Rheumatologist info/Pain meds quest.

Welcome to the forum prbyshonda.

First, I think I would new insurance. It's ridiculous that they don't cover injections.

A rheumatologist only does certain procedures. He may inject a bursa, but he's not trained to do spinal injections. He knows his arthritis meds, lupus and Sjogren's too. The ortho will inject joints but not the spine either. Your GP doesn't want to fight the feds about pain meds. I don't blame him a bit.

You probably ought to keep seeing the rheumatologist for the fibro, arthritis, etc. He can prescribe meds other than opioids that you can try.

For pain management you don't want to just keep taking more and more restricted meds. Injections and ablations are so much better when they work. I would ask the pain doc what he can do that IS covered by the insurance. Maybe he could give you a break on the cost of the injections - accept what would be paid if you had Medicare.

hey shonda, welcome to the forum. can you get some more insurance. and also can i ask what area you live in. if your in metro detroit area i cann name a couple good places.. my latest pm is a good doctor
and works wonders. hopefully you can find something that works for ya. insurance and a decent pm.
good luck to ya...