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Need advice on seeing a rheumatologist

ARiverG

709d

Hello! I’m River and p new here. I have low grade fevers, muscle pain and weakness, joint pain and fatigue. I’m thinking I might have an underlying rheumatological condition or atleast should be evaled since these symptoms worsened after going septic once. What’s a rheumatologist appointment like? Should I go see one? To note: I did try once and the PA pretty much said “you have fibro, I don’t treat that”. She didn’t do any tests or anything…she just looked at me and assumed.

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12

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Diffuse connective tissue disease

Ibuprofen

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    • Firefly88

      707d

      Here's what I tell any doctor I see. I am my own advocate and if I say I'm feeling this or that then that's what I'm feeling. You docs are so numb bc you do this job everyday and yall lose or lost compassion, empathy etc but you will respect how I feel and what I say. And they listen. And if they don't like me refer me to someone else!! Speak up, speak up and SPEAK UP FOR YOURSELF ❤️

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    • Firefly88

      707d

      Here's what I tell any doctor I see. I am my own advocate and if I say I'm feeling this or that then that's what I'm feeling. You docs are so numb bc you do this job everyday and yall lose or lost compassion, empathy etc but you will respect how I feel and what I say. And they listen. And if they don't like me refer me to someone else!! Speak up, speak up and SPEAK UP FOR YOURSELF ❤️

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    • KittyMew

      707d

      Hi, and welcome! I've never seen a rhumetologist but, it sounds like you need a new doctor and a second option. You should've at least received blood work and a referral to rhumetology. It sounds like your current doctor isn't thorough and is very dismissive.

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    • Firefly88

      707d

      Hi 💕. Check out on UpfulBlends, Pirate Meds, Twalkdahulkfitness on IG. Hope this can lead you to feeling better 🌻💫

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    • Crowlux

      707d

      My partner was in the hospital several times for episodes like this, it turned out to be a rheumatic condition, Adult Still's disease. Rheumatologists have been hit or miss for her, but it's always good to go and even get a second opinion if you doubt the first :)

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    • Nashville

      709d

      I have the same things! Mine actually ended up being endometriosis believe it or not

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      • ARiverG

        709d

        @Nashville ohhh that’s interesting. I’m glad you got an answer for you condition! :)

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    • Pom.mom

      709d

      That’s a horrible PA. Even if it IS fibro it’s a serious and debilitating disease that can be managed and treated. Definitely see a new doctor so they can do actual tests to determine what’s going on. I’m sorry that happened to you. 😧

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    • madd94

      709d

      Hi and welcome 💛 I absolutely recommend seeing a rheumatologist (you may need a referral from your PCP first, and it’s helpful to have blood work done ahead of time if that’s a possibility for you) Your experience might be different, but my first visit was pretty simple- the dr felt my joints, asked for a history of my symptoms, looked at my bloodwork, and ordered additional labs to confirm/ rule out any suspicions. I then had a follow up about a month later to go over blood work and a urine test. My first rheum was pretty dismissive, and after ruling out any kind of autoimmune disease, she sent me on my way and told me just to take ibuprofen. Knowing something was wrong, I saw a second rheum who repeated the same tests, also ruled out an autoimmune disease, but was able to diagnose me with a connective tissue disorder and refer me to the correct specialists for that. I would highly recommend bringing a list and timeline of ALL symptoms, even ones you may not feel are related. I also cannot emphasize enough how important it is to advocate for your own health and to see additional doctors. You know your body, so trust how you feel, and try not to let dismissive doctors convince you otherwise. It’s unfortunately all too common.

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      • JustRachelle

        708d

        @madd94 if you don’t mind me asking what bloodwork made them send you to another specialist for connective tissue disease

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        • madd94

          708d

          @JustRachelle it was actually the fact that my bloodwork was normal (aside from my positive ANA panel) and ruled out initial suspicions (RA, Lupus, a few others). My rheum assessed my joints for hypermobility, then referred me to a cardiologist who was able to order my genetic testing.

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    • JustRachelle

      709d

      She didn’t do any blood work?

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      • ARiverG

        709d

        @JustRachelle yep. No labs. Nothing. She did touch my joints and said “you have some inflammation. But it’s just fibromyalgia”

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☝ This content is generated by our users and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision

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