Why a Rheumy?

[Issey]

I been doing some thinking - (yes it did hurt<G>) and just wondered why we are referred to a rheumy? I had no luck with mine - and it seems I am not alone on this list! Why not ENT? as that would cover the dry mouth nose and ears - also a visit to Eye clinic as well? Is it because of the tiredness and aching bones? or am I missing something here?

Issey

[KYMOM]

Issey, I don't know.  I have had two appts. with the Rheumy.  The first time she told me that I should go on Plaquenil and handed me pamphlets and told me to find a support group.  The second time I was taken back to the exam room within five minutes and then waited for over one and a half hours for the Rheumy to breeze in and ask me if I had given Plaquenil further consideration.  I have not gone back.  Don't know what I will do going forward. Roxanne

[Billydude]

I think you can go to either a rhumy or ENT.  They are both specialists in our kind of problems.
Steve

[Issey]

Umm such a familar story! I think ENT must be the way forward to start with - even thyroid is checked by ENT - I think I am going to write a letter to mine before my next appointment - listing my symptoms and history - I never seem to be able to get the full facts across on the day - my eyes just seem to glaze and I forget everything inc my age <LOL>  -brainfog?
Issey

[dbab]

Rheumatologists are the specialists that deal with rheumatic diseases which Sjogren's falls under.  Sjogren's is a connective tissue disease that are similar in nature to lupus and rheumatoid arthritis which is all under the specialty of rheumatology.  Given your symptoms and issues, your rheumy should be referring you to other specialists as needed (neurologists, ophthalmologists, ENT, endocrinologists, dermatologists,etc) but you usually have one specialist that manages your total care and that your other docs refer your paperwork to and that is usually a rheumatologist in this instance.

[jonnell]

I think its time for a new rhumy.  Jennas rhumy is very knowlegeable and doesnt hesitate to refer us to other specialists.  Jenna sees a opthamologist, pulmonologist,  and peditrician and a pediatric dentist and they all cordinate with Jennas Rhumy. 

[Scottietottie]

Hi 

I think we are usually sent to a rheumy because Sjogren's is listed as a rheumatic disorder. After we see a rheumy we usually collect another bunch of ologists as well.
Since my first referral to a rheumy I've seen a haematologist, a gastroenterologist, a urologist, a neurologist,an opthamologist, an orthopedic surgeon and an ENT doc.

Take care - Scottie 

[wednesday mc haggis]

i agree with scottieand jonnell .

My rheumy reffered me to opthamology, and maxillo facial for the lip biopsy a sim sero negative, as we discuss symptoms, she will decide what specialist i need and when to reffer me, what you need is a good rheumy, sadly therye not as thick on the ground as they should be , my last one said stress, go home and think your way out of it lol, well i thought new rheumy , rheumy is one who liases , with the other ologists to diagnoise and prescribe appropriate drugs, i know my opthamologist said he will see me again to sort releif, but once thats sorted, i ll only se him as rheumy feels nessesary, my main ologist will be her, so get yourself a good one, if you can

T x

[Epson]

Issey,

I see that you are a Newbie, be prepare to enlist the services of every kind of ologist you can think of and then some, be prepare to be poked and prodded in every orifice on the human body.  One doctor is no match for Sjogren's!

[gsmraxe]

Issey, I don't know.  I have had two appts. with the Rheumy.  The first time she told me that I should go on Plaquenil and handed me pamphlets and told me to find a support group.  The second time I was taken back to the exam room within five minutes and then waited for over one and a half hours for the Rheumy to breeze in and ask me if I had given Plaquenil further consideration.  I have not gone back.  Don't know what I will do going forward. Roxanne

I have the same problem...They don't want to deal with me because I don't want to take medication...So I don't go either.  I figured I'd wait until I feel really bad, then go to my GP. At least she doesn't yell at me for not wanting to take meds...

[DragonflyC]

The right rheum can be life changing.  I love mine. 

That said, if you are more comfortable with an ENT, then that's who you should see.  I see an optometrist instead of an ophthalmologist because he's the best.  He was the first to say that my eye problems might be autoimmune and the first to suggest Sjogren's was to blame.  The ophthamologist I saw next laughed at my primary care doctor for ordering a ton of blood tests and scoffed at my optometrist for thinking it was anything other than my thyroid acting up.  Well, those blood tests said that my ANA was >1:640, my SS-A levels were crazy high, and my TSH (thyroid test) was in range for me.  It clearly WAS Sjogren's. 

I don't care that my optometrist's degree isn't considered as fancy; he's the right guy for the job.  In the end, that's what really matters--finding a team of doctors who care about you, who listen to you, and who are willing to look high and low to find answers for you.  It's a tall order, but those kinds of doctor are out there.