Does a Rheumy just prescribe drugs or is there more to it?

Hi all. I haven't been around in a while. I had a resection one year ago but since then I've developed a lot of aches and pains. My PCP gave me Lyrica and I'm taking 50MG twice a day. I don't know if it's helping or not. He wrote "Fibromyalgia" as the DX on my receipt. I have had some arthritis for many years, but it was totally managable. Now I have a lot of trouble getting out of bed. My feet, ankles and knees hurt and they lock up if I don't keep moving. I walk like a gramma!!!

Both my PCP and my GI asked me if I'd seen a Rheumatologist yet. I didn't know I was supposed to. My question for you who go to one, do they do anything much besides prescribe painkillers? I don't like to take them and since I have no insurance anymore, it wouldn't be worth all that money if that's all they do. Thanks so much for the help.

Thanks. I think I may tough it out until it gets to be too much, then I'll go. I appreciate the reply. Take care.

I've only had one appointment with my Rheumy so far, so I'm not exactly an expert.  The way I look at it, I'm young- 32.  I'm already having joint pain, whether from CD or arthritis.  All the xrays and blood work she's done will give us a baseline for the future.  If there is something going on, we can catch it early and hopefully slow the process.  And she's put me on Actonel to protect my bones while I'm on Prednisone.

I have excellent insurance, so that effects my decisions.  But I'm glad that I've started early to build a relationship with a Rheumy who really seems to know her stuff.