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Posted 4/26/2012 5:39 PM (GMT -5)
Had my rheumatologist visit today, I go every 4 months.  I drive an hour to see her, which I don't mind.  But she told me today that she thinks my primary doctor can take over that she doesn't need to treat me anymore.  One, she is the only one who keeps on top of my blood/lab work.  Plus, after two years, she wants to put me back on cymbalta.  but not see me?  Still a little upset with her.   Putting me on cymbalta doesn't make too much sense right now since I have a bleeding ulcer (Monday nite) and am trying to get it under control.  grrrr
Posted 4/26/2012 6:32 PM (GMT -5)
Many rheumies will send care back to the PC doc, once care is established. It's when a diagnosis or treatment is not yet established that the rheumatologist's expert care is needed.

That being said, you get to make the call here. Get the care you feel comfortable with. Iactually stopped my rheumatologist a few years back, because she wanted to see me every three months, and wasn't doing anything except saying "keep doing what you are doing."
Posted 4/27/2012 2:48 AM (GMT 0)
Council lady, I hate you are going through things like me. I just so frustrated with Dr's lately myself.
Posted 4/26/2012 11:02 PM (GMT -5)
My husband was told by the rheumy that our PCP had his care under control and that his treatment was the same as what she would have ordered. Due to our Military insurance/ now Medicare, she said that seeing the PCP costs less than having to pay for the specialist and that due to the insurance, she had to refer us back, but to not hesitate if we had more problems in the future.

I hope you get that ulcer under control!
Posted 4/27/2012 7:13 AM (GMT -5)
You might want to look for another PCP is your's isn't taking regular blood work, etc.  I have blood work done every six months...at least...from my Internist.  By the way, Internists have more education than general practioners but are considered PCP's in medical plans so you might want to look in your plan for an Internist.  Anyway, a good PCP could take care of you, including the Cymbalta, and if you started having problems again could refer you back to a rheumy.

 

Sherrine 

Posted 4/27/2012 5:34 PM (GMT -5)
Thanks everyone,

I had to call my primary today to give her update on my ulcer, hmm, that was at 9:30 a.m, of course I had to leave a message for her to call me. 3:30 p.m and no call, so I called again. of course only spoke with the nurse.

In small towns it is hard to "shop" for doctors without driving an hour.

Monday I get to go back to the "big town" for an eye appt with a specialist. Wonder how that will go.
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