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Do you see a Psych or Primary?

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Fibromyalgia
Who do you see for treating your Fibro?
Rheumy - 43.8% - 7 votes
Primary Care Doctor - 43.8% - 7 votes
Psychiatrist - 0.0% - 0 votes
Specialist Dr. - 12.5% - 2 votes
other - 0.0% - 0 votes
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Posted 8/31/2008 1:36 AM (GMT 0)
I wanted to know what the best approach is to dealing with fibro. Is it better to see a Psychologist or a PCP?

I spoke with this lady today who has fibro and she takes Paxil, Dopramite (sp?) and some anti-inflammatory and also Elavil (sp?) She said that her Dr. has lot's of patients with fibro and knows what drugs work best.

Who do you all see? Or do you go to a Dr. that specializes in fibro? Or just the Rheumy?

Thanks for helping me with this.

Carolyn

Posted 8/31/2008 1:59 AM (GMT 0)
Carolyn, I see my primary care doctor every three months or more if there are problems that come up in between and a rheumy once a year. I am changing rheumies and plan on seeing one in the next few weeks that is more educated in fibro and MPS.

 

I've seen our GP or PCD for about 15 yrs so I feel very comfy with him and he is the one that dxd fibro.

 

luv and hugs

Marlee

Posted 8/31/2008 2:41 AM (GMT 0)
I see a rheumy for meds plus gp and also a phyc who also prescribes meds and is good just to talk to especially if you have a doc like mine who just thinks  god heres this women again.  The phyc can actually prescribe meds that help deal with pain.

Posted 8/31/2008 2:48 AM (GMT 0)
Sue,
I was feeling like that.. oh no here comes that woman again.. with my PCP. I have always kept my major depression a secret with any Dr. (I had one at 17) because of the stigma. Well one day I blurted it out to his PA and they put it in my chart. I thought; Oh here we go! They will think I'm nuts.
I just wanted to get some idea what to expect and who to go to. Thanks so much for responding.
Carolyn
off to bed now!
Posted 8/31/2008 2:49 AM (GMT 0)
Carolyn, I am puzzyled why one would prefer to be treated by a psychiatrist rather than a specialist in this disease. I don't want to sound hard but from what you wrote it appears that your friend is on some heavy duty psychotropics. Could it be possible that her physicians don't really believe she has FM and shuffled her to a psychiatrist? That seems very cruel.

I see my rheumy for my FM but also see a GI, for UC, a pulmonologist tro assist with the insomnia/ sleep problem etc, and my PCP handles the rest.
Posted 8/31/2008 3:32 AM (GMT 0)
I see a board certified Internist for my fibro.  I see him every three months.  He gets the pleasure of my company this coming Tuesday.  I have never gone to a rheumatologist for fibromyalgia but many members have and have gotten good results.

 

Sherrine

Posted 8/31/2008 12:58 PM (GMT 0)

Tapestryloom, I wish everyday that I had never said about my depression with my doctor, one should be able but with the wrong doc it just gives them an out.  I think ultimately I will have to change doctors.  Thing is it took three to get this one.  I even had one gp that said fibro doesnt exist.    regards   suez2 confused confused confused

Posted 8/31/2008 2:30 PM (GMT 0)
I hear ya Sue. I also heard from my Neurologist that fibro doesn't exist. He didn't exactly admit it but hinted that he was in that camp.

Ledaebel,
She is someone I met at a starbucks coffee (staff) so she is only an acquaintance. She seemed to have a lot to say about the disease. She did tell me that she does suffer from anxiety. I think her meds are for that along with the fibro meds. She also said she hasn't slept right in 20 years!

I am learning every day about this disease. So far I think my Rheumy is the best bet. He is the one who dx. me. He doesn't think I'm nuts at all. He believes that there is a connection between past traumas and fibro. He was genuinly concerned for me.
I can't believe that in this day and age that there are docs who think this isn't real! Give me a break.
Carolyn
Posted 9/1/2008 5:09 AM (GMT 0)
Well a rheumy was the one that diagnosed my fibro, and from what I've read that's the kind of specialist that is most knowledgeable about this condition. I will continue seeing the rheumy for follow ups and call him if I have any questions. Though to be honest I doubt I'll be calling him much. Just like my psychiatrist all he seems to want to do is make me try new drugs and at this point I'm only interested in trying natural remedies which doctors seem to have very little knowledge of.
Posted 9/2/2008 12:51 AM (GMT 0)
My PCP diagnosed me first, but I see a Family Medicine specialist at a local orthopedic clinic for my fibromyalgia. That sounds weird, I guess, but my doc at the orthopedic clinic has long been a believer in FM ("Ever since before they named it that," he says.) and has been treating it for years. They even have a weekly fibro support group meeting at the clinic.
I don't think a psychiatrist or psychologist would be any help at all with FM. You need to find a doc (whatever his specialty or even a PCP) who treats people for fibro already (and if necessary just call offices and ask! or find a fibro support group locally and ask who the members see for treatment) I would think. There's just no point in having to go through the misery of trying to convince some doctor that you have a "real" illness and need help. Try to find someone who already knows that and will act on your behalf.
Good luck!
Jane
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