Confused

I went to my rheu. Arthritis dr yesterday who I found out is a DO not an MD. My sedimentation rate has been increasing 17, than 20 ( last yr.) . Now in July 2012 it was 51 , October 2012 it was 67 . She said to me I have no idea what is going on here, go see your internist.
That left me very confused, isn't this her field?

I have osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia diagnosed about three yrs. ago.
I am taking gabapetin, cymbalta, and a muscle relaxer.

I don't know who to turn to? Do I need different blood work?

Thanks

So you think I need to see my internist? May I ask why?
I thought the rheum arth. Dr could figure out what is going on.
You are in agreement that I should be seen by my internist. Any ideas?

You said....

"She said to me I have no idea what is going on here, go see your internist."

You have two choices. Ignore your doctor's advice. Or follow your doctor's advice to go see the PCP.

The rheumie doesn't know what's going on. In order to figure that out, you need further help. Perhaps your PCP can give you that help, or find a doctor that is better able to interpret the test results, and help treat them.

Now I'm confused even moreso. A rheumy as a DO? That is well odd. I mean it could happen and all, but I'd check the medical degrees. I honestly never heard of a DO as a Rheumy. A Do is a MD and a Chiropractor put into one. I love my DO hehe, I get adjustments for natural pain relief and my primary doctor in one. Usually doctors stick with one speciality though. The normal sedimentation rate (Westergren method) for males is 0-15 millimeters per hour, for females it is 0-20 millimeters per hour. The sedimentation rate can be slightly elevated in the elderly. Falsely low sedimentation rates can occur in the blood from persons with leukemia or polycythemia rubra vera.

I wish I could help w/sed rate, what it should be, what would cause it to be so high etc.

Just for basic info -
Differences in DO and MD.
Applicants to both DO. and M.D. colleges typically have a four-year undergraduate degree with an emphasis on science courses.

Both DO's and MD's complete four years of basic medical education.

After medical school, both DO's and MD's can choose to practice in a specialty area of medicine such as psychiatry, surgery, or obstetrics. They both complete a residency program, which takes typically two to six years of additional training.

Both DO's and MD's must pass comparable state licensing examinations.

DO's and MD's both practice in fully accredited and licensed hospitals and medical centers.

DO's comprise a separate, yet equal branch of American medical care. Together DO's and MD's enhance the state of health care available in America.

However, it's the ways that DO's and MD's are different that can bring an extra dimension to your family's health care:


Osteopathic schools emphasize training students to be primary care physicians.
DO's practice a "whole person" approach to medicine. Instead of just treating specific symptoms or illnesses, they regard your body as an integrated whole.
Osteopathic physicians focus on preventive healthcare.
DO's receive extra training in the musculoskeletal system - your body's interconnected system of nerves, muscles and bones that make up two-thirds of its body mass. This training provides osteopathic physicians with a better understanding of the ways that an injury or illness in one part of your body can affect another. It gives DO's a therapeutic and diagnostic advantage over those who do not receive additional specialized training.
Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) is incorporated in the training and practice of osteopathic physicians. OMT allows physicians to use their hands to diagnose injury and illness and to encourage your body's natural tendency toward good health.

Please let us know what happens. Maybe your Dr. thought it had something to do with your blood cells. Try not to worry so much. I hope it all turns out well.