Chronic pain specialist vs rheumatologist

Posted , 5 users are following.

So this morning I called my pain management doctor (she’s the one who diagnosed me a little over a year ago) for a note for missing school two nights ago. I’m extremely storm sensitive and it was starting to snow that night. So I stayed home, took pain pills, smoked some weed and took a bath. Nothing was helping. I couldn’t even sit up. Well... my doctor said she will write a note this one time but that she feels I need to see a chronic pain specialist. I know some people with fibro have rheumotologists and others don’t. Have any of you seen both or recommend one over the other? I’m just tired of being in pain and want to make sure that I get the best care possible. 

Thanks guys! 

1 like, 2 replies

2 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi Jessica, I've seen both and more, some I paid to see some part of treat through doctor referral, Andy you know what I don't feel any better. Just as my mind tells me I'll be fine something else starts to hurt and all everyone can say is it's part of the fibromyalgia. What helps me is actually mindfulness, the art of which I have started to practice whilst the pain is not going at least I can push myself each day to do things, like work, seeing friends just having some form of social life. Sorry probably not the answer you're looking for, but not every professional is the same, where I live in Birmingham, UK they're not very good, or I'm just not looking in the right place but I'm hopeful. Don't give up.

  • Posted

    I saw a rheum for the first time the other day and he was kind of arrogant, unhelpful and did nothing. It was a waste of time and money tbh. I was prob unlucky with him, I'm sure other ones are probably better but I have felt alone in this battle with pain and fatigue for 3years.. I started seeing a naturopath about 2-3months ago and she has honestly been more helpful than any medical professional I have seen. I did a full elimination diet, had acupuncture, started supplements and yoga and like oompa said I'm really trying to follow mindfullness (I watched the secret on Netflix ) and I feel like I'm making progress. Fatigue is so much better, digestive issues have calmed down, muscle spasms are bearable etc I still have pain but I'm working on it and hopefull that I will continue to get better and better.

    There are many alternative options that you can look into. Nutrition can either fight disease or feed it, I truly believe that. I'm also looking into bone broth and I've tried Apple cider vinegar with some good results but it's difficult to drink it consistently coz it tastes so bad lol.

    I hope you feel better soon ?

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