I was diagnosed last year with fibro by my family doctor, I would like to know should I be going to a rheumatologist? What are the benefits to seeing one? How do I know which one is a good one to go see? I feel at a loss here as I don't know anyone else in my area that has fibro that I can talk to.
Hi Amy!
There you are, I've been wondering about you! Your family Dr can recommend one to you, ask who he would go to and have him get you an appointment. Sometimes they can get you in sooner than you can on your own. May as well do it as soon as you can, some of these specialists take up to 6 months to get into see.
http://www.rheumatology.org/practice/clinical/patients/diseases_and...
Here is a good link that defines the role of a Rheumatologist with the FMS patient, and also gives a link to help you find one in your area, it is from the American College of Rheumatology.
Hope this helps you, Amy. Good to hear from you.
Wishing you WELL,
SK
Hi Amy,
I only saw one to get my diagnosis and haven't seen one since, so I don't know. I only have to see a pain mgmt specialist really, other than my normal doctor. Sorry, not much help.
Jo
Silly question but that's the way my day has been going, but what does a pain mangement specialist do for you? I mean do they just give you pills or do they help you find other ways to deal? I really have no idea, I live in a rural area that does not have a lot of doctors.
Yes, they actually do have other means of treatment, Amy. For instance, I had cortisone shots (didn't help me) in the affected areas and now I've had the nerves burned. Both procedures were ordered and handled by my pain management center. I think there are other options they have too.
They're worth looking into.
Hope this helps!
Thank you for your help, I am trying to fumble thru this mess. I try to go online and read up on things but sometimes I just can't focus, can you imagine that, LOL.
I actually went on a pain mgmt programme when I was first diagnosed with about 12 others with chronic pain conditions. It was run by a specialist physio and psyhotherapist. It was brilliant and I may ask to go again as it's been 7 years since and they may have new info. From the pain mgmt consultant you can be referred to a physio and/or psych one-to-one as well as prescibe you new medication that your doc may not be too clued up about.
Totally get you. I drift off so easily, I have to read everything loads of times and still none the wiser lol
My Rheumatologist actually told me that it is because of the pain that we cannot focus or retain!