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Hard Time Getting an Appointment with a Rheumatologist
Precious Folks, My Endocrinologist wants me to see a Rheumatologist due to my inflammation.
My previous Rheumatologist doesn't take my Medicare plan. In
searching for ones that will, I am getting turned down due to
having Fibromyaliga.
Has anyone else ever heard of this? This is new to me. My last
Rheumatologist did not have a problem with taking me on as
a patient.
I know that Fibromyalgia is hard to treat, but, other things tend
to go along with it such as Thyroid Disease, Osteoarthritis and
Autoimmune Diseases.
Your thoughts please.
Blessings & Prayers to All.....
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Best of luck to you. I was referred to a Rheumatologist by my neurologist and it still took me 9 months to get in! The neurologist ordered as many blood tests in advance as he could, anticipating what she would want to see, such as ANA....inflamatory labs, etc. As I was having symptoms, I tried to find a rheumatologist who would see me earlier....but, oh my..... couldn't find one who could. In fact, some large hospitals no longer had any rheumatologists! Whole dept closed down multiple places. I had to check for places over 200 miles away! It was crazy! And, I don't have fibromyalgia. So, I waited and saw Duke Rheumatology. I don't understand why they are screening you before you seeing you, though Can you ask your Endo to help you out?
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2 Reactionscelia16, There is a shortage of Rheumatologists in this area. I have to have a referral to see one. The Endo
that referred me put Fibromyalia and my other issues on the form that was sent. I was turned down twice in
two different cities!
Fibromyalgia is hard to treat and can be time consuming for doctors along with any other issues. I understand
that. Its just strange it was not an issue before.
I'm sorry you had to drive 200 miles to see a Rheumatologist. Were you happy with the doctor you saw?
Praying you get good lasting results. God Bless You!
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3 Reactions@covidstinks2023
It is hard to find a good rheumatologist that anccepts your insurance and make an appointment.
Do you have supplemental insurance like a Medicare plus plan? This may help you access more rheumatologists.
Beyond fibromyalgia, what else were you diagnosed with that requires ongoing treatment? What type of doctor diagnosed your fibromyalgia? What medications do you currently take and do you do any physical therapy? Do you have previously diagnosed thyroid and autoimmune diseases? Do you have diabetes?
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1 ReactionI didn’t take the appointment for the one 200 miles away. I stayed with the Duke rheumatologist who is very close to me in the triangle (Raleigh/Durham) area in NC. She was fine. Ruled out some things, including RA and sjogrens. I do have type 1 diabetes and psoriasis. Thanks for your kind words.
I hope you can find a solution to get an appointment.
dlydailyhope, Yes, I have a Medicare plus plan.
I have Hashimoto's and bilateral osteoarthritis, arthritis in my spine and Endo says I have a lot of inflammation. I have Long Covid which has ramped up inflammation. I have chronic asthma, allergies and sinus infections. I am prone to pneumonia and asthmatic bronchitis since COVID. Just getting over a 5 week bout of it.
My inflammation markers go back and forth from normal to abnormal. I have had all the testing done.
My primary diagnosed my Fibromyalgia 30 years ago. I cannot tolerate physical therapy, I am not diabetic and I cannot tolerate any of the most prescribed medications for Fibromyalgia and only take Tylenol for pain. I take a lot of supplements, use heat, epsom salt soaks, get massages and use Voltaren Gel. I
move as much as possible.
Thank you for your conern and interest. Prayers & Blessings....
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