Hi everyone, I will be moving to Mesa with my family shortly and I am petrified of not finding a new Rheumy doctor. That, of course, is first on my list. Does anybody live in the Mesa area??
I would appreciate some feedback as I am in the middle of a full blown flare up and terrible cold. This move is not helping my stress level. I can't even get out of bed today, so everyone is going to be mad at me, of course.
Gentle hugs, Tawny
Hi Tawnycat,
Well it seems like everyone has this question today and I'm going to cut and paste the answer that I gave them as I think it might help you as well:
Here's what I did to find a doctor. I had a horrible experience with my first rheumatologist, so I went on the computer and:
1. Googled the word "rheumatologist," along with my city and state plus the word "fibro."
2. Up popped quite a few names of rheumatologists in my area who were allegedly used to treating people with fibro.
3. I then took one of the names and typed it into the search area, followed by the word: "Reviews" (you could also use the word "ratings.")
4. Up popped the doctor in question and some reviews about his treatment. These reviews were from real patients.
5. Repeat as needed. You can do this with any type of doctor. There aren't always reviews or ratings available for a doctor, however.
You could also call the doctor's office to ask the person answering the phone how used to dealing with fibro the doctor in question is, and how comfortable is he with it. You could also ask how long he's been dealing with fibro patients and if he believes that fibro is a real illness or not. In fact, you might want to ask that last question first. Why bother asking any of the others if the doctor thinks that fibro is all in your head?
Good luck with this and I hope you find someone who is caring and knowledgeable.
Petunia.
Glad you posted this, though I am in the East, we have so many members from AZ, that hopefully you will get a tremendous response! There are so many who move there for their health in their older years, it should be the land of good Rheumatologists!
Wishing you well, sending you a big hug,
SK
Hi Tawnycat, moving can be so stressful, but Mesa Arizona … How exciting !!! The dry heat may help your symptoms … Keeps us updated
Be good to your self !! The stress can get overwhelming & we know what happens with that
Hopefully you can make some dr. Apt before you actually move
Hugs & blessings
dee
Thank you sooo much that. Was a lot of help God Bless you hugs melissa
Petunia, Thank you so very much f0r this great idea. I will do that and hopefully I will get a Rheumy that does not look like a deer in head lights when I mention Fibro. Tons of gentle hugs, Tawny