I was starting to feel a little nervous about the appt. Did I set my expectations too high for this new doctor? Could I really expect so much during a first visit??
Well, let me tell you
Dr. B was AWESOME!!!!! He met all of my expectations and then some. He was truly caring, patient, understanding, and easy to talk to!!
First, let me begin by stating I have Secondary Fibromyalgia syndrome. The secondary doesn't mean "less pain." It means that the fibro started after another illness. We don't know if it was the MS or the rheumatoid arthritis - but most likely the rheumatoid arthritis.
Anyway, I have an actual diagnosis!! And this man REALLY knows his stuff. We had just started the visit, and when I started telling him about my pain, he said that he already knew I had fibro - even before examining me.
I have swelling and inflammation in my fingers, wrists, elbows and a little in my knees. He said I have primary osteoarthritis, which is already deforming some of my joints - particularly in my hands.
He said that he does agree with the rheumatoid arthritis the other rheumie made, but he still wants to double check everything. He also wants to up my methotrexate. He said I'm not on a high enough dosage to help with my pain. (in a month or so. He wants to change my meds slowly)
He also prescribed cymbalta (today). He said that it sometimes helps with pain. It will be 5 to 6 weeks before I see a difference.
Sadly, he also felt like I needed to be on prednisone for the rest of my life.
He said that predisone was my best defense against the crippling effects of the different kinds of arthritis.
Now, for the BEST news. . . *drumroll please* He will HELP me with my disability case. He said that I certainly deserved it to make up for my family what I couldn't earn b/c I'm too sick to work!!! (is your jaw hitting the floor?? Mine was!!! Could this man really be this compassionate, understanding, and helpfull?? And the answer is YES!!! )
He said there would be a charge for medical records, but he would fill out any forms and such to help!!
He also told me that I have an amazing outlook for everything that I've been though. He said that having ONE of these diseases is bad enough. . but having MS, RA, osteoarthritis, AND fibro is more than my fair share. And I have a very good attitude about it. He said that I am certainly entitled to have more "psychological bruising" than I do.
Anyway, that was my visit. Dr. B has written articles about fibro and everything. He was VERY knowledgeable about fibro and arthritis. He was compassionate, caring, and empathetic. He was awesome!!!!!!!!
I am THRILLED that I was referred to him!
Oh, he also made some jokes and told me that my pain was "all in my head." I just looked at him - confused. He then told me that it was PHYSICALLY in my head and the way my brain processes pain! He said there was no psychological component - it was all chemical!
I have the BEST rheumie ever! 
Re: I have the BEST rheumie ever! 
