I decided to just google it...what kind of doctor a person with fibro should see...webmd had one of the best answers..most complete.
http://www.webmd.com/fibromyalgia/guide/finding-right-fibromyalgia-...
As I said Kelly he is just another tool in a toolbox full of doctors, just because it is suggested you see a psychiatrist doesn't mean you are crazy I go to one as well as a Pain Specialist, a Rheumatologist, a GP and you do build up a lot of hostility to the medical fraternity in general with some of there negative attitudes they don't even hide they would not treat any other patient with such distain, ignorance, and plain rudeness to a part of society already marginalized because of the stigma of there illness. My shrink turns up his radio up when I go in there I get my moneys worth he's a good man doesn't offer drugs, don't ask for drugs but I do feel a lot of weight lifted of my shoulder you are not being a traitor or acknowledging fibro is psychiatric illness because I don't believe so but if talking with this man makes you have a better day leave it at that it will only give you a better insight inside yourself' and don't you want to knowI so glad you came around .Jeannie Warm Hugs'
Kmcgou - I completely understand your frustration. Here in SC, you can't just make an appointment with a rheumatologist - you must be referred and that's not easy either. I was diagnosed by one and she was excellent and that was the last time I saw her. It was incredibly expensive and not all covered by my insurance. That was over 20 years ago. I was able to get into see one about 5 or so years ago and he was very thorough but after all tests came back he left me a message that he concurred that I had fibro and osteo and there was nothing he could do for me. What??? I don't understand - then who can help us. Sorry about the rant. In my opinion I don't think you have to have one. A pain doctor is usually much more beneficial and they are starting to be more and more common. I hope you get some relief soon Sweetie. Love and Hugs!!
Excellent information Siskiya!! Thanks so much for sharing!
Just wanted to say thank you so much for the information. I'm going to try to get a referral to see a rheumy (can't hurt, anyway) and get some bloodwork done before I separate. It's free, so why not. Thank you!!
I had a Rheumy Dr. I stopped seeing her because she wasn't doing anything my primary care doc couldn't do! I think for the original diag. and treatment plan that it may be a good idea, however my primary care doc does a super fantastic job! It is all in what you feel comfortable with in my opinion.
Best of luck to y
Yes Jackie that was the way it was with me. My own GB diagnosed me in 1987 with fibro. He never mentioned That I could or should go to a rheumatologist. I never knew that until I started belonging to these online groups. Now I see no need to go to a rhuemi as my GP looks after me. Yes, I agree it's what you feel comfortable with.
Something you may not know. FM became a catch-all diagnosis in the mid to late 1990's. Rheumatologists had been seeing a few patients each week for the diagnosis and ongoing treatment of FM. But as time went on, some rheumy's were overwhelmed with people suffering with FM. I know some rheumy's with a practice that consists of 90% FM patients.
Think about what that would do to your psyche - you are the doctor of patients for whom you do not know how they contracted their condition, there is no cure, nor is there a universal treatment that works on a consistent basis. Some rheumy's stopped accepting new FM patients because they couldn't take it anymore.
These days, there are medicinal options as well as known behavioral factors that help one del with FM. The real quandry is when their FM patients develop another disease. For me, it was Rheumatoid Arthritis and Chronic Fatigue. The challenge is to make the meds work so as not to upset the cocktail (my cocktail is FM, RA &CFS).
Marc, I am looking for a good rheumatologist and my husband does a lot of work in the Bethesda/Rockville area so it would be easy for me to get there. I live in smithsburg, md–about 30 minutes from Fredrick. Would you mind giving me your doctors name?
Happy to do so. My rheumy is:
Dr. Russell Rothenberg
(301) ■■■■■■■■
10215 Fernwood Rd, Suite 400 (I think)
Bethesda, MD 20817
I also trust
Dr. William Mullins
Center for Rheumatic Diseases
6001 Montrose Rd Ste 702
North Bethesda, MD 20852
Ph: (301) ■■■■■■■■
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Good luck!
Marc
I don’t have one.
I was first DX because of widespread pain and tenderpoints. I didn't quite know what to think with dr said Fibro. so I took myself to a neurologist who did a ton more bloodwork and testing and found nothing.
The neuro referred to a rheumy who specializes in fibro. He also took tons of blood and asked him why more bloodwork I had two drs take blood. He said the looks for different things they do not look for to dx.
I went back to the rheumy to check on bloodwork and his comment "you look good on paper" I asked what is causing costochondritis, pain, he said its your fibro,
That was the last time I saw him, he gave me tramadol and told me to take it only when I feel like the pain is so bad I have to go to ER. If it doesn't help then go to ER. He referrted me back to my reg dr.
Oy Vey! Clearly, you need a different doctor. I say I you like your neuro and he is giving you the care you deserve, stick with him/her. If not, and I hate to say this, keep looking until you find the doctor that is the right fit for you. If I hadn't found the right rheumy, I'm quite certain I would have stuck with my Internist whom I've seen for the past twenty-five years.
Finding the right doctor is crucial. In fact, just finding a doctor who believes you and understands Fibro is most of the battle.
Good luck.
Marc
i just got my fibro magazine...in it is health care provider directory.
Here is the link...i agree that largest priority is to find a doctor you click with...respects you, believes you and is smart enough to say that something is beyond their ability.