Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group I've been dumped!! (By my rheumy...)

Ok, so maybe his exact words were more like... "Call me if you have any signs of significant inflammation" ... but isn't that the same thing?

My MRI results didn't show what he was looking for, so he said basically he can't figure it out and just "treat the symptoms" as he put it. No comment on HOW to do that, either! Its so aggravating!

I plan to ask my GP for a new referral to a NEW rheumy, but it is so frustrating. I went through a bunch of this tail-chasing in 2000 and the pain eventually went away and the doctors couldn't figure anything out. Here I am 5 years later -- this time with back involvement in addition to all the other joint problems -- and still nothing!

Anyone have any suggestions on how to pick a new rheumy??? I was thinking to ask for a younger one...? One who may possibly thing WOMEN can get AS?? I have to admit though, I'm not very optimistic this time around!

Kelly

You might try spondylitis.org and see if they have a listing of rheumies in NY that work with AS. Otherwise, I'm afraid I'm not familiar with the NY area. Try pm'ing Klem, Sassy (Lori) or iwood51 (Ian), who all live up that way!

Sorry you're going through this frustration!

Huge hugs!
Chelle

Thanks for the suggestion, Chelle! I tried to do the doctor search, but since I'm not a paying member, I don't have access to that part of the website! Do you know of any other places to do a search for a rheumy who does/specializes in AS?

Kelly, it's not quite the same thing as being dropped. He's still willing to treat you, but not willing to put in the leg work to find out truly what's wrong with you. Definitely a referral to another rheumy is a good idea.

Not all the older ones are so bad, however. My rheumy is in his late 60s at the very least, but knew full well that women get AS and even referred me to my secondary rheumy for treatment with the biologics. Sounds like you got the short end of the stick in this.

I don't blame you for not feeling overly optimistic, hon. Once I started looking for a dx, it all happened very quickly for me, but I also know that I was very lucky in that. Just keep 'treating the symptoms' (did he at least tell you how to do that safely?) and get a new referral if you can.

Many hugs,

Oh boy. I'm getting my MRI referral today. I'm expecting the same response, "Can't see anything. Treat the symptoms." But, I figured I would go through the process anyways. My rheumy is really receptive so far...but he hasn't really had much to answer to yet. I'm on 4 months of back pain now...so watch out.

Hi Kat!
You know, he didn't say anything about HOW to treat my symptoms. He did give me a script for naproxen, but then had me stop when it didn't seem to be helping after 3 weeks on it. (Plus, the blood issues also concerned him.) I'm thankful that my GP is helping me out. She's the one who wrote my pain med script, and I'm pretty sure she'll be happy to give me a referral to a new rheumy! We may know something more too, once the urologist gets into the action this week. (WooHoo - I can hardly wait for THAT appointment.) LOL

We'll see...
Kelly

Best wishes for a speedy Dx, Katie!! Although I had about 5 years mainly pain-free after my first flare in 2000... this is the second time I've had the full workup with no results. I hope you're blessed with a great doctor and fast answers!!
Kelly

I can tell you're jumping up and down for joy over the urologist appointment. Can't say that I blame you.

Hugs,