new rheumy visit

Hi all,

I changed rheumy's because I moved several states away and I had my first appointment today.  I have crohn's disease and am having tendinitis in my hands and feet mostly, elbow some.  It is causing painful bone spurs in my foot.  I also have lower back pain.

I was very put off by the doctor.  He didn't believe I have crohn's because I'm over weight.  He was quick to point out I do not have crohn's arthritis, and I never said I did.  He said there is nothing to do about the tendinitis except loose weight because that's what's causing the bone spurs.  Oh, and to streatch that area.  Well how the heck do you stretch your wrist?  I really felt like he did not listen to what I was complaining about and was just out to say it isn't crohn's related.  If I decide to see another rheumy it won't be him.  I was hoping for some help in dealing with the tendinitis pain and I got put down instead. 

If you have spondyloarthritis what do you do for the pain?  I can't take NSAIDS because of the crohn's.  I see a new gi tomorrow, I sure hope that visit goes better. 

Hi I wounld not see that Rheumy doctor again. Sounds like really bad bedside manners. I would find a new dr. I also have Crohn's and was diagnosed this year with Osteoarthritis. I fired my internal doctor last year and i have a good one now. I hope you find a good Rheumy doctor.

teddybear

oh my dear!  that's so awful bluemeanies.  my heart really breaks for you as i too had a very CRAP 1st time office visit to a new "GP" {if one can even call em' that}.

having to switch physicians after many years & after having already established a very tight report with one is probably the hardest & loneliest & vulnerable experiences. 

  ok what to do, what to do....

1st, you MUST get at least one MD to have your back.  be brutally honest with your GI & tell the doc how that experience went w/ your rheummy.  i'd also have the GI shoot you a few names of rheummy's (they work hand in hand so he's gotta know at least 4!).

2nd, your pain needs to be adressed.  tis' true, many rheummy's are hard-up w/ pain meds.  why?  it's schooling...nsaids & steroids are THE ONLY medications that actually work on joint inflammation.

here's the kicker, so many w/ CD who have joint pain can't use nsaids!  and MOST TIMES narcotics are not within rheumatlogists' scope of practice (especially if it is NOT a private practice {just him alone}...most "Arthritis Centers" have strict rules for pain meds.  that scenario?  ya' gotta get a referal to some Pain management clinics that deal with long term pain management.

 

to me it sounds as though the rheummy you saw is not Crohns literate.  if he/she was...he'd know that many CD pt's are and can be a little heavier.  prednisone causes massive water retention (i can gain 12 pounds in 1 week!).

and most importantly...the extra stress from any extra weight....IS GONNA CAUSE MORE PAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

i am on the latter side of CD as i resemble a Sally Struthers "save the child" ethiopian; BUT...when my legs swell & i have to carry 10-12 extra pounds of weight on my knees & legs...it's like 12 ton sand bags!!!!!!! it friggin' hurts!

 

i truly wish you have a better visit today w/ your GI.

keep us posted on how it went today.

erin