Finding a good Rheumatologist
I want to find a good Rheumatologist that specializes and understands Lupus. I have not been officially diagnosed yet. I do not want to be told it's all in my head or I just want attention. What is happening to my body and mind are real. My pain is real, my memory issues/confusion/screwed up thought process are all real. I feel I have a good care team with my PCP, cardiologist, and pulmonologist. My neurologist, I'm on the fence, she sent me to a physiotherapist that I feel was a freaking quack - very unprofessional. When I told him I was not really interested in taking anti depressants, that I felt I am not depressed, that I would rather find another way to deal with my anxiety than putting more chemicals in my body. He immediately told me the appointment was over and to leave his office. He then proceeded to tell me I didn't want to get better and all I wanted was attention, that it's all in my head. Needless to say I was stunned, upset and then pissed off. Now I am very leery about seeing any new doctors.
My arthritis is getting progressively worse and I want someone who will take my symptoms seriously. All my symptoms and health issues fall into the Lupus wheelhouse and I feel finding the right Rheumatologist is moving in the right direction. (Sorry, I didn't intend for this to be so long)
Any advice on finding the right Dr. would be very much appreciated.
Thank you in advance.
Uggg, that should of said: finding the right Dr
I fixed it! - Liz (lupus.net Team Member)
Thank you!
Oh wow. That is so horrible. I am so sorry you had to deal with all that. First I would suggest writing a complaint about the dr as that was just not acceptable. As far as finding a good dr in your area there are a couple ways to go about it. One would be to talk to a trusted physician or provider if you have one and see who they suggest. If you don’t have someone you really trust you might try and find a support group in your area. The lupus Foundation of America has chapters in most, if not all, states. Once you find a group in your area you could ask those in that group who they would and would not recommend. That’s probably the best way bc you will get real recommendations and Information. You also could try searching Facebook for lupus group’s in your state. Lastly would be to just make appts with a couple different rheumatologist and see who you mesh with. I hope you can find a dr who is good and who will be professional and you can really trust. Big hugs!
Amber (lupus.net team moderator)
Thank you for all the suggestions. I really appreciate it. It means alot.
I just want to second Amber's advice about the Lupus Foundation of America, when I went to my first meeting with my local chapter they literally handed me a sheet of recommended doctors and the doctor I'm seeing now is widely known as the best within my group. I find it can be hard to get recommendations from other doctors sometimes because they may know the doctors professionally but they don't know what it's like to receive care from them, usually. Sometimes you can also find reviews of doctors online. But you may just have to meet with several to find the right fit, as Amber suggested. It can take a long time, but it's worth it to find a good doctor. I feel the same way about using anti-depressants for chronic pain and I have also had doctors tell me that was the only option they'd give me, it was so frustrating! I'm sorry you had that experience, but you aren't alone. We understand and we're here for you. Wishing you the best! -Ava, lupus.net team Great tips Ava!!! Thanks for bringing them up. It’s great when we can build on each others comments for everyone’s benefit!!! Big hugs!
Amber (lupus.net team moderator)
