Immunologist or Rheumatologist? - Immune Disorders Message Board

readingteacher · 06-01-2004, 06:53 AM

I am a 46 year old female. I have had a diagnosis of endometriosis, and ended up with a total hysterectomy when I was 41. I recently had a positive ANA test, 1:320 with homogenous pattern. This was done to see why I have had such problems with joint pain and arthritis. I have dry eyes (punctal plugs in place), chronic sinusitis, fatigue, night sweats, GERD, depression and of course, the arthritis. I have seen a Rheumatologist who has said that I don't have lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, but rather osteoarthritis. He is doing some more bloodwork on the lupus issue, but I don't have the results yet. With all of this said, would I be better off seeking an immunologist? What is the difference between the immunologist and rheum.? OR do I just accept his diagnosis and go on?

teachergirl64 · 06-01-2004, 05:30 PM

I may be wrong, but I am thinking that an immunologist deals mainly with allergies/hypersensitivities and a rheumatologist treats joint/connective tissue diseases.

readingteacher · 06-01-2004, 05:37 PM

Actually, I think that you're probably right. So the only specialist for immune disorders is a rheumatologist?

teachergirl64 · 06-02-2004, 05:40 AM

Yep, afraid so. A good internist can treat it, but most won't. I wish mine would, but he insists that I need a specialist.....

Redwiz · 06-04-2004, 08:07 AM

While I treat with my Rheumatolgist routinely twice a year, I routinely treat with my Integrative MD, who specializes in Immune disorders on a regular basis. I find that this works well in controlling or keeping my Lupus at bay.