Really bad rheumie appointment and I don't know what to do..

Milagro

To give you a little background on me I was the kid who was always sick, had strep throat like 6 times one school year. Suffered infertility for years, finally attributed that to endometriosis for which I had a total hyster. about 2 years ago. I have had migraines for years and no one can figure out what causes them, they don't respond to any of the usual drugs.

I went to my family doc last Spring complaining of fatigue and pain in my elbows/knees, wrists/ankles, hands/feet. He thought it was likely hormonal (I had other symptoms too, night sweats, hot flashes, etc.) but because my grandmother died of lupus, he agreed to run my ANA.

It came back at 1280 which he said was very high.

He sent me to a rheumie. Before all that he had been treating me for 10 years for my headaches and was giving me vicodin off and on. It wasn't working so he switched me to morphine before sending me off to the rhuemie.

Rhuemie has alwasys had a problem with the morphine and every visit (4 now) she gives me the lecture about how her license is at risk, I'm too young (39) to be using up my limited time on morphine, it'll stop working and then what will I do? blah blah blah.

Today I went in for a regular appt. complaining of pain in my typical areas and extreme fatigue... she basically gave me the morphine lecture and said she doesn't know what to do with me because I am not a typical case( Is anyone?) and that my labs don't match up with the severity of symptoms I report.

I told her I felt that she had been skeptical of me from the start and that I don't know what to do anymore. My psychiatrist is convinced I don't have classic depression or any other mental illness, he thinks everything I say matches a chronic illness diagnosis.

I told her that I am not scamming her for morphine and that she can check with my pharmacy, call the referring doc, whatever... I am not ABUSING meds!

I'm on plaquenil, relafen, methotraexate, as well as Lexapro, Wellbutrin, Folic acid, morphine, and hormones (bio-identical).

My whole life I have had insomnia, unexplained/undiagnosed joint/muscle pain, migraines since age 25, endometriosis, and now what she calls arthritis and a high ANA.

I don't want to be taking morphine or anything else. I want to feel good and have energy and I have no energy to fight with her. I know I can switch but right now I feel hopeless that no one wants to help me and that I have to do this on my own. I don't have the energy for that!

I have been battling doctors for years to tell me what is wrong with me and how I can get better. I eat well, exercise 3-4 times a week, get plenty of sleep, I stopped working FT and now work PT and from home. I can call my own hours. I nap if I need to.

What else can I do? Everything I read here sounds like me.

Help.

angela · Posted: Wed Feb 28, 2007 6:19 pm Post subject:

FIND ANOTHER DOCTOR!!!!! you poor thing! it must be just awful for you!! it makes me so mad #Mad

when hear about how doctors treat some patients as if they're crazy! to me that's just evil #evil

i'm sure it may be difficult for you, but you really should try to find another doctor. because until you find someone who's truly and genuinely on your side, you won't be getting the care and treatment you clearly need.

i don't know if what i said coud be of any help of comfort, but i woud like it if you could keep us posted.

take good care and be well Smile

Milagro · Posted: Wed Feb 28, 2007 6:47 pm Post subject: Thanks

I guess that is what I need to do. I just feel so crappy and went in there so weak, and I just felt like an idiot.

IloveHistory · Bear Joined: 17 Dec 2006 Posts: 689

Hi Milagro

I'm really sorry that you are going through all of this. Crying or Very sad

I know that it's often difficult to change doctors and that many people are reluctant to do so (for obvious and completely understandable reasons), but if you really are unhappy with this doctor and she upsets you, then I agree with Angela and think that it's probably time for a change.

Please keep us posted on how you are doing and what you decide to do!

Keep well and God bless!

Kokopelli · Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2007 6:53 am Post subject:

I would get a new doc. I sucks to have to do that, but I would recommend it. She has no right to make you feel like an idiot and you shouldn't have to fight with your doctor. If she doesn't know what to do with you, then she should be finding someone who does know!

Where are located?

Milagro · Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2007 7:39 am Post subject: Thanks guys.

I am in Arizona. Southern Arizona. I have heard great things about another rhuemie but she is an hour away and I would prefer not to drive that all the time. But, I need a good doc.

Missy · Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2007 6:04 pm Post subject:

I'm so sorry and hope things start going your way soon, no matter what you decide to do!
_________________
Missy

Kokopelli · Posted: Fri Mar 02, 2007 4:32 am Post subject:

Sometimes the drive is worth it (especially if you can 'make a day' of it and do something relaxing or fun while there). I used to drive my mom from Colorado Springs to Denver for her Lupus specialist and nephrologist.

Best of luck to you!
*hugs*

Mitch · Posted: Thu Mar 08, 2007 6:32 pm Post subject:

Hi Milagro,

I have a feeling your doctor's frustration comes from her own issues. She probably feels incompetent to treat you, and therefore has to make YOU feel like crap! You would think, "Not a typical case" would be a challenge for them to see what they're made of and try their best to help you. Instead, it's like she's upset w/you for not being easy! I would think it best to find another doc. too. I love my rheumy, I wish I could clone her and give you one! She gives 200% of herself, and whenever she is 'puzzled' by something, she researches it, and reads, and consults with other doctors. Maybe the trip will be worth it to the other doc. Good luck, and keep us posted.

Mitch

msdawnie44 · Posted: Fri Mar 09, 2007 9:31 am Post subject: Ditto on the Bad Doctor

I went through the same thing with my rhueme....I just went back to GP and he has been wonderful....he is currently treating me for the SLE....and we are currently searching for a good rhueme here.... I went through the almost exact same thing you are going through..its tough I know.....hang in there. I would definately drive the hour to see the other doctor.

Good Luck to you and God Bless
Dawn