Waiting times for Rheumatologists

[DeadGirl75]

I was diagnosed in July with Sjogren's. I was referred to see the rheumatologist, but my appointment isn't until November. I'm utterly appalled at the length of time to get in. I'm on the waiting list so if there's a cancellation, I'll be called. When you guys were first diagnosed, how long did it take for you to be seen? Is this long wait normal or should I ask for another specialist even though I have yet to see the one I'm currently scheduled to see?

[irish]

I haven't been to a rheumatologist for several years, but I would bet that this is standard waiting time. There is an extreme shortage of rheumatologists in the country. I assume you are from the US? There is also a bad shortage of dermatologists and other specialists. The way the country is going with all the high priced health insurance and government regs it will take time to clean up our act so that people start to go into medicine again. I would hang onto that apt and hope for the best. Good luck. Irish

[Joe S.]

The Rheumy is the one who is supposed to make the diagnosis and treatment. It takes months to see one. I gave up on them when I had bad reactions to the drugs they had. I chose another treatment option. I tried to work with the Rheumy for several years. When the appointments were over 6 months out and the scheduling system did not go out that far, I gave up on the Rheumy. I had tried several. The last one got mad because I had a bad reaction to MTX and Plaq. Plaq made me blind and MTX stopped my bile production.

[katie1111]

This isn't new.  Back in 1991 when I first developed symptoms, I waited 3 months for my appointment.  I was having joint pain and by the time of my appointment, the pain had stopped, but I was able to tell him about my symptoms.  He ordered xrays and blood work which led to my first autoimmune diagnosis of PBC>

Katie1111

[DeadGirl75]

I haven't been to a rheumatologist for several years, but I would bet that this is standard waiting time. There is an extreme shortage of rheumatologists in the country. I assume you are from the US? There is also a bad shortage of dermatologists and other specialists. The way the country is going with all the high priced health insurance and government regs it will take time to clean up our act so that people start to go into medicine again. I would hang onto that apt and hope for the best. Good luck. Irish

Yes, I'm in the US. I live in a small NC town and the closest thing we have to a "big city" is Fayetteville. The doctor did say that there aren't very many rheumatologists in our area. It's a darn shame. Thanks for the help.

[DeadGirl75]

The Rheumy is the one who is supposed to make the diagnosis and treatment. It takes months to see one. I gave up on them when I had bad reactions to the drugs they had. I chose another treatment option. I tried to work with the Rheumy for several years. When the appointments were over 6 months out and the scheduling system did not go out that far, I gave up on the Rheumy. I had tried several. The last one got mad because I had a bad reaction to MTX and Plaq. Plaq made me blind and MTX stopped my bile production.

That's crazy! Do you see any specialists for this or just have your family doctor take over the care? I honestly can say that I don't care who I see as long as I feel "normal" again.

[DeadGirl75]

This isn't new.  Back in 1991 when I first developed symptoms, I waited 3 months for my appointment.  I was having joint pain and by the time of my appointment, the pain had stopped, but I was able to tell him about my symptoms.  He ordered xrays and blood work which led to my first autoimmune diagnosis of PBC>

Katie1111

I really think that I have some overlap. From what I'm reading here, it seems that is the norm.

[Jldvld]

I was diagnosed Sept. 5 2016, with Sjögren's, my first appt with Rhuematolist isn't till Dec 26, 2016
It's really a long wait I also new to this disease I have all the symptoms the worse is chronic dry eye & mouth.
I experience the crying with no tears yesterday really upset me but I guess we all have our downfalls. 

[SjoGirl]

It can be quite a long time depending on where you live, but in general is a far longer wait than to see a PCP. No doubt the waiting is terrible, particularly when you are suffering.

It may help  to remind yourself that each day you make it through is another day closer to your appointment. It can also help to track symptoms regularly so you can ID and report patterns to the doc.

[irish]

If your eyes are bothering that much it would be wise to see an opthalmolgist or optometrist and get started on the eye treatment. Actually, the eye doctors should be in charge of treating the dryness in the eyes anyway as the eye issues can be more complicated that a rheumy or any other specialist is able to deal with. Most of us have about 4-6 specialists. Depends on our ailments. Good luck. Irish

[Pete0211]

I haven't been to a rheumatologist for several years, but I would bet that this is standard waiting time. There is an extreme shortage of rheumatologists in the country. I assume you are from the US? There is also a bad shortage of dermatologists and other specialists. The way the country is going with all the high priced health insurance and government regs it will take time to clean up our act so that people start to go into medicine again. I would hang onto that apt and hope for the best. Good luck. Irish

Yes, I'm in the US. I live in a small NC town and the closest thing we have to a "big city" is Fayetteville. The doctor did say that there aren't very many rheumatologists in our area. It's a darn shame. Thanks for the help.

Hi Shelly,

I posted something similar in another post, but now I know you're like me (I'm in a small town near Jacksonville).

See if you or your doctor can find someone in Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill - I can give you a reference to the Rheumy I'm seeing in Chapel Hill, but it's probably still a relatively long wait UNC does have a large Rheumatology program, so you might have some luck there.

[DeadGirl75]

I haven't been to a rheumatologist for several years, but I would bet that this is standard waiting time. There is an extreme shortage of rheumatologists in the country. I assume you are from the US? There is also a bad shortage of dermatologists and other specialists. The way the country is going with all the high priced health insurance and government regs it will take time to clean up our act so that people start to go into medicine again. I would hang onto that apt and hope for the best. Good luck. Irish

Yes, I'm in the US. I live in a small NC town and the closest thing we have to a "big city" is Fayetteville. The doctor did say that there aren't very many rheumatologists in our area. It's a darn shame. Thanks for the help.

Hi Shelly,

I posted something similar in another post, but now I know you're like me (I'm in a small town near Jacksonville).

See if you or your doctor can find someone in Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill - I can give you a reference to the Rheumy I'm seeing in Chapel Hill, but it's probably still a relatively long wait UNC does have a large Rheumatology program, so you might have some luck there.

Thanks, I replied to that thread.