#rheumatologist doctor online

[marketcontent]

Best Rheumatologist Doctors Near Me

Rheumatologists are doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and management of a wide range of musculoskeletal and autoimmune conditions. Patients with illnesses affecting the bones, joints, tendons, and various connective tissues can receive treatment from them. Consult a board-certified rheumatologist in Mumbai for the best care if you've been dealing with back pain, joint pain that won't go away, or joint pain combined with muscle pain. These days, you can easily make an appointment with rheumatologist doctors online without going to a clinic. Some medical professionals also offer online consultation services.

A quick search for the ‘best rheumatologist near me’ on Justdial will provide you access to top rheumatologists online. Get their contact number directly on this platform along with information about their experience, booking policy, consultation hours, etc. Justdial has the best answers for everything related to ‘rheumatologist doctor near me.

[engadoctor]

Get the Rheumatologist consultation and treat your arthritis soon via EngaDoctor

Enga Doctor is the online consultation platform to connect directly with doctors regarding the health issues. Basically, the rise in online consultation began when people became too busy to visit doctors physically, and this Online trend has grown in the last few years because of the pandemic. Enga Doctor offers a lot of benefits via Online Doctor consultations to patients.

Rheumatologist:

A rheumatologist is a specialist who diagnoses and treats arthritis and other immune-related diseases and conditions.

When you need immediate consultation from Rheumatologist:

You are recommended to visit rheumatologist if you have chronic joint or musculoskeletal pain that does not go away on its own or reoccurs frequently after short-term treatment. Here, Your primary care physician may refer you to a rheumatologist, who will work with you on your treatment and healing.

The main symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are joint pain, swelling and stiffness. It may also cause general symptoms, and inflammation in other parts of the body. The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis often develop gradually over weeks, but some cases can progress quickly over few days.

Online consultation from EngaDoctor:

Enga Doctor gave you all access to video consultation with doctors. You can connect with doctors anytime online, since it is available 24/7, from the comfort of your home or anywhere.

Services available in EngaDoctor:

* Book appointments

* Order medicines

* Consult doctors online

* Book lab tests and checkups

* Store health records

* Read health tips.

Medical care from Rheumatologist:

The Rheumatologist will treat the following disorders

* Osteoarthritis.

* Rheumatoid arthritis.

* Musculoskeletal pain disorders.

* Osteoporosis.

* Gout.

* Back pain.

Conclusion :

A Rheumatologist is an internist or pediatrician who received further training in the diagnosis or detection, and treatment of diseases that affect the muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons and treat them effectively. These diseases can cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and potentially cause joint deformities and Rheumatologist will treat all this disease.

[thebibliosphere]

Hello,

I feel like I may have EDS, but I’m really not sure. Recently I’ve injured myself and can’t move as I did before (especially my hands). What type doctor diagnosed you with EDS? I’m looking up signs of EDS online and a many of the figures hit a little too close to home, but I’ve never been super flexible, like I can’t do the splits or anything like that.

Ooft, ouch. Sorry about the injury :(

So there's a difference between flexible (muscles, tendons) and hypermobile (joint), so it's very possible to have EDS and be hypermobile but not hyper-flexible!

I'm not considered overly flexible (I can't do the splits either!), but a lot of my joints are hypermobile, which is why I was diagnosed with hEDS (hypermobile EDS) and not cEDS (classical EDS).

I was evaluated by a specialist almost by sheer chance. I went to see her about my mast cell issues, and when she shook my hand upon greeting me, she looked down at how my finger joints flexed in her hand, looked back up a my face, and said, "Oh, this is now an ehlers danlos screening."

So that's how I got diagnosed. After years of being told I wasn't flexible enough by rheumatologists, an expert recognized that I was hypermobile instead and diagnosed me correctly based on a series of tests. Since then, I've been able to visit EDS-aware physical therapists who have all confirmed that my body is weird and needs special attention to hypermobility muscle retraining.

It can be really overwhelming trying to find a knowledgeable healthcare provider, so if you haven't already, I'd recommend checking out the Ehlers Danlos Society healthcare professional directory:

This is a curated list of EDS-aware and EDS-specialist doctors from patients around the world. Hopefully, you'll be able to find someone or at least a better idea of where to start.

Good luck with your health journey-- I hope things can improve for you soon.

[jmtorres]

Hi, this is random, but would you mind sharing more about your gut issues/long covid? (I.e. diagnosis, treatment). I have chronic fatigue, and gut issues that are definitely linked to that, but all of my doctors are being extremely useless about it. (No worries if this is not the kind of info you want to share with a total stranger on the internet)

(This is in reference to my comment on this post)

@reptilerex I appreciate you recognizing the sensitivity of this ask, I am going to go ahead and answer it because I feel like the likelihood that you or someone you know (or even others of my readers) are struggling with long covid and finding adequate medical help vastly outweighs the minuscule probability that you've hacked into HIPAA records and are planning to dox me lol

so in the immediate aftermath of my first bout of covid (despite vaxxing and masking regularly, I'm up to two now 😭) my obvious symptoms were fatigue – going to the grocery store would wear me out for 2+ days – and a 20 year-old scar from a car accident reopened, which sounds like some scurvy ass bullshit, and I do wonder if the fact that my friend @niqaeli, who knew that long covid symptoms are highly correlated with MCAS symptoms and was encouraging me to start MCAS otc treatments like vitamin C supplements, helped. (worth noting that while I didn't hear anything about old scars reopening as a covid/post covid thing before it happened to me, but when I told people about it, they were like "oh yeah, that happened to me or someone I know" SO often) My doctor sent me to a wound specialist for that, and they kept poking it trying to figure out if there was some embedded shrapnel that they hadn't realized was in there originally, but ultimately it just healed back over much redder and angrier than the first time.

so then, the fatigue. My doctor had me wait three months because it wasn't officially long covid until three months. obnoxious as hell. I found out the DMV accepts long covid for a disability placard reason and got my doctor to write me a DMV form about how I couldn't walk hardly any distance. she was willing to do that before the three month mark.

I was Johnny on the spot coming back three months after, the first thing she did was send me for a chest x-ray because the obvious/expected reason for fatigue is you're not getting enough O2 in your blood. There was nothing wrong with my lungs and we were kind of at a dead end until I presented my doctor with more options.

I mean, I was kind of like, my PCP is being useless, I have a PPO, why can't I just go directly to a specialist, but it turns out specialist won't take you without a referral because reasons. I had heard rheumatologist is as good at figuring out weird vague shit so I tried to book there but when I told them long covid, they said that wasn't their department. They said I needed to go see an immunologist which sounded wrong to me, but there was a pretty good HIV specialist immunologist in the area that I tried to book with who said no that's not what long covid is. someone recommended a Long Covid Specialty clinic in a city that is 2 to 5 hours away depending on traffic and I knew I wasn't making that drive in my current condition so was like somebody local gotta help me.

so I went back to my PCP and said to her that I had learned from disability communities online that sometimes a rheumatologist can be helpful. And she said OK we can do some blood tests for inflammation markers to see if I can justify a referral to a rheumatologist. (and I thought of my weird scar issue and thought gee I better have some weird inflammation markers)

So I had some inflammation markers pop and I got a referral to a rheumatologist, and they were actually willing to see me. The rheumatologist ordered so many tests, like an unbelievable number of tests. I think they drew like eight vials of blood. Plus other samples. The rheumatologist was basically like let's look for anything and everything.

I had a borderline response on Calprotectin. To quote from the explainer in the test notes:

Calprotectin in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can be five to several thousand times above the reference population (50 mcg/g or less). Levels are usually 50 mcg/g or less in healthy patients and with irritable bowel syndrome.

so I wasn't high enough to qualify for IBD outright from that test results, but I was high enough that it flagged to the rheumatologist, and I had reported a family history (brother has IBD), so he said that was enough to diagnose and started prescribing me for that.

The thing is, rheumatology is an ass backwards way to get an IBD diagnosis and I was having another symptom that I hadn't reported because I was a dumbass and this is the apocryphal frog boiling slowly thing. I was having fairly regular loose stool/diarrhea. if I had told my PCP that could I have gotten a referral to a gastroenterologist and gotten a less ass backwards diagnosis?

I hadn't told my PCP about loose stools for two reasons:

I didn't think it was relevant to the fatigue, and in fact, I still didn't think it was relevant when the rheumatologist called it, and I was really surprised when taking medication for IBD did actually turn out to help the fatigue

I knew I was lactose intolerant, so I thought it was already explained. However, the rheumatologist and I had this exchange:

Him: so do you still drink regular milk or just Lactaid?

Me: Lactaid

Him: then you shouldn't still be having diarrhea

Me:…

I can't remember the first med he started me on because I was only on it for a couple of weeks before we had to switch. (it helped a lot when I could tolerate it but about every three days I had to throw up and then I felt awful and didn't take the med for a couple of days and you can guess how that went.) the one that I went on long-term that actually worked without side effects for me was mesalamine/lialda. I also started experimenting with some dietary changes, the low FODMAP diet is intended for IBS not IBD, but you are still expected to have IBD triggers so I was playing around with that.

for a few weeks, I had incredible improving energy. It was crazy.

then I made what I can only now think of as a mistake in trying to be proactive about my care. because I had stumbled ass backwards into an IBD diagnosis and I felt like I should have gastroenterologist confirm it, and I went to go see my brother's gastroenterologist. he wanted to do a colonoscopy and he asked me to go off the mesalamine for six weeks so that he could see what my colon was like without treatment and it was the worst fucking six weeks of my life. Hated it. colonoscopy results: he didn't see anything fucking wrong and would not diagnose IBD or prescribe mesalamine based on what he found. I said, but the mesalamine improves my symptoms, what does that mean? He said, it means keep seeing your rheumatologist.

I went back to the rheumatologist and told him about the whole debacle with the gastroenterologist and he was like "so how did he explain your inflammation readings?" like CHECKMATE. And he concluded that any lesions I had must be in the small intestine, not the large intestine and so were not seen by colonoscopy.

I kept taking mesalamine. My improvement was slower after the break from it which sucks but I did get back to normal lab work within six months, hallelujah.

Follow up: MORE stuff that might have been avoided if I had gastroenterologist regularly, had gotten an IBD diagnosis from a gastroenterologist, or had mentioned my shitty symptoms in the immediate: the gallbladder bullshit this summer

I had my second round of covid in May and I didn't notice a lot of fatigue coming out of it, though I was more cautious with myself the second time around, but I was sort of holding my breath for what horrible nonsense is going to come out of this now? so then I had what I thought was a really bad case of Gerd that didn't go away for two weeks even though my Gerd usually resolves in like a day. I went to my PCP twice during this period and then ultimately ended up at the ER when I realized my pain was in my side not central anymore and I was worried about appendicitis. It wasn't appendicitis. It was my gallbladder. and it came out that night. overall, I am very happy with how the hospital handled the emergency for instance, I didn't realize until two weeks later that I seriously could've died because they were so calm about it the whole time but like they don't do same-day surgery unless death is on the line, let's be real.

but here's things that could have been helped if I had better gastroenterology care:

I didn't find this out until I was researching gallstones after the fact, and I would like to think a gastroenterologist would have warned me whereas the rheumatologist wasn't super aware of it but: IBD can lead to gallstones because one of the ways a cholesterol gallstone forms is, if you get an imbalance of bile and cholesterol in your gallbladder; your body wants to recycle bile by reabsorbing it at the end of your small intestine, but if you have IBD, sometimes it loses the bile instead of reabsorbing it, and then you get an overabundance of cholesterol, turning into a gallstone the size of a golf ball

I told my PCP it was a case of Gerd that wouldn't go away, but I didn't tell her I was also having diarrhea. Diarrhea is not a Gerd symptom. Maybe if I had just fucking told her she might've recognized or could've sent me to somebody who would have recognized it as a gallbladder symptom before it turned into an immediate emergency

tl;dr don't hide your gut symptoms from your doctor because you "think" you know what's wrong with your guts or that it's not related to your other problems or you're embarrassed or what the fuck ever just tell them that you're shitting yourself because it might turn out to be important

[drsuessrhymelord]

My bones have been hurting for years master post. Shot in the dark to the chronic illness side of tumblr, maybe someone here can point me in a direction that “X” amount of doctors haven’t. I have always been so quick hide or pretend my pain wasn’t there/as bad as it was, even when at times I was in so much pain I had a hard time moving, I’m now trying to figure out how heal/live with whatever this is.

I am in pain most all the time, I am exhausted all of the time, I have a very hard time sleeping/resting. Walking hurts, standing hurts, sitting hurts. I hardly eat due to no appetite/digestive issues and severe (SEVERE) stomach pain. My ankles, legs, and knees hurt whenever I lay down. My right hip/sciatica hurts when I walk. My lower back is a wreck (no cartilage between bottom two vertebrate) and sometimes causes so much pain I can’t walk in my own. There’s constant muscle ache in my whole back, neck, and shoulders. My forearms, wrists, and hands ache constantly, and sometimes get worse with applying pressure, gripping, or cracking knuckles.

With all of this, I am extremely athletic, I coach parkour and in college could have moved forward with playing professional ultimate frisbee. My body has always been able to do far more than it looks like it should be able to do in a 5’7 frame (strength, agility, vertical, dexterity) and I love being able to do these things; however, it’s gotten to a point where though I can still do all of these things, the toll it takes on my body just isn’t worth it, which has taken a huge toll on my already unwell mental health (depression, anxiety, suicidal tendencies).

Even if it’s just a chronic fatigue/pain syndrome or something, I just want to try to figure out what’s happening to my body, so I can learn to live with them. I’ve had Lyme, I tested positive for indicators for lupus, but after a rheumatologist appointment and more testing my doctor said she could confidently rule that out. She suggested the possibility of a hypermobility or connective tissue disorder, and I have very little resources for that where I am, but will be exhausting what I have. (Doesn’t seem to be consistent with EDS)

I just don’t know what to do anymore, and I’m hoping maybe a random online stranger might empathize with some of what I deal with and maybe have some tips or direction. Interaction and DM’s are welcomed

[vitiligo-is-not-a-trend]

Hi there, I was recently told by my dermatologist that she’s 90% sure I’ve got vitiligo (she wants to take a sample to test to make sure there’s nothing else going on before she diagnoses me for sure.)

I went online to look for tips for caring for my vitiligo and the like but found so many people so uncomfortable in their skin because of it and trying to get rid of it and I struggled to understand why. I’ve always thought it beautiful, so it really confused me.

I am fat, disabled, autistic and visibly queer so I don’t really feel the same weight of beauty standards because of being so on the outer edge of societal norms. I am also privileged in the way that I am white and pale so my vitiligo doesn’t stand out all that much. I think I’ve been ignorant and insensitive and I want to fix that.

I would really love to be more informed and understanding about the community going forward so that I don’t do any harm and I remain mindful. Do you know any good resources that I can read or research? I’m having a hard time finding anything that isn’t about getting rid of it.

I sincerely apologize if any of this comes off poorly, thank you for your time.

Hi!

Yeah it's rather unfortunate that a lot of the material surrounding vitiligo is about getting rid of it </3

I'm sure your dermatologist has probably already discussed this so sorry if I'm just repeating stuff you already know lol. But when it comes to caring for vitiligo the main things you want to pay attention to are things like sun exposure and UV intensity. Wearing sun screen as frequently as possible is also a really good idea. Usually the worst time of day is around noon to one pm but during the summer time it might be an all day thing.

I am not a doctor/dermatologist so cant really offer any medical advice besides the few things I remember my dermatologist telling me when I first got diagnosed years ago.

Idk how in-depth you want to go with the research stuff but there are medical studies out there that talk about genetic factors and what not. A few years ago I did a presentation on it for a biology course in college and luckily I saved it to my personal slides account so I still have the bibliography that I used!

Spritz, Richard A, and Genevieve H L Andersen. “Genetics of Vitiligo.” Dermatologic clinics vol. 35,2 (2017): 245-255. doi:10.1016/j.det.2016.11.013

Al-Shobaili, Hani A. “Update on the genetics characterization of vitiligo.” International journal of health sciences vol. 5,2 (2011): 167-79. 

“Vitiligo: MedlinePlus Genetics.” MedlinePlus - Health Information from the National Library of Medicine, https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/vitiligo/#frequency. Accessed 12 Apr. 2021.Boggs, Will. 

“Autoimmune Diseases Common in Patients with Vitiligo - The Rheumatologist.” The Rheumatologist, https://www.the-rheumatologist.org/article/autoimmune-diseases-common-in-patients-with-vitiligo/. Accessed 12 Apr. 2021.

“Vitiligo: MedlinePlus Genetics.” MedlinePlus - Health Information from the National Library of Medicine, https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/vitiligo/#frequency. Accessed 12 Apr. 2021.

“Medico-Historical Study of ‘Kilasa’ (Vitiligo/Leucoderma) a Common Skin Disorder - PubMed.” PubMed, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17154114/. Accessed 12 Apr. 2021.

As for when it comes to the community the best research will probably be from just talking to people who've had the condition! Personal anecdotes are def the way to go, so searching for any community groups might be worth a shot!

Also don't worry you don't have top apologize <3

[fictionplumis]

So I went to a dermatologist last week, and I gotta say, we both definitely left an impression on each other. She proved to be a better rheumatologist than the rheumatologist I'm actually seeing, she left me with three stitches, and I'm pretty sure I traumatized her.

To preface, I am going through mysterious symptoms that I've had for about three years now, which suddenly got nearly debilitating these last six months or so. It hasn't been easy to see doctors due to my lack of insurance, the American healthcare system, and the fact that the only people with cars in my family work full time and can't take time off. I finally fixed the lack of insurance the beginning of this year, but, y'know.

Anyway, after some testing done at a very cheap local clinic for poor people, bless them for existing and offering labs for $3, they suggested I have an autoimmune thing and needed specialized tests, and referred me to a rheumatologist.

Now since I've had nothing but time to research my symptoms in a desperate hope I can save myself some money by going, "Hey, I think it's this, can we test for this?" me and my family have a theory that it's polymyositis.

Well, technically, dermapolymyositis because I have a rash on my back that my mom noticed six months ago by sheer coincidence. We don't know how long it's been there, I was helping her with something and the back of my shirt rode up and she saw it. Doesn't hurt or itch, I've tried three different prescription creams on it that do nothing, it's just there.

Keep in mind that me looking up my stuff up online isn't just, like... WebMD.

My mom is a medical assistant for a company that does house calls. My sister is a pharmacist who just finished her BA to become a physician's assistant. She's shadowed with my PCP for about three years and we have his personal number on speed dial in case any of us need anything. For regular medical stuff, I am SPOILED.

This rheumatologist is the first specialist I've ever had to see and apparently she doesn't want to be there because she would rather blame my symptoms on everything BUT something in her specialty. She's also apparently never seen a poor person before, because the ideal that I haven't seen every other specialist under the sun before her is just BAFFLING to her.

"Your heart rate is over 150? Have you seen a cardiologist?" NO. Because my PCP has done EKGs on me and determined that it's fast but not actually an immediate problem, and probably a symptom of a larger problem.

"You're shaky and claim you have muscle weakness. Have you seen a neurologist?" NO. Because the shakiness is a direct result of the muscle fatigue and worsens whenever I do any physical activity, and it's also not on just one side of my body, so we suspect and it's a symptom of a larger problem.

"You have a rash, have you had a dermatologist biopsy it?" NO. Because it's not causing me distress and we believe it's a symptom of a larger problem.

"You have problems with heartburn, have you seen a gastroenterologist?" NO. Because we believe it's a symptom of a larger problem and I'm fucking poor and don't have a lot of available rides to doctors, so we're starting with the most pressing issue, which is that I can't stand for more than 30 seconds without my legs shaking from the strain and after some blood tests we think it's autoimmune related.

"Do you have an exercise routine?" NO. I cannot. Physically. Just taking a shower is exercise.

"This could be because you don't exercise." HONEY. The week before this started I was building bookcases in the living room and toting heavy boxes to the garage in an attempt to reorganize my entire house. I am only 140 pounds, not that weight is any indication of health, but you seem like that kinda person.

"Have you tried doing water exercises in a pool?" The nearest pool is a fifteen minute drive, I have no one that can drive me there and back on a regular basis, no energy to struggle to put on a bathing suit, and plus I have to pay to enter.

"You marked down that you have depression and you're taking antidepressants, depression will do this." I also marked down that I've been dealing with my MILD depression since high school, I know what it does to me, and I didn't start taking those antidepressants until my symptoms got so bad I couldn't do any of my hobbies or leave my house for more than doctors appointments and thus was crying constantly because I was stressed, scared, and didn't know if this would ever get resolved.

"It's low B12." BITCH.

Anyway. We decided the dermatologist would be easy to see first, since that one would be a go in, get a biopsy, and wait for results instead of a ton of different tests and followup appointments, we did that first.

She asks if I've had any other symptoms besides the rash, so me and my mom explain a quick rundown of all that's been going on and the first thing the dermatologist-- wait, no, sorry, the dermatologist's PA because we weren't even seeing the actual dermatologist--she goes, "Have you ever heard of something called dermamyositis?"

Me and my mom just laugh.

So technically, Myositis is the actual illness, right? When you add poly to the front, it just means that the condition is affecting a ton of different parts of your body, like say, your kidneys making stones (I've had two, I'm not even 30), or your heart, or your nerves, or your digestion. When Myositis comes with a skin reaction, like a rash, you add derma to the front. If I have myositis, I would technically have polydermamyositis. Just a fun fact.

Unfortunately, she's not a rheumatologist, and the most she can offer is to biopsy the rash.

Now, I'm a cocky little shit with a very high pain tolerance and no fear of medical procedures unless they happen to be OBGYN related. I've had one medical punch biopsy done, and a dermal punch used on me four times in a non-medical setting. That's how piercers do microdermal piercings. They use a dermal punch to punch a hole in your skin and then they push the jewelry in. Without any lidocaine, mind you, because they're not a doctor.

So I'm like, "Look, I know the lidocaine burns, we can just forgo that. I have scars on my chest from piercings that used a dermal punch. Just do the thing."

And she was Not About That.

Not because she doesn't think I can handle it, she hastes to point out so my ego isn't bruised! But because she wouldn't be comfortable with it and it would terrify her.

I relent, and her nurse starts to prep the lidocaine.

And sutures. Which is when I get the sneaking suspicion that this is NOT like the other punch biopsies I've had done.

My mom picks that time to mention my very fast heart rate, which the PA is like, "Is it fast right now? We should check, now I'm curious, because you've only been sitting there talking to me for the last thirty minutes." She's fascinated about what's going on with me outside of her specialty.

She tries to check my pulse in my wrist manually to count it, but she's my holding my hand in a way that's making my thumb jerk and shake. Because it just. Does that. Sometimes. If my hand is turned the right way. If I point my foot, my whole leg will jerk up and down. It's a Whole Thing.

"Huh. Either it's too fast for me to count or your shaking is throwing me off."

They get a machine. My heart rate is around 120.

She turns to the nurse laying out all her stuff and is like, "Hey, can you, uh... Remake that lidocaine shot without epinephrine?"

Probably a good call on that one.

She plans on doing two biopsies. Her nurse gives me the shots, but it's weird because I don't feel the prick or the burn of the first shot, and I feel the prick but no burn on the second shot.

They wait about fifteen minutes and then the PA starts the procedure. It's a deep dermal punch. I was right about it being different. I was also right about the lidocaine shots being weird.

She asks me the typical questions doctors ask after numbing you and starting to do something. "You can't feel anything, right?" Clearly expecting the answer to that to be no, especially since I am Not Moving An Inch.

And I very calmly say, "No, I do."

To her credit, she barely pauses what she's doing but sounds very freaked out when she goes, "Wait, you DO? You DO feel something."

And I very calmly say, "Yes. I do. I feel what you're doing."

Probably not the whole brunt of it, but I've had stitches before. It's a weird tugging sensation that's only uncomfortable because you mentally know it's not a natural thing for you to feel. She's working behind me, so I couldn't see what she was doing, but it felt like she had done the punch and then had to dig around with her little scissor things to pry the chunk of my skin and fat out of the hole.

She wasn't. She was doing the inside suture but that's what it felt like.

I can handle pain. Unfortunately, my body has been doing this thing for the past three years, where about one in every three blood tests I have, it goes, "WE'RE DYING, WE'RE DYING, OH GOD THEY ARE KILLING US." Usually it's not a big deal. I just get really hot all over and feel kind of nauseous. I don't mention it to the person drawing my blood, they don't notice, it goes away a few minutes later, and we all move on with our lives.

So my body goes and has an absolute shitfit, only it's more than a blood test so it decides to be extra dramatic.

The PA asks if I'm okay.

My mom goes, "No, she's not."

I go, "No, I'm not. Can I get a bottle of water?"

I am clammy. My mom said I went sheet white, which I absolutely believe. She stands up to make sure that I don't tumble to the floor if I pass out. The PA, ever the professional, is still working but is asking me every questions every few seconds while the nurse goes to get me water.

"Are you okay?" Mhm.

"Still with me?" Yup. "Still good?" Still good.

Everything sounds like it's muffled in cotton. I eventually have to kindly push my mom back because I am overheated. The nurse gives me a cup of cold water which helps IMMENSELY. And when my theater kid of a body calms down, I'm like, "Maybe we should just do the one biopsy today."

I don't think the nurse got the lidocaine deep enough. I definitely felt the derma punch go in, definitely felt the first inner stitch and a dulled pain of the first outer stitch, but I didn't feel the second outer stitch. Hurt like FUCK, but it definitely bothered the poor PA way more than it bothered me.

Mostly I'm just upset that my body decided to embarrass me like that. Like bitch, c'mon, I was JUST bragging about how I could handle this without lidocaine and you had to do me dirty like this? Nevermind that I didn't realize this dermal punch would be big enough to need STITCHES, you couldn't just let me cool this ONE time?

I see her again in a few days to get the stitches out, I hope I didn't freak her out too bad.

But hey, she'll probably never think of me as "just another patient" and if you're going to have someone half-numbed who almost passes out on you in a medical setting, you probably want me, because I'll be super chill about it.

[kaibascorpse]

i get so fucking mad every time i think about my medical history and how i have been consistently failed by nearly every professional who has ever seen me - both in terms of mental and physical health. just years and years and years trying desperately to communicate that Something Is Not Right and being completely overlooked and misdiagnosed time and time again. being flat out lied to by doctors who have too much ego to admit when they don’t have the answer.

like what is the fucking point if i just end up having to diagnose myself because no one would take me seriously? why is my primary care doctor telling me my chronic pain must just be “something in the water” because my blood test came back normal? why is my rheumatologist saying she can’t confirm a hEDS diagnosis (without even bothering to assess my joint mobility) because I should have “other symptoms,” when really she’s just unwilling to admit that she doesn’t know what symptoms to look for? why didn’t any of my physical therapists recognize signs of hypermobility? why does my doctor give me less information than a 10 minute google search when I come in with an overwhelming list of chronic symptoms?

why did my therapists laugh in my face and ignore me when I said I thought my anxiety and depression were symptomatic of something else? why, when I told my outpatient therapist that I was actively dissociating and described feeling like I wasn’t really there, did he jokingly reply “that sounds nice,” and then continue to insist I wasn’t “traumatized enough” for a bpd diagnosis? why did the doctor at the psych ward only talk to me for 10 minutes before misdiagnosing me as bipolar and prescribing me meds? why did dozens of trained professionals over more than a decade completely miss the incredibly obvious and abundant signs of ADHD and autism?

i have been dragging my weary ass to therapy sessions and doctors appointments while making minimal progress for years, only to finally start to recognize my experiences through others online who were also failed by the medical industry. i am just. *so tired* of feeling like I am doing everything I am “supposed” to be doing to get healthy with little to no return. i am tired of feeling like it must be my fault that none of the advice I’m given ever improves things, because the advice came from “experts” I’m supposed to be able to trust. i am tired of having to do all my own research before seeing a new doctor, and then having to put on a performance of describing my symptoms as if I *didnt* do any research online, because outright saying “i think I have xyz condition” will get me labeled as a hypochondriac or attention-seeking. I got so fed up with bad therapists that I studied psychology both as a hobby and in school for over 5 years, and I still was only finally able to recognize my ADHD/autism through posts online because the literature and curriculum are absolutely flooded with misinformation.

i am nothing if not persistent, and so I am slowly brute forcing my way to proper diagnosis and treatment, but i just cant stop thinking about all the time wasted. all the unnecessary suffering, all the shame and trauma of not knowing *why* i was suffering, all the money wasted on appointments and medications and hospitalizations and alternative treatments, all the longterm damage that could have been prevented if just one or two people had cared enough to take me seriously. it makes me fucking sick to think about it too much. i’m losing my parents health insurance in a few months and at that point i’m going to start killing doctors who dont do their fucking jobs.

[sautethehorrors]

Dear lord what a roller coaster.

I woke up today to a text message that the gp appointment I've been waiting FOUR MONTHS for was cancelled cos the doctor is out sick. I was heading in for my t shot anyway so I spoke to the front desk and they managed to squeeze me in with another doctor like two hours after my shot

I got new scripts that I needed, as well as changing one of the meds, a referral to an online psych for adhd meds permit thing, and referrals to a rhematologist, and osteo, and an ultrasound on my elbow.

Good news on the elbow: loss of feeling =/= potential paralysis. Thank fuck. Apparently the ulnar nerve is just hanging out uncovered so stuff like leaning your chin on your elbow at a table can cause issues. The human body is a ridiculous machine.

The rheumatologist is probably gonna take a while cos it's public health, but the osteo is gonna be useful for a lot of things, and I can get a rebate from my chronic illness management plan.

Im so tired of being broke though. Like "buying socks on afterpay" broke. I miss going outside, I miss seeing people, I miss gigs but I'm too broke and in too much pain to leave the house anymore. I hate this.

[luna-rainbow]

So I’m having a good cry at work because one of the online friends I made in a game just passed this morning.

She was a rheumatologist in Japan, and had a gorgeous dog and cat. She was so friendly and thoughtful, and also had a strong sense of justice. She often went out of her way to make sure smaller players got through some of the game trials.

She got sick maybe a week ago, just said she was having high grade fevers at home. While sick, she spent hours putting together a spreadsheet to organise where all the players should sit, and then she hung around online for over 12 hours, reaching out to each player as they came online (cos we’re all in different time zones) and making sure they moved into the right location.

3 days earlier, one of the other Japanese players told us she was in ICU. She woke up after 40 hours and told us she was fine, even though she’s still on the ventilator.

Then this morning she told everyone in the chat she was heading to a different world, and they were going to remove the ventilator and all the attachments “and she will be beautiful again”.

I never thought I’d be as raw over this as I am, but I’m in a bit of state. She had the classic work ethic of a doctor, who just didn’t know when to stop to look after themselves. Whose final regret was she didn’t finish organising the alliance layout as well as she wanted to.

RIP 💔

[tortiefrancis]

hey sam!!! praying for you 💖

I've struggled with some similar issues with chronic pain. As a kid the doctors told me it was somatic, and my family just went along with it. But the older I get and the more I read new research online I've found that that untreated/undiagnosed fibromyalgia and other chronic pain seems to be a common problem among a lot of neurodivergent people. It's possible that you are having unexplained pain because your nervous system is overwhelmed, and/or because you are more prone to inflammation, and/or because you have naturally loose or tight joints (Hypermobility). These are all things common among neurodivergent people for some reason.

In my opinion, one of the best things you can is to manage stress / take care of your body as well as you can, involving stretch/mobility exercises like Yoga or Pilates. Yoga is amazing and is the best thing that's ever helped my pain, I've never tried Pilates but I'm sure it's great and I'm so glad you are already doing that!

Of course I am not a doctor, and if you can it may be good to get stuff checked out again just in case they missed something. If you can, maybe try to research doctors you can go to who specialize in functional medicine or something more holistic who are more willing to look for the root causes of your pain/issues. You have to be careful though since some doctors in functional medicine or doctors of osteopathy (D.O.) might be into weird stuff that isn't actually proven by science and are just trying to sell you stuff. But if there is anyone at a local hospital system with a good reputation who specializes in something more along those lines they might be good to look into.

I know for me I probably would have a lot more pain if not for a couple doctors finally realizing I had some hormonal issues that needed to be treated before I could begin to address other pain. Endocrinologists would be the ones to talk to if you think there might be an issue with hormones. There could be other genetic factors at play as well, which is why it's probably good to get a second opinion.

Hi, thank you so much for your response, this means a lot.

First I'd like to say I've started doing pilates for about 2 years now I think for that exact reason. It's actually helped alleviate some extra pain immensely because, due to the chronic pain, I couldn't exercise, and so my muscles were weak and aching a lot. It's improved my life a lot and is also what's been making me want to seek a doctor for the second time

Secondly, I sadly don't have much of a choice on the doctor for now, but she's a rheumatologist that my mom knows well and seems very serious and well researched, so we'll see. Maybe if this goes well I can go to another one to see a different approach to my issues

Also, I'm not scratching out the idea of it being somatic, but I think it's weird that ive been feeling this way for over 3 years now and also I have pain even when I'm happy or overall good. I don't think I'd be having it if it was caused by my anxiety or whatever. But we'll see

Also, I have hormonal issues, mainly endometriosis and maybe some funky stuff with testosterone or whatever, but nothing too conclusive on test results that could explain this.

Thanks again! This was genuinely a great ask and I'm so grateful

[blackbird-brewster]

When you were going through health tests, were you fairly positive of what you had?

Like I'm 93% sure I have fibromyalgia. I just have to twiddle my thumbs until I get through all the other tests.

Ooof, I know how hard the waiting process of a diagnosis can be. Especially when trying ot get to the bottom of an invisible illness. I was dx with fibromyalgia a decade ago, I'd never heard of it and it was still a dx most doctors I went to either didn't believe was real or had never heard of. I went to three rheumatologists before received a fibro dx. Naturally, I started looking it up online and at that time, again, most people thought it was a fake illness. So it was really damaging to get that dx only to have the first 100 google results tell me I was making me pain up and it was all in my head.

Obviously, fibro is a much more common dx now and doctors tend to at least know of it, even if they don't know much. So There was never a time period where I was thinking 'Oh, I think I have fibro' before I got diagnosed with it. But there have been plenty other chronic health issues I have said 'I think I have (this)' and I've been correct. I'm VERY lucky to have a GP that listens to me and takes my concerns seriously. I've been seeing her for about 5 years now and in that time I've been dx with at least three new chronic illnesses. Most of which I brought to her as a possibility and she said 'let's run the tests' until we either agreed on the dx I brought up, or ruled it out and kept looking for other answers. Trying to figure out a diagnosis for chronic illnesses is usually a slow-going process unfortunately. My advice is, don't lose hope. NO ONE knows your body better than you do. If a doctor dismisses any of your concerns/symptoms, I recommend trying to get a second opinion (if accessible to you)

Fibromyalgia now has a pretty straight forward physical exam (pressure point test), which pretty much says 'yep that's fibro!'. But a ton of fibro symptoms overlap with things like CFS/ME, forms of arthritis, Lupus, and other conditions. So it will take time, your doctor will probably want to rule everything else out before settling on fibromyalgia as a diagnosis.

Please know that you're experience, your pain, your symptoms are all REAL and you are so very valid. Even if your illness is invisible, know that I see you. I'm so proud of you!! And as always, I'm here if you want to chat.

[truthwithlight]

only 39 hours until i finally get to see the rheumatologist 😩 supposedly this man is a total miracle worker i’ve never seen doctors with almost entirely 5 star reviews online. sir please find out what’s wrong with me i don’t want to have to be passed around between doctors

[delhiapollohospitals]

Rheumatology | Apollo Hospitals Delhi has one of the most highly qualified, skilled, and experienced Rheumatologists in Delhi. Apollo Hospitals Delhi always focused to serve with excellence whether it’s about Doctors, medical staff, or the most advanced technologies in the medical field.

[nancykhemchandani]

Expert Bone Doctors Near Me: Your Guide to Local Specialists

When it comes to maintaining your bone health, finding the right specialist is crucial. Whether you’re dealing with chronic bone pain, arthritis, osteoporosis, or any other bone-related issue, consulting with an expert can make a significant difference in your quality of life. This guide will help you understand why you need a bone specialist, how to find one near you, and what to expect from your visit.

Why You Need a Bone Specialist

Bone health is essential for overall well-being, and issues related to bones and joints can impact your daily life significantly. A bone specialist, often an orthopedic doctor or rheumatologist, can provide targeted treatments and expert care for a range of conditions:

Chronic Pain: Persistent bone or joint pain can be debilitating. A specialist can diagnose the underlying cause and recommend effective treatments.

Arthritis: This common condition affects the joints and can lead to severe discomfort. Bone specialists can offer advanced treatments and management strategies.

Osteoporosis: This condition leads to weakened bones and an increased risk of fractures. Specialists can provide medications and lifestyle recommendations to manage bone density.

Injuries and Fractures: If you've suffered a bone injury, a specialist will ensure proper healing and rehabilitation.

Congenital Issues: Some bone issues are present from birth. A specialist can offer management strategies and treatments to improve quality of life.

How to Find a Bone Specialist Near You

Finding a reputable bone specialist involves a few key steps:

1. Research and Referrals

Start by researching local bone specialists. Use online resources such as:

Medical Directories: Websites like Healthgrades, Zocdoc, and Vitals provide lists of doctors, patient reviews, and ratings.

Professional Associations: The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) and the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) offer directories of certified specialists.

Additionally, ask your primary care physician for recommendations. They can refer you to trusted specialists based on your specific needs.

2. Check Credentials

Ensure that the specialists you’re considering are board-certified and have relevant experience. Check their educational background, certifications, and any specializations. A board-certified specialist has met rigorous standards and is more likely to provide high-quality care.

3. Read Reviews and Ratings

Patient reviews can offer insights into the specialist’s communication style, office environment, and overall effectiveness. While reviews shouldn’t be the sole deciding factor, they can help you gauge what to expect.

4. Verify Insurance Coverage

Check with your health insurance provider to ensure that the specialist you choose is covered under your plan. This can help you avoid unexpected expenses and ensure that you receive the necessary care without financial strain.

5. Schedule a Consultation

Once you’ve shortlisted potential specialists, schedule a consultation. This initial visit allows you to evaluate the doctor’s approach, discuss your condition, and determine if you feel comfortable with their care. Prepare a list of questions to ask during this visit:

What is your experience with my specific condition?

What treatment options do you recommend?

What are the potential risks and benefits of the proposed treatments?

How will progress be monitored?

What to Expect During Your Visit

Your visit to a bone specialist will typically involve several steps:

1. Medical History and Physical Examination

The specialist will begin by reviewing your medical history and asking detailed questions about your symptoms. Be prepared to provide information about any previous treatments or surgeries, as well as any family history of bone-related issues. A physical examination will help the doctor assess your condition and determine the appropriate diagnostic tests.

2. Diagnostic Tests

Based on your symptoms and physical examination, the specialist may order diagnostic tests such as X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, or blood tests. These tests provide detailed information about the structure and function of your bones and joints, helping the doctor make an accurate diagnosis.

3. Treatment Plan

After reviewing your test results, the specialist will discuss your diagnosis and recommend a treatment plan. Treatment options may include medications, physical therapy, lifestyle changes, or, in some cases, surgical interventions. The doctor will explain the rationale behind each recommendation and address any concerns you may have.

4. Follow-Up Care

Ongoing monitoring and follow-up appointments may be necessary to track your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed. The specialist will provide guidance on how to manage your condition and what steps to take if your symptoms change.

Choosing the Right Specialist for Your Needs

Selecting the right bone specialist is a critical step in managing your bone health. Here are some additional tips to help you make an informed choice:

Specialization: Some bone specialists focus on specific areas, such as sports medicine, spinal disorders, or joint replacements. Choose a specialist whose expertise aligns with your condition.

Communication: Effective communication is key to a successful treatment plan. Choose a specialist who listens to your concerns, explains medical terms clearly, and involves you in decision-making.

Location and Accessibility: Consider the specialist’s location and office hours. Convenience can impact your ability to attend appointments regularly and follow through with your treatment plan.

Conclusion

Finding the right bone specialist near you is essential for effective diagnosis and treatment of bone-related conditions. By conducting thorough research, verifying credentials, and considering patient reviews, you can make an informed choice and ensure you receive the best possible care. Remember, your bone health is a crucial component of overall well-being, and consulting with an expert can help you manage your condition effectively and improve your quality of life.

If you’re looking for a top-rated bone specialist, start by using the tips and resources outlined in this guide. Whether you search for a doctor for bones near me or utilize other methods, taking proactive steps to address your bone health can lead to better outcomes and a more comfortable, active life. Finding the right specialist ensures you receive the expert care you need to maintain and improve your bone health.

[arya-namdeo-45]

Feeling Achy? Get Rheumatologist Help From Your Couch: All About Online Consultations 

Does joint pain, stiffness, or swelling slow you down? You might need a rheumatologist, a doctor who specializes in these problems. But scheduling appointments can be a hassle, especially if you're dealing with chronic pain or limited mobility.

Here's some good news: you can skip the waiting room with a rheumatology online consultation. This blog dives into the benefits of seeing a rheumatologist virtually, how to prepare, and what to expect during your online appointment.

Why Choose an Online Rheumatology Consultation?

There are many reasons to consider seeing a rheumatologist online:

Convenience is King: Skip the travel! Connect with a specialist from the comfort of your own home. This is a lifesaver if you have limited mobility, live far from a rheumatologist, or have a busy schedule.

Appointment on Your Terms: Many online consultations are available outside of regular business hours. This makes it easier to fit an appointment into your life, no more juggling work or family commitments.

Potentially Lower Costs: Online consultations can be more affordable than in-person appointments. You save on travel costs, and some healthcare providers might offer lower fees for virtual consultations.

Clear Communication: Sometimes, online platforms can make communication easier. You can easily share medical records and images beforehand for the doctor to review before your consultation.

Shorter Wait Times: Forget the waiting room blues! Online consultations often lead to shorter wait times compared to traditional in-person appointments.

Getting Ready for Your Online Rheumatology Appointment

To ensure a smooth and helpful online consultation with your rheumatologist, follow these simple steps:

Find Your Quiet Corner: Pick a quiet and private space in your home where you won't be interrupted. Make sure you have a good internet connection and a device with a webcam and microphone (most laptops and tablets have these built-in).

Gather Your Medical Info: Write down a list of your current medications, allergies, and any past medical conditions. It also helps to create a timeline of your symptoms, including when they started, how bad they are, and where you feel them.

Got Questions? Write Them Down: Jot down any questions or concerns you have about your condition. This helps you stay focused during the consultation and ensures you get all the information you need.

Medical Records Ready?: If you have recent lab results, X-rays, or other relevant medical records, scan them and share them with your doctor before the appointment. This saves time during the consultation.

What Happens During Your Online Rheumatology Consultation?

Here's a general breakdown of what to expect during your online rheumatology consultation:

Meet and Greet: The rheumatologist will introduce themselves and review your medical history.

Symptom Talk Time: It's your chance to discuss your symptoms in detail, including when they started, how severe they are, and where you feel them. Describe the pain (sharp, dull, throbbing), and what makes it better or worse.

Virtual Exam: The rheumatologist might conduct a virtual examination by asking you to move your joints in certain ways or observe your posture and gait through the webcam.

Diagnosis and Treatment Plan: Based on your symptoms and medical history, the doctor will discuss potential diagnoses and treatment options. They may recommend additional tests, like bloodwork or imaging studies.

The Next Steps: The rheumatologist will create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. This might involve medication, physical therapy, lifestyle changes, or a combination of these approaches. They'll also discuss the next steps, which may include a follow-up online consultation or an in-person appointment if necessary.

Extra Tips for a Successful Online Consultation

Here are some additional tips to ensure a successful online rheumatology consultation:

Comfy Clothes Are Key: While dressing professionally isn't essential, wear comfortable clothing that allows for some movement during the virtual examination.

Tech Check: Before your appointment, make sure your device's webcam, microphone, and internet connection are working properly.

Clear Communication: Speak clearly and concisely when discussing your symptoms and concerns.

Don't Be Shy: Ask questions and clarify any doubts you may have.

Follow Up: Take notes during the consultation and follow up with the rheumatologist if you have any questions after the appointment.

Conclusion

Rheumatology online consultations offer a convenient and effective way to connect with a specialist and discuss your condition. By following the tips mentioned above, you can ensure a productive and informative consultation that helps you manage your rheumatic condition effectively.