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Is it ok to vent a little bit?
Autoimmune Diseases | Last Active: Nov 18, 2023 | Replies (41)Comment receiving replies
You are lucky to have a doctor who looks at your symptoms over time rather than relying on only bloodwork. I am so pissed at a "rheumatologist" I saw on Monday.
He walks in the room says I've reviewed your chart in detail. He looked at my hands and feet. And said you have 'wear and tear' arthritis because of your age (69) and weight (yes its higher then I'd like).
But, when I pointed out that my orthopedic, GI, GYN, and other issues started when I was 35 and 116#, 19 surgeries ago. And there was no such thing as an EHR back then for him to review "thoroughly".
Right now I am in tears because I'm so fudging MAD! I tried to talk to him rationally, he just kept shaking his head and saying "no". I will tell my hip/ knee guy whose office recommended him what an a-hole he is.
Please don't recommend going to Mayo... they won't take my insurance. No real options for a second opinion because the "group" of rheumatologists here won't let you see anyone else in the group once you've seen one of them.
Saw my elbow/ shoulder surgeon today who says "no wonder you're in pain". You could have a shoulder and elbow replacement because of the joint deterioration and boney overgrowth. Instead, went with cortisone shots.
When did medicine become SO siloed?
Replies to "You are lucky to have a doctor who looks at your symptoms over time rather than..."
I have bad knees and was told first I would get shots. Maybe physical therapy. Then when they no longer did any good I would knee replacements. My point is that maybe that's just the protocol. I know this doesn't make your pain any less and I'm sorry for that. I wish you all the best.
It is so frustrating to deal with the system. I got tired of it many years ago and have avoided doctors as much as possible. I was 22 when my hand joints started giving me problems. The RF test was negative and I got brushed off. Now I'm 64 and diagnosed. It's pretty much too late to help now, because erosive osteoarthritis is basically untreatable, and the rheumatoid has done extensive damage already. 🙄
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God Bless You. I am on my second rheumatologist. The first one simply did not listen and the 2nd one goes by numbers and not symptoms and yes, it is frustrating. There is a shorage in my area of Rheumatologists. The two I have been too sadly cannot think outside the box. If there is another one you can go to in your area, please get another opinion. COVID did a lot to break down our medical profession as we knew it due to mandates, doctors retiring early,nursing shortates, etc., The specialists are overbooked and it's at least a 3 month wait or more to see them. Praying for you and I care.