Rheumatologists....

[Stm252]

Have you ever felt dropped by your rheumatologist? Like they have given up on your case? Been stumped? Or basically just had enough of you? Well folks, that's what has happened to me to the point this person is not managing my case anymore and I am being compelled to switch. What was it like to start all over? I am very anxious about the change. Is the person going to agree with the diagnosis? Am I going to have to change meds? Would it actually be better to change meds? Any and all thoughts welcomed.

[cpops]

Yes I think that is often the case. Also if they know they have gotten it wrong, they may try and get rid of you rather than admit it, hoping you get the right diagnosis from someone else.

[Stm252 in reply to cpops]

Good point. I can see that being the case here.

[cpops]

Do you mind saying where you were being seen? Then people can recommend alternatives which are close to you.

[Stm252 in reply to cpops]

I'm in the US on the west coast. I am absolutely open to any and all suggestions!

[cpops in reply to Stm252]

I am in the UK so not able to help with a recommendation but hopefully there are others who can.

[Stm252 in reply to cpops]

Yeh thanks. I am just really bummed. I feel like I have been kicked to the curb. It feels really bad. And it has taken me so long to get to this point. It took me three rheumatologists just to get to this one! It seems so difficult for some reason from.ehat I have read on here and from my personal experience to gel with a rheumatologist. I was with this one for almost two years.

[cpops in reply to Stm252]

Maybe you could try seeing a different specialist depending on your symptoms.

For example, an immunologist, neurologist or neuro -ophthalmologist. It all depends what your main symptoms are?

I could not even recommend a decent rheumatologist in the UK. Perhaps that tells you something 😊

[Stm252 in reply to cpops]

Thanks for making me smile. I think your point is well taken. Seeing the GI, pulmonologist, etc has been helpful to manage my other symptoms. I am reliant on the rheum though for my meds that the other docs cant/wont prescribe. So other than that, I probably wouldn't deal!!

[marimarichristian]

My rheum in the US has never even examined me! He just listens for a few minutes and prescribes pills. It feels as if he's on the edge of retirement and can't wait to get out of the door.

[Stm252 in reply to marimarichristian]

Sounds like we have the same person....

[marimarichristian]

I used to have a wonderful woman rheum. but she died. I'm not sure how much longer I can stay with my present lazy doctor.

[marimarichristian]

Strangely enough my opthalmologist first asked if I had Bechet's and told me to see a rheum. My dentist told me to rinse at least three times a a week with chlorohexadine. for mouth ulcers. So little by little I'm getting a diagnosis and treatment. My GP tells me when my SED rate is through the roof after a blood test. And we have to find a way to tackle the inflammation.

[Stm252 in reply to marimarichristian]

At least you have support from all the specialists!

[marimarichristian]

Yes. That's true.