Your Most Supportive Physician

[PlateletGal]

I was just wondering which one of your physicians (assuming that you have more than one).... has been the most supportive of you and your health concerns ?

[FurballsMom]

I wanted to vote twice, too, because my primary care doctor is pretty supportive, even though there was a time or two that I didn't agree with her.  Just the same, she is the one who found most of my trigger points, so she hasn't declared that I officially have CFS/FMS, but she doesn't doubt that I have something along those lines.  That's something when dealing with so many people and doctors that doubt my word.  I know that others know what I'm talking about here only too well.

The naturopath has been very helpful all around, though, for all the major issues I deal with.  I think she is more helpful than the GI doctor for the IBS issues.

[zippazappa]

I havent recieved much support at all even though i battled with a reacuring flare up for about 3 years and had mulltiple tests only when admited to A&E. my doctors have been a extrra nightmare on top of coming to terms with the dx. i was sent to a rhumy for suspected rhumathiod arthritus in all joints that took 12mth and i was shuffled out of there in five minutes with nothing (they recomended him to be the best in the north west...and the rest) and i havent been sent to a specialist for anythink, i know where in the dark ages here in the uk but my god i relised that i knew more about my condition then the gp who treats me.. still battling to get anywhere

[droopy56]

My first rheumy was an idiot, along with my first neuro (who is nothing but a semi-retired fee collector). the first rheumy did nothing to address my pain during the year I saw her, she contradicted everything I told her about what I was going through, and wouldn't see me when I was 5 minutes late for my last appt with her ( a 40-minute drive, one-way). Thanks to the fog, I forgot where her office was located. Six months later, I finally got in to see my current rheumy, who is the only one in town, incidentally. He found all my tender points and concurred with the initial Dx which was fibro. He immediately put me on Lyrica and Darvocet and wants me to see someone in neuro at the Cleveland clinic, but I just can't afford to at this time. Overall, so far, so good with him. My PCP seems grossly uneducated about fibro since she never heard about anything but antidepressants for treatment, but she is pretty good with other ailments, so I'll keep her too.

[lvfrogs]

Wow, this sentence says it all for me:

A great doc seen less often is far more valuable than a disbelieving doc you see monthly.  

So true and one bit of wisdom that I need to remember, thank you!

[ohanamama]

I picked my Rheumatologist because, in the beginning, he was instrumental in diagnosing my multiple conditions.  But from there, I say I trust and feel supported by all of my doctors fairly equally.  They wouldn't remain as my doctor if they didn't fully support and understand my medical situation.  My advice, do as I did, and drop those doctors that aren't fully on board and keep looking until you find someone who is.  Even if that means traveling further than you might like (I have to fly to get to one of my doctors).  A great doc seen less often is far more valuable than a disbelieving doc you see monthly.  At least, for me it is.

[buriedinfur]

My rheumy was great...but she diagnosed me and then that was it. She told me my PCP was the one to treat me from there on out. But I'm really lucky in that he's a fabulous man. :)

Thank GOD I switched. The one before didn't believe a thing that came out of my mouth.

[kiddthekatt]

  I wanted to pick 2 also, my Internist and my Rheumy have both been there every step of the way. I've been very fortunate.

[lvfrogs]

So far, I haven't had any support but my primary at least believes that I have CFS.

[PlateletGal]

Since I couldn't choose two, I chose my Endocrinologist. I've also had tremendous support and understanding from alternative medicine practitioners.