Does anyone see a reumatologist for their fibro? What type of treatment are you getting from them? Is it better than the treatment you got from your general practitioner (if you were ever treated by your general practitioner)? Do they use treatments other than medication?
@A MyFibroTeam Member - sorry physio is short for physiotherapist
I went directly from my primary care dr to my pain dr. That's my care team. I never saw a rheumatologist because they always want to do tons of tests for other things and spend more money.
Ive just seen a rheumotologist today, who basically just ruled out arthritis, sent me for another blood test and referred me to pain management and a physio who has a 'special interest' in fibro. Does that sound right to anyone? Already on pregablin and citalopram from gp. Think my family were expecting a miracle cure. I was not! Lol! It just doesn't seem like much after batting around the system for 4 years.
I saw a Rheumatologist last year. She took 16 vials of blood and 23 xrays, Everything came back fine - nothing unusual (they have to rule out anything else before saying it's Fibro). She won't diagnose it as such because she wanted me to get an MRI on my wrist as there was something that was narrowing (can't remember term). At that point, I said no - cost wise it's ridiculous and there was/is nothing wrong with my wrist. My PCP had started me on Meloxicam which I take before going to bed. It helps take the edge of most days, but I am getting more symptoms each day and would like to go back to see a rheumatologist to guide me through this. I don't want to go onto the heavy duty drugs as they mess with your immune system, which mine is already compromised. I've been reading these sites for tips and am going to get acupuncture to see if it helps, Is a rheumotologist worth trying to see?
Unfortunately there's not that much any medical doc can do other than prescribe meds or give shots to help manage symptoms. The rest is lifestyle management...exercise, eating right, getting enough sleep, water, avoiding flare triggers, vitamins, heat/cold, massage, tens unit. Depending on your particular symptoms, physical therapy, chiropractor, massage therapist, or acupuncture may help.