Are the "ologists" worth it?

[amberjolie1]

I realize some specialists are important to have such as pulmonologists to keep an eye on your lungs, and of course rheumatologists, but was debating about whether to ask my doc to refer me to a neurologist regarding my hand numbness and short term memory being non-existent, and a dermatologist regarding my bruisy-rashy-thing.  But can they really do anything other than just say that it's part of Sjogren's, and there isn't anything they can do?  I don't want to waste my time if there isn't really anything they can do anyways.

What do you think?

[navydad]

I dont know,, seems we just get shuffled around from ologist to ologist,, some with answers and some we walk away from more cunfused,, I have the same thing going on with my arms and legs,, and all I got was ,,I;ll give you a scrip for lyrica,,,,, plus they want to do a muscle biopsy,, I;m just tired of getting cut up like a fish

[Dolly Dimples]

  Amber, I think it's always wise to have a new problem seen to.
                                  Not all ologists are non comfirmists!

    If someone specializes in a certain condition or body parts,
    then they would be far more understanding than an ordinary Doctor!

                           they would alsobe far more knowlegeable of what ever it was they studied in.
                                Numbness should always be seen to, so I'd get checked over.
                                                  Dolly.
                                                                                 

[Carolina]

ologists are varied, like everything in life.

BUT, the right ologist, or orthopedist, makes all the difference in the world.

IMHO.

Kisses

Elaine

[Patze]

Yeah, not so happy to see all that I have to see, but Carolina makes a good point, the right ologist makes all the difference in the world. 


Patze

[inga]

I am shedding some of my -ologists. 

[rnathans]

If your symptom is serious or debilitating than a trip to the proper Ologist is important.  A good internist or rheumatologist should be able to help you decide when another Oligist is needed. In my case it was neurologists who steered me to a Sjogrens diagnosis and more importantly to the treatments that have been most helpful to me.

[Patze]

Hey Inga, want a few of mine?


Patze

[irish]

I guess that I am of the opinion that going and establishing with them so that they know you and your condition is of great importance. After seeing them once or twice and knowing what you are dealing with one can just save them for any situation that iss quesitonable.

I don't go to all of my ologists anymore, but I have them there if I need them. One that is good to have on your side is a gastroenterologist. I think one should have some GI issues that need to be addressed and then after that go just when needed. At least you are an established patient and don't have to search for a GI when something else crops up. Irish

[amberjolie1]

Hi Irish,

Actually to your last point, one of the frustrating things about the Canadian medical system is that if you haven't seen your specialist in a year, you need to be re-referred.  So if something else crops up and it's been more than a year since you've seen them, you have to go back to your GP as a full appointment just to get another referral.  So if I added any "ologists" to my roster, I'd have to make sure I saw each one at least once a year.

[navydad]

I;m sure in the healthcare overhaul we just passed there is some language in there similiar to what you guys are going through up north of us,,

[Carolina]

Another point:

Since we've moved AGAIN, my husband thought maybe I didn't NEED a cardiologist, because my internist could prescribe my meds.   And I've been stable in the 10 years following my angioplasties with stents.

I saw a new cardiologist any way, and SHE said, if you wind up in the hospital with a heart related issue, you don't want to be meeting a NEW cardiologist under those circumstances.

So I have established a relationship, and ordinarily wouldn't see her more than once a year, but now my cholesterol is up again, so she's monitoring that.

It seems to be part of life, and after the first rush of setting up all those ologists, I'm through with constant visits.

If I need to, I will try to see my husband's gastroenterologist and dermatologist!!!   So that simplifies that decision making process.

So far I don't have:  a rheumatologist or urologist.    But now I'm in the Duke system and have a good internist, she will determine if I need to see more ologists.

Oh, and I didn't  LIKE the ophthalmologist that I saw, so I'll try to change that doctor if the need ever arises.   

But knowing that we are here to stay (well as much as we ever control our destinies here to stay) helps me relax about medical services, that and being in a FIRST CLASS  region for medical services.

Having lots of ologists is like having lots of RXs, it seems too much till you try to decide what should be dropped!

Kisses

Elaine

[gphx]

My pc has steadfastly refused to believe there is anything wrong with me other than a need to take multivitamins despite the fact he tested me for vitamin levels on my first visit, they were all fine, and I've been taking them in the year since.

At one point he made a referral to a neurologist at my insistence because I could barely walk, had muscle spasms, I thought I had ms, and he wanted to get rid of me to bring in the next paying patient. Tests for ms were negative but the neuro found obvious neuro deficits during the office exam. Thank you.

I went to an oral surgeon myself who did a lip biopsy and found lymphocytic infiltration and chronic focal sialadenitis, hallmarks of SS.

An ophthalmologist I also scheduled myself found my tear quantity fine but no oil. When you blink the film is supposed to cover your eyes for ten seconds or more, mine is gone instantly.

Going to a rheumatologist today to hopefully put it together into a dx though I am still seronegative. With any luck the rheumy will replace my pc. My pc has been an anchor tied to my leg. I am so happy for those who have helpful pcs but if I succeed at getting my health back on track it will be in spite of mine.

If what you are doing is working you may not need ologists. If it isn't they may be just what the doctor ordered even if he won't order them. ; )

[Carebear]

Hi amberjolie1,

The one thing that I would emphasize with seeing "ologists" is that someone needs to be your "quarterback".  That doctor will vary from patient to patient, but someone needs to be able to oversee your case.  The more "ologists", the more important this will be.

As for the question you posed...I guess my answer is "It depends."  For me it depends on how serious the symptom is.  And how long it's been a problem.  As most with Sjogren's experience, many of my symptoms wax and wane.  If you need to be referred by another doctor, they will likely be able to help you with your decision.