What does a rheumatologist do?

Ballerina123 · 16-06-2014, 06:23 PM

I've been referred to a rheumatologist after being diagnosed with spinal canal stenosis (my spinal cord touching me spine).

Has anyone been to one? What do they do?
I've already had a spine MRI (that's how it was diagnosed) any other investigations?

Thanks

Animad · 16-06-2014, 09:14 PM

They look at you immune system and see if you immune system is the cause of your problems and also examine you to see if anything else could fit together. More than likely they'll order bloods for you to check for inflammatory cells and rheumatoid factors but only if they believe it us something they can help with and not more of an orthopaedic/ degenerative problem.

I've been to one as some doctors believed I had polymyalgia but she ruled it out based on a few things and didn't do any further tests.

I know it may seem random as you're going for your back but more than likely they'll want to look at your hands to see if there are any abnormalities there. Often these show signs in many of the conditions they work with and it's easier to see smaller boney or muscular abnormalities with your glands and finger than elsewhere.

Imperfect.Star · 16-06-2014, 09:56 PM

They deal with a whole spectrum of conditions but usually ones affecting the muscular-skeletal system, particularly joints.

For spinal cord stenosis an MRI is the major investigation but it will depend whether it is an isolated problem or part of a syndrome affecting other parts of your body. They will likely examine you for signs of any syndromes and effects of the condition e.g. strength and movement in your legs and degree of flexibility of your spine.

Pi.R^2 · 16-06-2014, 10:29 PM

Rheumatologists do joints and and stuff. My rheumatologist just talked to me about her dogs and her husband who has raynauds at great length :P

Unhelpful comment, but that's what I always think of when someone mentions a rheumatologist.

Hope yours is slightly more productive!

something vague · 30-06-2014, 11:56 AM

im in the process of being diagnosed with rhuematoid arthritis, which is diagnosed via blood tests, xrays, ultrasound and an exam with a rhuematologist.

I'm not sure about the condition you've been diagnosed with but it will probably involve a physical exam and like someone else pointed out, they'll probably look at your hands. They may ask family history etc.

First time i met my rheumy was while i was on a medical ward. He came with a student who felt the joints in my fingers (a lot are visibly not right) and the rhuemy moved my legs and arms neck etc in weird ways and asked if there was any pain. Some places hurt that i'dnever noticed were painful til then so don't be surprised if they move your joints in odd ways. Good luck.

Ballerina123 · 15-10-2014, 10:07 PM

I'm bumping this old thread I have my appointment next week and just wondered what treatments rheumatologist offer generally?

Thanks

Morpheus · 16-10-2014, 06:38 PM

In my experience, none unfortunately.

But im bitter and has been treated horribly by them and have gotten nothing but coping with my illness on my own and waiting for months and months and having to fight them to give me something in spite of having a diagnosis they are supposed to treat. Which i am still not getting. Now psychiatry is giving me treatment for my physical illness again even though they dont have the recources and have admitted they are not good enough. But as a mentally ill patient, you dont deserve treatment for physical illnesses cause they see it as an excuse to just send you to the psychiatric system though the issues and diagnosis is not related to that at all. But everything to save money, right.

So yeah. Hopefully they are better in your country. And sorry for my mini rant. I want to burn their ward down. :P

Ballerina123 · 16-10-2014, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Morpheus

In my experience, none unfortunately.

But im bitter and has been treated horribly by them and have gotten nothing but coping with my illness on my own and waiting for months and months and having to fight them to give me something in spite of having a diagnosis they are supposed to treat. Which i am still not getting. Now psychiatry is giving me treatment for my physical illness again even though they dont have the recources and have admitted they are not good enough. But as a mentally ill patient, you dont deserve treatment for physical illnesses cause they see it as an excuse to just send you to the psychiatric system though the issues and diagnosis is not related to that at all. But everything to save money, right.

So yeah. Hopefully they are better in your country. And sorry for my mini rant. I want to burn their ward down. :P

Omg this sounds terrible. I'm sorry this happened to you.
I'm not sure what country your in but I hope they can offer me something because I've had this problem for 2 years now and I'm sick of being in pain :(

Morpheus · 17-10-2014, 01:04 PM

Im in denmark.

I hope so too. Being in chronic pain is horrible. Im on so many strong painkillers just to manage it and some days i can still hardly walk even when its somewhat good. When its bad i cant do anything. Its frustrating and damaging.

I really hope you get the help you need!