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Posted 10/20/2014 7:58 PM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone,

I have read quite a few posts suggesting that we should consult an RA doctor or a pain management specialist. My Primary Care Physician is an Osteopathic Doctor. She is the one who diagnosed my Fibro and she seems very knowledgeable about Fibro. So, my question is, should I still look for a RA doctor or pain specialist? I want to be sure to get the best possible care to help make my Fibro symptoms more manageable.

Thanks

 

Posted 10/20/2014 9:13 PM (GMT 0)
My primary care doctor dx'd me 6 years ago and treated me for several years. Before that I treated myself with exercise and stretching, tylenol, and a lot of the things mentioned in Fibro 101. I just did not know that my over all pain had a name. Mine started when I was in my teens and I am 68 now.

I do go to a pain doc now but that is because I have other issues besides fibro.

I would stay with any doctor who understands fibro and helps me with the pain.
Posted 10/20/2014 9:15 PM (GMT 0)
If you are comfortable with your PCP, and your treatment is effective, why change?

Usually, if a doctor is not comfortable, they will let you know by writing a referral.

The real issue is your treatment, of course. I am currently being treated by my PCP, who is a gem. But when I have had a less-than-stellar doctor, I have also gone to a rheumatologist.
Posted 10/20/2014 9:32 PM (GMT 0)
Having major pain issues ,which specialist can help ~
Posted 10/20/2014 10:47 PM (GMT 0)
Cilly, it largely depends on where the pain is, and what is causing it. A good place to start would be your PCP.
Posted 10/20/2014 11:22 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone. At this point I am pleased with my PCP. I just wanted to make sure I'm with the right type of doctor.
Posted 10/20/2014 11:30 PM (GMT 0)
Sometimes GP or others Dr's won't right narcotic scripts. I am not sure if you take any narcotics. If you have no problems stick with your main Dr. you have been seeing. You might be able to teach them a few things from here. Lol
Posted 10/20/2014 11:40 PM (GMT 0)
Lol ak angel. So far this is where I'm getting most of my information. You might be right...

Nina
Posted 10/21/2014 12:53 AM (GMT 0)
My PCP is awesome. She tries everything she can think of before sending me to a specialist. I actually saw a rhemo and he said he couldn't do anything more cause my PCP covered everything. I now have to see a pain management doctor because my PCP can't right my pain med scripts anymore I say of you found a good PCP who,understands and works with you stay there.
Posted 10/21/2014 1:42 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you jrjenn5. I'm thinking I'm going to stick with her unless things change. She works with Fibro patients and is quite familiar with the syndrome. She also performs manipulation therapy on her patients. Have you heard of this before?
Posted 10/21/2014 1:46 AM (GMT 0)
Hello! !!
I agree with the others. If your pcp is willing to try different treatment options, then stick with the pcp. rheumatologist see this condition everyday, but they have no magic wand or pill that your pcp doesn't have. (Oh how I wish they did! )

I don't even see a Dr. Any more, I love my nurse practitioner. She is awesome and is willing to try anything that helps. My last visit this past Friday, she told me to I needed to move South. I asked her if she could write a prescription for that and if insurance would pay for the move. We both laughed.

Hope you feel much better soon
Take care
Michael
Posted 10/21/2014 1:53 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Michael,
You might read my post on 'the sneaky stuff has returned'.. :) Maybe it would help you... I am glad you have such a good PCP! Good! ... and good luck to you.
Betty
Posted 10/21/2014 2:09 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Michael. I wish they had a magic wand too, especially this weekend. Felt like my pain went all the way to my bones. Thank God for my heating pad...
Posted 10/21/2014 5:29 AM (GMT 0)
Nina,

Count me in as one who goes to a PCP for my Fibro. I feel very lucky in this regard. He's actually an internist and allergist, but also does PC....he diagnosed me about 22 years ago. Just today I saw him and told him how nice it was that all this time, he has believed me. ~ Priceless! ~

I always feel better when I walk out of there, not because he has any magic answer, but because he sees me as I am and validates my struggles. He listens and raises questions and tells me what studies show about this and that, and we talk about options...in other words, he treats me like an equal human being.

I had the same experience as Jrjenn - went to a rheumy for a second opinion, and she said she couldn't do any more for me than my PCP was already doing (which was good, because I liked him a lot better, and he didn't charge the outrageous prices that she did.)

It sounds like you're doing fine with your doctor. Is the manipulation something you think you'd like to try? I'm wary of it because I have serious disc issues, but I went to a chiropractor for years (for better or worse, I'm not sure anymore.) It's like anything else, some people swear by manipulation and others think it's horrible. Is it a similar type of manipulation?

Debbie
Posted 10/21/2014 1:44 PM (GMT 0)
As I said, I go to my PCP. However, for UC, I see a gastro, and should see one. Since I have to have colonoscopies regularly, it only makes sense that I have the same doctor performing test, reading the results, and diagnosing.

But, there are a LOT of PCPs out there who will not want to deal with you or have no idea, and then send you off to a specialist. My last PCP was one of these. I had to wait for an opening with a rheumatologist, and my primary cut medications significantly, saying she did not believe in fibro.

Fun stuff. Be glad you have someone who will work with you!
Posted 10/21/2014 10:47 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Acheybody,
I'm not sure about the manipulation therapy. I haven't had it done yet. She said we would probably do on my return visit. I'm kinda nervous about it because I don't know what to expect or if this is something I want to do. I might try it to see what results I get. If it yields no results I won't do it again.
Posted 10/21/2014 11:17 PM (GMT 0)
I also am very comfortable and confident in my PCP; I have never gone to a specialist for FM. My doc is very supportive, open to my ideas for meds, and interested in my FM journey. I know I am blessed.
HEART
Posted 10/22/2014 12:21 AM (GMT 0)
Heart, I am comfortable with my PCP also and I really want to stick with her to help me manage my symptoms. She has other patients with Fibro so I am feeling confident with her abilities at this point. I'm just glad I am her patient otherwise I might have gone a much longer time before I got diagnosed. Now we just have to work on managing the symptoms.
Posted 10/23/2014 3:31 PM (GMT 0)
Nina, there are different forms of manipulation therapy, many that are not chiropractic.

I have had different forms and they are fine. Ash her before treatment tho to please explain it to you.
Posted 10/25/2014 6:02 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Ljm2014. I definitely want to get more information before I 'jump in'. Did the manipulation therapy help you any?
Posted 10/25/2014 10:21 PM (GMT 0)
Yes nina, my physical therapist used to use the alexander technique, which helped, but now does a cranial adjustment, and a technique called strain and counter strain...i used to go in a couple times a year with a trigger point locked up ..that can not be stretched out..but he coukd release it immediately... This year my hip trigger points were locking frequently, and since i did not want to always be in therapy..i studied the trigger point handbook harder.. And learned to release those points myself...

Thank goodness because i was very weak while my vit d had crashed and did not feel up to going so much...so now , at least for the hips..i can do it myself and do not have to wait a few weeks to be seen...

Years ago i saw an osteopathic dr..who used very gentle stretches and taught you methods to use at home to keep trouble areas stretched out..my experience was good so hope you feel good after you talk to her and she can help : )
Posted 10/25/2014 10:38 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the info Ljm2014
Posted 10/30/2014 4:14 AM (GMT 0)
You make a good point Mojave.

Thanks
Posted 10/30/2014 4:44 AM (GMT 0)
It wouldn't hurt to get another opinion..,treatment,exercise ,tests PT etc.
Posted 10/30/2014 7:20 AM (GMT 0)
I am quite anxious about getting some other type of meds to treat my pain. My doctor has already ordered aquatic therapy. I'm wait on the therapist to receive the orders and get approval from my insurance. I have an appointment for nest month and it doesn't seem as if it's coming fast enough.
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