Dear Purple Butterflies,
If you’re anything like me, you’re probably sick of going to doctors’ appointments, blood tests, taking medications, etc. As much as I hate to say it, for those with chronic illnesses, it just comes with the territory. I have recently found a brand-new rheumatologist to help me with my Fibro symptoms. My appointment won’t be till September. Until then, I am doing lots of internet homework to prepare for said visit. For instance, I believe I have found an actual name for my twitches and spasms that I get daily. I am anxious to see if my new doctor agrees with any of the information that I found. I am currently being treated by my Pain Management doctor for my arthritis in my neck and right arm pain. I have been given medication, at home physical therapy, and two rounds of neck injections. Let me tell you that I trust my Pain Management doctor completely. Still I’m thinking that I need a second opinion. Which is where the new Rheumatologist would come in. This is where I got the idea for a new blog. I could share all my tips and tricks that I’ve learned about finding the best doctor. As my adventure continues, I will update this blog. This list is a mixture of my own recommendation and ideas I found from www.creakyjoints.org.
2. Research: Now that you’ve found a doctor what seems awesome, do a little research on his or her background. Go to their actual medical website and look around. Look at his or her reviews. Call around to your doctors and ask if they have heard of the doctor you’re thinking of seeing. Get their opinion. 3. Insurances: Sometimes our insurances don’t want to cooperate with the doctors we want to see. I have been there many times. In times like these it makes you want to pull your hair out, right? Before you do that, try taking a few days off from your search. Then look to see who you can go to that your insurance company will accept! If you don’t have insurance, make sure to tell the doctors office. It has been my experience here within the States that you can receive a discount on your bill. This may or may not apply to other countries. Please ask before assuming they will give you a discount! Some of the advice from 9 Signs You’re Seeing the Right Rheumatologist (and 5 Signs You Might Need a New One) includes:
If you’ve been following me for a while, you know all about my botched plantar fasciitis surgery. I made the mistake of not getting a second opinion. I was sure fooled into thinking that doctor knew what he was doing. I have moved on with my life always reminding myself to never let that happen again.
My first instinct is to look for someone who is the same sex as I am. Most of the time I find it’s easier to talk to a lady doctor about what I am going though, than a man. It’s not that my male doctors don’t listen. I feel more comfortable talking to another female about my time of the month, than I would to a man.
On a personal level, this is especially important for me because my physicians aren’t always in the same hospital network.
I know I am not alone when I say that being able to see my doctor as soon as I can is definitely a plus! When offices can do this for me, it not only shows me how much they care but, it reassures me I am not just a faceless number, It goes without saying, I hope I will be with this new doctor for a long time. Once I find a good one, I hang on with a vice grip. I’d love to know of your experiences. Do you know of any ideas that I failed to mention? Let me know in the comments below. Please continue to stay safe purple butterflies! Thank you for taking the time to read my blog today! If you’re enjoying my blogs, why not subscribe to my website? My blogs will go straight to your email. It’s free to sign up! Tell your friends! Tell your friends to tell their friends! Be well! ~ Rachel
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About the author:Rachel Barclift, has been suffering from Fibromyalgia for many years. She went to the doctor, never finding any answers for years. She went to one doctor who told her the pain was all in her head. In 2011, she finally found a doctor that believed her! She was officially diagnosed by her rheumatologist and she was so relieved! She writes blogs in hopes to help others find positivity. |