Aa
hello
i have a app with a rheumotologist my sisterinlaw told me that is who i need to see... i've been suffering with elbow, wriste, hand, hip, knees, and ankles pain...throbbing...burning...stabbing pain that is severe...i was just wondering what i should expect when i go to see him?
Welcome Jazz.
Hmm. I like your thoughts on seeking a second opinion Dusty. I been DX with Ulc. Colitis, about Feb 08', and over time I started having aches and pains in my legs, back, neck, hips...
Finally, just saw my 1st Rheum this past Dec 09. RX Lyrica instantly. And Lyrica has not exactly been my saving grace. Still have days with bad pain. RX Soma too. I'd been taking @ night before/after bed.
Called Rheum. about Lyrica and not helping so much with the pain, told me I can/should take my Soma during the day but it has a "sleepy" affect to it. *sighs*
Last thing I want to do is drive a car or be sleepy during the day cause of Soma. What kind of quality of life is that?
*scratches head* Just exactly how do you go about doing that (Getting 2nd Op) without getting the "doctor-shopping"/doctor-hopping" slapped on you?
:(
Hmm. I like your thoughts on seeking a second opinion Dusty. I been DX with Ulc. Colitis, about Feb 08', and over time I started having aches and pains in my legs, back, neck, hips...
Finally, just saw my 1st Rheum this past Dec 09. RX Lyrica instantly. And Lyrica has not exactly been my saving grace. Still have days with bad pain. RX Soma too. I'd been taking @ night before/after bed.
Called Rheum. about Lyrica and not helping so much with the pain, told me I can/should take my Soma during the day but it has a "sleepy" affect to it. *sighs*
Last thing I want to do is drive a car or be sleepy during the day cause of Soma. What kind of quality of life is that?
*scratches head* Just exactly how do you go about doing that (Getting 2nd Op) without getting the "doctor-shopping"/doctor-hopping" slapped on you?
:(
My experience with a rheumatologist was he did blood work prior to prescribing anything. This was done to rule out other things like arthritis, lupus, and if he/she doesn't include a test for lyme disease insist on it.
I would want these tests prior to taking any medications. I just met a woman who was seeing a rheumatologist and she may now need a liver transplant. The doctor had her on humara injections. The woman kept complaining and the doctor kept saying we will check your blood work in 2 months. The woman finally left that doctor for a 2nd opinion. She is very sick. You want to be sure of the diagnosis and the medications the doctor might put you on. Also, please question, question, question. This woman was told she was getting older and should not expect to feel like a spring chicken. If a doctor says that to you walk out. You know your body so always discuss your symptoms and how medications make you feel. As much as we trust a doctors expertise we must learn to trust that we know our body. So expect to spend time with this doctor, expect a doctor who will listen and formulate a plan. If this doctor immediately writes a prescription for Lyrica I would see another doctor.
If this doctor sends you for blood work and then formulates a plan then you are on the right track.
I wish you the best.
I would want these tests prior to taking any medications. I just met a woman who was seeing a rheumatologist and she may now need a liver transplant. The doctor had her on humara injections. The woman kept complaining and the doctor kept saying we will check your blood work in 2 months. The woman finally left that doctor for a 2nd opinion. She is very sick. You want to be sure of the diagnosis and the medications the doctor might put you on. Also, please question, question, question. This woman was told she was getting older and should not expect to feel like a spring chicken. If a doctor says that to you walk out. You know your body so always discuss your symptoms and how medications make you feel. As much as we trust a doctors expertise we must learn to trust that we know our body. So expect to spend time with this doctor, expect a doctor who will listen and formulate a plan. If this doctor immediately writes a prescription for Lyrica I would see another doctor.
If this doctor sends you for blood work and then formulates a plan then you are on the right track.
I wish you the best.
Hello and welcome,
It sounds like your sister-in-law has got you on the right track with the symptoms you are experiencing. I am sorry you don't feel well. Many of us have gone through the same situation. I did too. My doctor was very accommodating, but every doctor is different.
On your first visit you should expect to talk with the doctor and describe your symptoms just like you have here. The doctor will probably examine your hands and do a tender point examination of your body. He/she should send you for some blood work to look for any inflammatory causes for your pain such as Rheumatoid Arthritis or Lupus. Usually they do and ANA blood screen to look for autoimmune disease, a sedimentation rate test to look for infection plus a few more blood tests. I would ask for a copy of the report when you get the results.
He/she might also order a bone scan that way she can see any arthritis in your bones. When I first went to see my Rheumatologist I had also been suffering from degenerative disc disease and sciatica, so I needed updated MRIs as well. I also was referred to a neurologist because I had some nerve damage from that. Every case is different.
Your doctor will probably prescribe you some medication to help you with the pain at your first visit too. It usually take a little while to find the right medication for your body, so don't be discouraged if it doesn't work out right away. Please come back to us and update us on how it went. Good luck to you.
-Dusty
It sounds like your sister-in-law has got you on the right track with the symptoms you are experiencing. I am sorry you don't feel well. Many of us have gone through the same situation. I did too. My doctor was very accommodating, but every doctor is different.
On your first visit you should expect to talk with the doctor and describe your symptoms just like you have here. The doctor will probably examine your hands and do a tender point examination of your body. He/she should send you for some blood work to look for any inflammatory causes for your pain such as Rheumatoid Arthritis or Lupus. Usually they do and ANA blood screen to look for autoimmune disease, a sedimentation rate test to look for infection plus a few more blood tests. I would ask for a copy of the report when you get the results.
He/she might also order a bone scan that way she can see any arthritis in your bones. When I first went to see my Rheumatologist I had also been suffering from degenerative disc disease and sciatica, so I needed updated MRIs as well. I also was referred to a neurologist because I had some nerve damage from that. Every case is different.
Your doctor will probably prescribe you some medication to help you with the pain at your first visit too. It usually take a little while to find the right medication for your body, so don't be discouraged if it doesn't work out right away. Please come back to us and update us on how it went. Good luck to you.
-Dusty
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