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we3volsfans

New member
Joined
Dec 17, 2014
Messages
4
Reason
Undiagnosed
Diagnosis
12/2014
Country
US
State
Tennessee
My primary care doctor has been trying to help me with my pain for nearly two years. We both decided it was time to bring a specialist in to find out what is going on. My PCP suspects arthritis and fibromyalgia. I went yesterday for my rheumatology appointment where the specialist spent less than five minutes with me. He didn't draw any new labs ( just used the ones from my PCP from over 3 months ago). He poked around on me a little bit and made comments like "no tenderness here, no tenderness here" even though a few times I nearly came off the table it hurt so bad. His conclusion is that my pain is from surgical menopause and in his words "unfortunately there's nothing that can be done for that". He also said that while I have many symptoms of both RA and Lupus, the blood work is normal so there's no way I could have either of those. He never mentioned Fibromyalgia and never even gave me the opportunity to mention anything. It seemed like he had his mind made up for the diagnosis before he ever entered the examination room. The only other thing he wanted to discuss was setting up a sleep study because he thinks I might have sleep apnea. I just got the feeling he was wanting to collect his co-pay then pass me off to someone else to collect another co-pay. This clinic is supposed to be the best in Nashville so I doubt my PCP will refer me elsewhere. I'm beyond frustrated.
 
i know how you feel. first your PCP should have sent you to Pain Management not the RA. Next call that RA and tell him you didnt get a diagnosis nor a treatment plan. that is why you came to him. tell him you want your copay back and the charges to your insurance. tell him you will be there tomorrow to pick up the money. call your insurance company and tell them to stop payment on that visit and Doctor.

in all my posts i say you will need to see many doctors before you find the right one. dont pay for one that does nothing.
your blood work from 3 months ago was fine for him to work with, no worries there.

stay well and may you have many good days ahead.
 
Thanks. I'm researching a few pain management clinics now. I also wrote a letter to patient affairs to file a complaint on the doctor. I doubt it will amount to anything but it made me feel better.
 
i know how you feel on the doctors.. i do have to warn you. these doctors do know each other. your note could black ball you.

try venting here instead.
 
I don't intend to go to any other doctors so they can black ball all they want. A big part of the problem is their God complex. If patients don't take up for themselves then no one else will. I've dealt with this pain for over five years not counting the IBS which has been going on for nearly 30 years. I went through all the similar things with GI doctors years ago with the IBS as well and got no relief. I had to learn to deal with it without doctors. It looks like arthritis and fibro will be the same kind of deal.
 
I could have written that letter myself. I am going through the same thing. I have had the same PCP for 35 years and I feel he has gotten to the point where he feels we are friends rather than doctor and patient. He has me on Cymbalta and Abilify neither of which seem to work. I am in constant pain especially in my arms and hips. I have a referral to see the rheumatologist which I made in January and can't in to see until May 19th. I call at the end of every week to see if there has been a cancellation but so far no luck. So now I wait. I filed a claim with SSD but was denied so I filed an appeal. I am afraid a decision will be made before I get to see the rheumatologist. I have called SSD and told them I am waiting for an appointment and they said they will put it in their notes. Hopefully things will get better soon.

Peace, out.
 
he is not the only rhumatolgist. call your local hospital and ask for a case worker or Physician Referral Services. not helping to wait.
 
We3, i thought the same thing, no more doctors, most of us here did too. its not something you can just live with.
USE the doctors for what you can. as time go's on the pain and places you get pain grow. Nows not the time to say buck it up you can do this.
you are going to need meds. i was in so much pain,crying,feet stomping, cussing at god that my wife would take me outside and spray me with the garden hose to calm me done and it reduced my pain. thats not the live you want.
 
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