Multiple illnesses... multiple doctors

[marti]

Ok.. for those of us who have many illnesses including other autoimmune diseases.

We all know that a lot of diseases share symptoms. So... how have you decided which doctor to see for various symptoms? I never know for sure what I am dealing with at any given time. I sit here feeling several symptoms and pains at one time and I try to decide which doctor gets the pleasure of trying to help me.

I know that the neuro won't be able to treat certain things, the gastro only covers some things, the rheumatologist has his list and the PCP will just send me around in circles to all of them. Does anyone "get" me? The frustration only serves to bring on more anxiety which leads to more symptoms that no one can explain.

Right now I'm sitting here with a variety of problems that should maybe be addressed by 3 or 4 different doctors. Or maybe just one would do. But I just don't know which one to call.

All I know is they all will say that the MS is making everything else seem worse. Back to square one.

[Tia1]

Oh Marti, I get it!! I have seen a rheumatologist , and a neurologist this week. Finally, decided to get a new PCP for the same reason. I need a coordinator of treatment, someone who will take the lead and some responsibility for helping me.

I hope that you find a doctor that can lead. I will be praying for you.

[marti]

Oh Marti, I get it!! I have seen a rheumatologist , and a neurologist this week. Finally, decided to get a new PCP for the same reason. I need a coordinator of treatment, someone who will take the lead and some responsibility for helping me.

I hope that you find a doctor that can lead. I will be praying for you.

Thanks Tia. It wouldn't be so bad if I lived closer to the city. Or if I could get these appointments made for the same day. Driving makes me really nervous so when I get to the doctor's my blood pressure is always UP.

[CyberTech]

I am like you in many ways too... and have Autoimmune Disorder .... well the Doctors tell me that.

HEY...we all know the Symptoms look like many other problems, like "Why do I have a head ache"? Look at all the reasons it could be... WOW

You take what we all may have in Symptoms, it looks like hundreds of diagnosis.

I do think the Doctors do not know in many cases like mine, and throw out a guess, give out RX's and send us home...

To the Doctors defense, it is NOT easy to give a good solid Diagnosis, is it?

YES I too am so discouraged when I see a Doctor, I feel as if I am complaining about phantom pains that they can not find out why....

So discouraged, but I cannot give up on ME !!!

[mjan]

Oh, Marti and others.. I know, I know this well.

At one time this summer, I was seeing 7 specialists for various things: MS, Dysautonomia, Gitelman's (rare kidney disorder), Post renal cancer surgery, Spinal stenosis, knee issues, Podiatrist-Foot/ankle issues, Cardiology, plus my primary, for treatment or annual visits. Three alone were Orthopedics.

What I look at is what can I live with, what needs immediate attention. But mostly, I think of the $$ as my copays are $45 for each of them, then all their tests etc. added to it.

I missed a whole year of Ortho help as my MS Neuro was treating trying to help me with some pain/muscle issues, only to learn most of it was from my spinal stenosis. MS was making my spinal issues more challenging. I refused two different surgeries by two different specialists. Bought some time.

BUT... I still feel lucky than most. I really am lucky. My MS has not really progressed, just annoying daily symptoms. I can deal with this..

Still..my little savings is dwindling..

HUGS and HEALING to all!
Jan

[marti]

Oh, Marti and others.. I know, I know this well.

At one time this summer, I was seeing 7 specialists for various things: MS, Dysautonomia, Gitelman's (rare kidney disorder), Post renal cancer surgery, Spinal stenosis, knee issues, Podiatrist-Foot/ankle issues, Cardiology, plus my primary, for treatment or annual visits. Three alone were Orthopedics.

What I look at is what can I live with, what needs immediate attention. But mostly, I think of the $$ as my copays are $45 for each of them, then all their tests etc. added to it.

I missed a whole year of Ortho help as my MS Neuro was treating trying to help me with some pain/muscle issues, only to learn most of it was from my spinal stenosis. MS was making my spinal issues more challenging. I refused two different surgeries by two different specialists. Bought some time.

BUT... I still feel lucky than most. I really am lucky. My MS has not really progressed, just annoying daily symptoms. I can deal with this..

Still..my little savings is dwindling..

HUGS and HEALING to all!
Jan

"I missed a whole year of Ortho help as my MS Neuro was treating trying to help me with some pain/muscle issues, only to learn most of it was from my spinal stenosis. "

This says it all Sister. Every doctor likes to mix MS in with everything else and they miss some important stuff along the way. We are on our own aren't we! I am still trying to decide which doctor to call first. Then I have to deal with the problem of getting there on my own. And I can't tell you how many appointments I have cancelled because I feel so exhausted and sick by the time the date rolls around.

I guess this is just me ranting a little. I honestly just wanted to know if others with various illnesses have the same problem. And it looks like we do. Thanks so much and good luck to everyone.

[mjan]

"I missed a whole year of Ortho help as my MS Neuro was treating trying to help me with some pain/muscle issues, only to learn most of it was from my spinal stenosis. "

This says it all Sister. Every doctor likes to mix MS in with everything else and they miss some important stuff along the way. We are on our own aren't we! I am still trying to decide which doctor to call first. Then I have to deal with the problem of getting there on my own. And I can't tell you how many appointments I have cancelled because I feel so exhausted and sick by the time the date rolls around.

I guess this is just me ranting a little. I honestly just wanted to know if others with various illnesses have the same problem. And it looks like we do. Thanks so much and good luck to everyone.

Aww, Mari, if I lived anywhere close to you or others, I would drive you to your appointments. In the defense of my MS doc, she was trying to help with pain as I can no longer take NSAID (Ibruprofin type) due to having only 1 kidney now. And I fall or really lose my balance on other meds for pain. Hope you feel better and get the help you need soon. hUGS, Jan

[marti]

Aww, Mari, if I lived anywhere close to you or others, I would drive you to your appointments. In the defense of my MS doc, she was trying to help with pain as I can no longer take NSAID (Ibruprofin type) due to having only 1 kidney now. And I fall or really lose my balance on other meds for pain. Hope you feel better and get the help you need soon. hUGS, Jan

Jan I don't know how you do it! I think we talked on the phone once several years ago. I really should call you. Thanks for all the encouragement, understanding and love thru all of this. You really inspire me. Are you on Facebook? That would be a good way to communicate phone numbers. I don't know how to do it here. Take care.

[randrk]

I am like you in many ways too... and have Autoimmune Disorder .... well the Doctors tell me that.

HEY...we all know the Symptoms look like many other problems, like "Why do I have a head ache"? Look at all the reasons it could be... WOW

You take what we all may have in Symptoms, it looks like hundreds of diagnosis.

I do think the Doctors do not know in many cases like mine, and throw out a guess, give out RX's and send us home...

To the Doctors defense, it is NOT easy to give a good solid Diagnosis, is it?

YES I too am so discouraged when I see a Doctor, I feel as if I am complaining about phantom pains that they can not find out why....

So discouraged, but I cannot give up on ME !!!

Hi. Never surrender. Have you tried or heard about ldn?

Check out "info on naltrexone" in the "questions thread". I'd like hear from anyone who has tried it.

Hang in there.