Autoimmune diagnosing

Posted by bunnysammy @bunnysammy, Jun 30, 2018

Hi, I'm just a bit frustrated and wanted to talk to some people going through the same things. I thought I had Celiac disease but because I really don't like going to the doctors I avoided getting a for sure diagnosis and went gluten free. It's definitely helped with a lot of my symptoms. I got a blood test a few months ago for my doctor. My platelet count was extremely low as well as my iron and b12. She told me it looked like something autoimmune but I didn't know what that meant and she didn't press me to see other doctors about it. She also mentioned something seemed strange with my bone marrow. I didn't think anything of it. I thought the vitamins she suggested were all I needed. Well in the past couple months I've been in more pain than usual. Sharp chest pains, stiff and painful joints and I ache everyday. I've also had a persistent low grade fever. I get sharp pains in my hands too. I feel super weak and fatigued daily which I've always had bouts of but for awhile being gluten free helped. I can't keep up with my boyfriend when we go on walks anymore. My pain keeps me up at night. I have a few other symptoms but these are the most frustrating ones. Does anyone have any idea what this could be? I set up a doctors appointment but it'll be another month till they can see me.

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sita | @sita | Jul 13, 2018

Did you view the site that John sent? Arizona Mayo says they do not accept Medicare.

sita | @sita | Jul 13, 2018

In reply to @sita "This is off topic. Does anyone know if Mayo in Phoenix accepts Medicare for elders?" + (show)

Thanks John. So sad that Arizona Mayo doesn’t take Medicare!

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Jul 13, 2018

In reply to @sita "This is off topic. Does anyone know if Mayo in Phoenix accepts Medicare for elders?" + (show)

It is sad. Hopefully some day in our lifetime it will get better.

tinkerbell | @tinkerbell | Jul 13, 2018

In reply to @sita "This is off topic. Does anyone know if Mayo in Phoenix accepts Medicare for elders?" + (show)

@sita - Hi - I go the Mayo in Jacksonville and live in Florida. You may want to call Arizona and talk to them. Jacksonville bills Medicare but you are responsible for the bill. I get a check from Medicare and also from my secondary insurance. I deposit them in my bank and then pay Mayo directly. They do add a little more to the bill but only a small amount.

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Jul 13, 2018

In reply to @sita "Did you view the site that John sent? Arizona Mayo says they do not accept Medicare." + (show)

Hi @sita I think the frequently asked questions can be a little confusing. I think @tinkerbell is correct but you can easily call the Arizona Mayo Campus and talk with the billing and insurance. They can probably explain and answer your questions much better than trying to understand some of the wording on the page. I think it's just more of hastle that you get the money from Medicare and secondary insurance then you pay the Mayo bill...and what ever amount over what Medicare covers that they charge.

John

sita | @sita | Jul 13, 2018

Thanks so much everyone, especially John!! Sota

bunnysammy | @bunnysammy | Jul 13, 2018

I can't remember who all wanted an update but I'll tag a few members.. @johnbishop @lioness @dragonl8y @alphacat

I saw the rheumatologist yesterday. She took 6 tubes of blood and I'll get results in a week. She definitely thinks I have arthritis.

beryl | @beryl | Jul 13, 2018

In reply to @bunnysammy "I can't remember who all wanted an update but I'll tag a few members.. @johnbishop @lioness..." + (show)

I'm so glad you are at last getting somewhere ....Beryl

tinkerbell | @tinkerbell | Jul 13, 2018

In reply to @sita "This is off topic. Does anyone know if Mayo in Phoenix accepts Medicare for elders?" + (show)

@sita - I wanted to give you some examples - (provider charged) $118.25 - Medicare approved $116.36 - Medicare paid me $80.61. My secondary insurance paid the difference. All the labs are paid directly to Mayo as was the Emergency Room and Surgeries that I have had at Mayo. I have not found it to be a problem considering the care I get at Mayo.