. If UAB is where you go allow yourself about 1 hour in Birmingham to get around if it is any time close to traffic hour.
The Address is
UAB
Kirkland Clinc
2000 6th Ave. South
Birmingham, Ala. 35233
I hope you can get in because Dr. Fessler is a great doctor. Let me know if there is anything that I can help you with.

[peachyhugsgina]

Hi Hi Hi elephant,
I plan to ask my pcp and my rheumy for referrals, depending on which one I see first. I also have an upcoming appt with my allergist/ immunologist.. so shouldn't be that hard to get in to see. I have just started methotrexate injections.. was up to .6cc when I became so ill 3 weeks ago with the uri and asthmatic bronchitis, ear infection, sinus infection, and etc. She started me back on mtx today at .3 cc and says we are going to stay at .3cc for the next 4 weeks, and see if I get sick again. If I get sick again, and she thinks the mtx may be causing me to get sick, she wants to change me to cytotoxan. I see my rheumy again in 3 weeks. .. so we will see what happens.
Thanks for the suggestions.
Take care
POOeachy hugs,
Gina

[elephant]

Good Gina, I hope you get in soon. I know it's one day at a time with all these lovely drugs we take. Hope the metho works. Hang in there.