Who see an immunologist and a rhuematolgist?

[Epson]

I was wondering how many of you see both a rhuematologist and an immunologist? What advantages you see or any other insightful information you might what to share.

[irish]

Epson, I have seen a rheumatologist for several years but quit as she did not "get it". I never missed her but must admit that she is the one who suggested that I have the lip biopsy which proved my Sjogrens. I ended up getting referred to my very special immunologist several years ago and am totally sold on him.

My internist did suggest that I see a rheumatologist for a consult. My FNP at the Immunologist wondered why I was seeing the Rheumatologist and I told her. I saw him once and really didn't learn anything new.

Rheumatologist have their place in treatment of autoimmune disease, however, I am of the opinion that those of us with autoimmune disease sometimes have other things going on that are  masked by the symptoms of the sjogrens, etc. I was so astounded to find that I had a t-cell deficiency which was very severe. The thing that I have found when googling is that immunologist can sort of set their own agenda. Many of them are most interested in the allergies, hayfever, asthma, etc.

My immunologist is a pediatric oncologist hematologist who worked at the bone marrow transplant center at the University in my state. He also did research in autoimmune and immune deficiency diseases at the same time. He went into private practice and he can be seen by referral only. He specializes in people who are basically at the end of their rope with illnesses that are hard to diagnose. He is extremely knowledgeable and treats babies to us old people.

He has a huge practice and it is because he has based his practice on what so many of us need. He operates and thinks outside the box and will try unusual things to help people return to as normal a lifestyle as possible. The most important thing is he and his staff care and it shows by how they act towards each other and the patients. I wish there was a 1000 of him in the US to help people. He is getting up to the age where retirement is on the horizon. I don't know how he will ever be replaced, however, he has taken a young fellow into his practice in the last year who has the same philosophy. We need more of these docs.

Try googling with words and phrases referring to philosophy, objectives of care, etc to see if you can come up with any other ideas on the subject. irish