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Does a Rheumy just prescribe drugs or is there more to it?

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skeptical
Regular Member
Joined : Jun 2005
Posts : 369
Posted 9/13/2007 3:17 PM (GMT -7)
Hi all. I haven't been around in a while. I had a resection one year ago but since then I've developed a lot of aches and pains. My PCP gave me Lyrica and I'm taking 50MG twice a day. I don't know if it's helping or not. He wrote "Fibromyalgia" as the DX on my receipt. I have had some arthritis for many years, but it was totally managable. Now I have a lot of trouble getting out of bed. My feet, ankles and knees hurt and they lock up if I don't keep moving. I walk like a gramma!!!

Both my PCP and my GI asked me if I'd seen a Rheumatologist yet. I didn't know I was supposed to. My question for you who go to one, do they do anything much besides prescribe painkillers? I don't like to take them and since I have no insurance anymore, it wouldn't be worth all that money if that's all they do. Thanks so much for the help.

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teddybearweiser
Veteran Member
Joined : Oct 2004
Posts : 3042
Posted 9/14/2007 4:04 AM (GMT -7)
Hi skeptical,
I went to a Rhemy doctor and she checked me out and sent me for x-rays and she did blood test done.
I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis. I am taking tramadol for pain. It helps some.
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skeptical
Regular Member
Joined : Jun 2005
Posts : 369
Posted 9/14/2007 4:45 AM (GMT -7)
Thanks. I think I may tough it out until it gets to be too much, then I'll go. I appreciate the reply. Take care.
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JudyK89
Veteran Member
Joined : Dec 2006
Posts : 1986
Posted 9/14/2007 5:57 AM (GMT -7)
Depends on what is wrong. If you get a diagnosis, and it turns out you have some kind of inflammatory disease of the joints you may want to use more than pain killers, you may want to use anti-inflammatories (just about the same drugs you use for CD) because inflammation can cause more damage if not controlled. It's a vicious cycle, just like CD.
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bektold
Regular Member
Joined : Jul 2007
Posts : 456
Posted 9/14/2007 6:51 AM (GMT -7)

I've only had one appointment with my Rheumy so far, so I'm not exactly an expert.  The way I look at it, I'm young- 32.  I'm already having joint pain, whether from CD or arthritis.  All the xrays and blood work she's done will give us a baseline for the future.  If there is something going on, we can catch it early and hopefully slow the process.  And she's put me on Actonel to protect my bones while I'm on Prednisone.

I have excellent insurance, so that effects my decisions.  But I'm glad that I've started early to build a relationship with a Rheumy who really seems to know her stuff. 

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Matthew
Veteran Member
Joined : Oct 2004
Posts : 3932
Posted 9/14/2007 8:32 AM (GMT -7)
Well, I'm also taking Lyrica. It might be helping some. They want me to take Celebrex for my joints though, now. Darn stuff is freaking expensive.
***
No, they can do PT, give you Cortisone shots, etc. If you have joint issues GO. Usually though there is an awful long wait to get in. But CD arthritis can be a REAL killer if you let it go IME.

Matthew
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