Question about doctors
Moderators: Mike Bartolatz, kwork
Question about doctors
Hello, I am new to this forum and thank everyone for all the good information. I posted an introduction in the appropriate place, but in short, I have had iritis off and on since this past September. I just had blood tests, all of which were negative except the one for HLA-B27, which was positive. I am 63 and have always been very active and in good health. I work full time and have for the past 15 years. I do not have any chronic conditions or diseases and rarely go to the doctor. Aside from seeing my eye doctor for the iritis, the last time I saw a doctor was when I fractured my elbow when I fell working in the garden a couple of years ago. I have an appointment to see a rheumatologist in about 10 days. Although I have chalked up my aches and pains over recent years to just getting old, I am now wondering what else might be going on. Over this past year I have had what I think was plantar fasciitis in my right foot, pain in my hips that felt like it came from where my legs insert into my pelvis that troubled me for a couple of months, and currently I have pain in my hands and trigger finger in both ring fingers when I wake up in the morning. I have had this before over the past five years, it seems to come and go. My question is, I have seen an emphasis here on seeking out specialists in iritis right away. There is a specialist not far from me that I could go to see who is on the list on this forum. I would have to pay for it out of pocket though, as my health plan is via a health co-op. Does it make sense for me to try to get in to see this specialist, or should I go to see the rheumatologist I've been referred to first, and maybe then see the specialist, depending on what the rheumatologist says? Thanks for reading my post!
Re: Question about doctors
Hi there! I would definitely try to see the specialist at least for a consult. Maybe then you could take those tecommendations to a rheumy. The uveitis spevialists are so much more knowledgeable than regular opthos. I think you would feel it was money well spent.