This morning I had my quarterly visit with my Rheumatologist. He is a great guy. He is very supportive, understands Fibro (has many patients) and just generally a great guy. Probably in his late 40's - early 50s. So, he can relate to many of the things I'm going through and has an excellent sense of humor.
I had to fast and go for blood work and this doctor is about 20 + miles away. That part, at 7:30 am, was quite a challenge. Having had nothing to eat or drink and nothing to keep me awake (aka caffeine). It was one of those drives where you don't remember the trip that well and just know you made it there alive. I was half awake, if that. Very scary. If you feel that way, please see if you can get a friend or family member to drive you to an appointment that is early, and you haven't eaten in the past 12 hours.
The blood work was a cinch. I think we all get used to being "poked and prodded" all the time. Then I quickly headed to my car for my "breakfast", which consisted of red grapes, an energy bar, tea, vitamins and, OF COURSE, my meds. : ) It worked and I was STARVING!
Then I read my bible for a while and headed up to the doctor's office for my exam. The good news is that I've lost 7 lbs since 6 months ago. They only had a portion of my blood work and nothing, so far, was of any concern. I actually wish I had my cholesterol results. But I'm "pretty sure" they should be OK. But you never know.
Why am I boring you with the story of my rheumatologist visit? Because I want to make a point.
I chose to go to this rheumatologist, after going to one who was very close by and would be much more convenient. When I went to her, she had the "bedside manner" of a, well, turnip, to put it nicely. I felt that she was looking at me with "incredulity" and that I was just another whiny Fibro patient in her "book".
Bad vibes, gut feelings, whatever you want to call them, SHOULD be trusted. Trust them!!! Always!
I then found out about this group 20 miles away. I thought, "Oh, but the drive", however I had to find a "home" and a doctor that I liked. So, I took the trip and have been going since March of 1999. Do I like that drive, probably not. But I do it because this doctor has Fibro patients, feels I'm doing the best I can with what I have, cares, and is also my "internist" or "primary care physician". So, if I get a sore throat, or whatever, I go to him for everything. That is also a bit of an inconvenience but, again, I like him!
The moral of the story is this, my dear Fibro friends; find yourself a doctor that cares and you trust and you've found GOLD. I know I can call him with the littlest worry and he won't laugh. I can talk to him about anything. He's great.
If you live in the Northern NJ area and want his name, please comment and we'll plan a way that we can get in touch.
Otherwise, for those of you who have yet to find a doctor, start by word of mouth. I asked another doctor who she went to. She was actually my therapist for many years. If that doesn't work, go to the AMA website or a Fibro website and there will often be a section on locating good doctors in your state. One site is "Co-cure.org", but I know that there are others.
Please let me know if you have any questions or comments.
Until later........have a wonderful day....
Blessings...........
Mo M.
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