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ok not to have a rheumatologist?

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Posted 6/30/2009 2:50 PM (GMT 0)
I had an appointment with a brand new doctor (internist) last thursday. I just moved to Michigan and have to start over with all different doctors. I was looking to get a referral to a rheumatologist - but this doctor said he treats fibro all the time and that I didn't really need another doctor. I thought one of the mods here said she didn't have a rheumatologist either. I had a wonderful rheumatologist back in Wisconsin....but if this doctor can treat me, I would be willing to try it. What do all of you think?
Posted 6/30/2009 3:16 PM (GMT 0)
Myjoy, it's me who you were thinking of.  I do not see a rheumatologist.  As a matter of fact, I've never seen a rheumatologist!  I, too, see an Internist.  They have more training than a GP and know how to take care of more illnesses.  It's even better if they are board certified and diplomates.  They have to continue taking courses to keep them on top of things.  My Internist does a good job for me and I'm not running to a myriad of doctors all of the time.

 

Sherrine

Posted 6/30/2009 3:22 PM (GMT 0)
Myjoy,

I agree with Sherine, if this DDoc can treat you and you end up with a good relationship, why go to several others.

I am currently being bounced between GP, RuemDoc, 2 Nuro Docs and a Pain Mgmt Doc. I would love to have a single person to see!

Let us know how it turns out with him.

Bootknife
Posted 6/30/2009 3:24 PM (GMT 0)
I'm so glad this question has come up. I have not seen a rheumy, either. My GP thinks it's fibro, my chiro thought that years ago and the symptoms and patterns over the years certainly point to it. I had considered seeing a rheumy this summer, even made the appointment during a particularly bad flare, but then wondered, what for? My GP has done the necessary blood work, he can dispense any meds I need, and I really don't want to start the endless rounds of tests that I don't feel I need. IMO, we are the ones that are most effective treating fibro. We seem to do the most research and often end up informing the drs. If you are comfortable with your new internist, I would stay with him.
Posted 6/30/2009 3:24 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Myjoy. 

 

My internist is the one who diagnosed and treats me.  So far I have been happy with him.  He listens.  I told him I wanted to start with as little meds as possible.  I can't take aspirin or ibuprofen because of bruising/bleeding problems and Tylenol was only helping a little.  I never slept through the night It was getting so bad that I was up soaking in the tub of warm water several times in the middle of the night.

 

Now I take Diclofenac 75mg twice a day.  He prescribed Amitriptyline 10 mg at bedtime and I actually only take a half of one.  I think the reason I'm sleeping so well now is because my pain/stiffness has been reduced so much.

 

I'm happy with this Dr right now and don't plan to go to a rheumatologist at this time.

 

I do exercise and practice yoga everyday.

 

Puppylover

Posted 6/30/2009 7:56 PM (GMT 0)
After a year of going to the family doc, and orthpedic doc I was diagnoised with fibro by a back and pain management doc. I have never seen a rheumatologist and probably won't.

Have you checked out the background of your new doctor?
Posted 6/30/2009 8:12 PM (GMT 0)
I'm in Michigan (Lansing) and I go to a GP.
Posted 6/30/2009 8:34 PM (GMT 0)
OK What is a GP?

I go to a Rhuematologist. She's pretty nice and wants to find out where my inflamation is coming from since my Internest doctor doesn't have the brains or rather gutts to do stuff like I want for me.

I see her in another month.

HARA 

Posted 6/30/2009 8:44 PM (GMT 0)
GP is a General Practioner, Hara.

 

Sherrine

Posted 6/30/2009 9:28 PM (GMT 0)
OH OK. Sometimes I don't know the alphabets (labels) even though I work in a medical office.

HARA

Posted 6/30/2009 9:34 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone, for your input. I have to see this dr again in august. I'll let you know how things progress. He was fine about keeping me on my current meds, which I was happy about.
Posted 6/30/2009 9:38 PM (GMT 0)
That's good, real good. I wish I had a good doctor again. Maybe I'll move.

HARA - lol

Posted 6/30/2009 9:45 PM (GMT 0)
The only time I have seen a rheumetologist is when I was officially diagnosed. My doctor and I spent months trying to figure out what was wrong with me, and for a while, I was being treated for fibro while other possibilites were searched for. Finally, when nothing could be found, and the possibility of fibro was so huge, I was referred to a wonderful rheumetologist. He talked with me, asked me questions, checked my body for all my pain points, and then he looked at me and said, "I'm sorry, but you have textbook fibromyalgia." It was really hard to hear, even though I had known all along that fibro was what I had. I asked him if I needed to keep seeing him, and he said that I could see him anytime I needed to, but I was being treated correctly by my doctor. So, I don't see a rheumetologist, but I am being treated for my fibro just fine.
Posted 6/30/2009 10:16 PM (GMT 0)
Glad to hear you are getting good treatment, Sassy. Hope today is not so bad for you.
Posted 7/1/2009 12:13 AM (GMT 0)
All the stuff I did over the weekend is still kicking my butt. But, all I have to do is hang in there til Friday. I go to the doc on Friday. I guess things haven't been too bad. I've just been a little depressed the past two days, and I really haven't felt like my hubby is here for me for the past two days.
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