Help with understanding test results

@elisabeth007 No, but I will check into those.

@elisabeth007 @becsbuddy Your post is very interesting, thanks. It appears to be one major medical system, University of Md, that "rubs me the wrong way". In addition to questionable Medicare charges, I am now encountering a new problem with them while trying to find a Rheumy for the first time, for the first auto immune test I've ever had. This particular medical "system" does not want me to fill out any patient questionnaires or history of any sort, before seeing one of their Rheumys. They insist they already have my info in their computers, (from my seeing a very few other docs over the years, for unrelated complaints). Since the docs I see most are in another medical system, and not "connected" to My Chart- the info available in My Chart is incomplete (at best). Further, some of my symptoms started 50 years ago (before computers) and other symptoms seemed not "noteworthy" even until I got the auto immune test results recently. I hibernate in the summer months and am greatly slowed-the idea of having to speed read and explain my list of symptoms, without a formal questionnaire is daunting. (Possible solution: fill out one of the downloadable indepth questionnaires provided on-line by rheumatologists at other medical centers and submit that well before my appoint time.?)

The U of Md "appoint. makers" also insist that I am not a "new patient" since I am already in their "system" (computer), from seeing just a few of their docs over the years, (for totally unrelated complaints). An earlier attempt resulted in the office wanting me to fill out forms in their office, before my appointment, for a 30 min appoint slot. I feared that may very well have left me with 15 mins face time with their specialist, in addition to half-filled patient history, and I cancelled.

Just yesterday I found a Rheumy, also at U of Md, that takes new patients and made an appointment. It was only later that it sunk in that there was (again) no patient history needed. when asked. When I checked My Chart the appoint was listed as "new Patient"-but I've no real idea how long that actually is. I guess I could call Monday to find out, except there is the no (complete and accurate) patient history to contend with again. It was only then that I realized it is this one particular medical center outfit that "triggers" me, because of their "office practices".

I feel a round hole trying to fit into their square slot "office practices". Because my symptoms have been accumulating over 50 years, it feels ludicrous to believe I can be "heard" and Dx'ed (based on out of date, incomplete patient info) and have my questions answered-in 15-30 mins time. I did not experience these same constraints with another nearby medical "system" but their rheumys are not taking new patients at this time. Fortunately, I am not in dire need and believe I need to be seen there-in order to avoid these exhausting mazes. Not sure if this is "drive-thru, fast food" medicine being practiced at U of MD but it hurts my soul, and I feel for the demands being put on their docs.

My hubby has the lesser cost "HMO like" Medicare supplement. I am beginning to wonder what the benefit of my expensive supplement plan is, if I have to wait months to see a specialist for a "real" visit.

i remember years ago wanting to cancel a new patient appt because only 15 min was alloted. It turned out that was just a nonsensical way that system scheduled. i have found its best to not get overly concerned about bureaucratic red tape—it frequently isn’t what it appears. We also have the right to write up our on history “free form”

i remember years ago wanting to cancel a new patient appt because only 15 min was alloted. It turned out that was just a nonsensical way that system scheduled. i have found its best to not get overly concerned about bureaucratic red tape—it frequently isn’t what it appears. We also have the right to write up our on history “free form”

@elisabeth007 @becsbuddy My apologies, I am feeling pretty graceless at the moment and am floundering to cope with the "unexpected". I have an appoint with a Rheumy for this Friday and will go-if only to get an interpretation of the test results and expect she will want to run further tests and will post when I find out more.

@elisabeth007 Thanks for your continued support. I believe you are correct about the "red tape" and such. I think I am having mixed feelings about getting a Dx. It feels kinda' like a Pandora's Box, emotionally. I think my primary concern is whether my breathing problems are related to the MCTD (which can affect lungs) IF I do in fact have MCTD.

Your "free form" history suggestion is a good one and I've started a "free form" for my appoint this Friday. My plan is to get an interpretation of the test results and a Dx, get any additional testing that's needed, and check into the cause of my breathing problems if needed.

Somehow, I know the test result is not a "fluke", which is unsettling in itself.

Good advice. Thanks @becsbuddy the logic behind the "worst case scenario" is a real good "tool" that I use often, but I struggle to apply it while in my "summertime hibernation" mode. I guess one "worst case" is that the Rheumy tells me that she has never heard of someone who has to hibernate during the summer. Apparently, I have both heat and light sensitivity. When the summer hits, I shut-down and hibernate and have since my youth. The light sensitivity only began since retirement and I have to wear sunglasses in the house to avoid glints of light from the windows or I get blind spots and migraines. It only happens certain times of the year though, I think according to the sun's angle. I have begun to read of other people with similar symptoms (maybe). I want to ask her, if that is what people mean by sensitive to sun. I guess her answer won't kill me, either way-but maybe an undiagnosed and untreated disease can.