Bloodwork results

I don't know what your "available " doctor situation is, but I've gone thru a lot of doctors. When we moved to a new state 5 years ago, I went thru 4 doctors before I found a compassionate doctor who actually cared about her patients. I've met so many mediocre doctors who do their job (minimally) , but never go the extra mile for their patients, and I really consider a mediocre doctor to be worse than a bad doctor. A bad doctor you'll leave immediately, a mediocre doctor you'll stay with, thinking things will improve... Personally, I've found that "Doctors of Internal Medicine" are a better choice for people with chronic issues...

Hello - thanks for posting and being a part of the community here at Axialspondyloarthritis.net. Welcome! I understand your frustration - especially about not getting answers to distressing lab results or hearing from a doctor who is supposed to be supporting you through chronic illness. I had a difficult time being diagnosed through labs, as they were always normal levels. They began to change at the start of a terribly difficult and extended flare (1+ years). Only then did it become concerning to my physician. Labs along with other information such as my health history, family history, etc. were used to determine my disease status. I went from a diagnosis of undifferentiated SpA (U-diff) to reactive SpA with IBS related to SpA (all peripheral), then to nr-AS to full-blown ankylosing spondylitis (axial spondyloarthritis) This is all so very confusing.


Here is a link to an article that may help sort it out. https://axialspondyloarthritis.net/types


I hope you get a chance to look around our site and explore the forums and posts from other members. As for labs, only your doctor can really give you an accurate reading on this. We are similar in that we have SpA but we are all going through it differently. A med works for one person but has no effect on another. I recently saw my rheumy and had some low/high results which he discussed in detail, and eased my mind. Do take your results to your rheumatologist. He should be able to explain them.


I am sorry you are not feeling very well and I do hope your rheumatologist can give you some information on different types of treatment to help you through this flare and manage your disease burden. For now, here is another link that might help explain them. https://axialspondyloarthritis.net/treatment Thinking of you as you journey through this disease. Warmly - Rebecca (community moderator)

thanks for your reply. I was only diagnosed about 7 months ago, so this is all very new to me. Even while I was getting tons of bloodwork done prior to being diagnosed, my labs were usually normal. I have to say, I am a little curious to see if I have elevated levels of CRP when I see my rheumatologist in a few days. I think I have been in a flare for a couple of months now because I have not felt well for a while. I am considering switching to a DMARD, as the meds I am taking now do not help me with pain at all. I have been pretty miserable lately.

Since I've been dealing with this and Fibromyalgia, my WBC counts have always been higher than normal. My primary doctor explained its because my body is constantly fighting inflammation. I feel tired and run down, Alot! I have to work full time as I'm on my own at almost 62yrs old and have rent and Bill's to pay. It's very hard to get going most days but once I've taken meds I can usually get through the day.
I don't have health insurance at the moment and its impossible to go see the specialists I desperately need! Thank God my primary Doctor has been my Dr for almost 30years. He gets me. He can take one look at me when I walk in and tell if I'm doing ok or not.

When I have nearly pain free days and higher energy levels I tend to overdo it, resulting in...you guessed it, a flare. It's very hard to Not take advantage of the good days, even though I know I'm going to pay for it later. I think I'm rambling on, another side effect of Fibromyalgia LOL.
Good Luck to you and I will pray for you.