Finding a Doctor that works with Fibro-Folks

[petsei]

I just moved up to Olympia Washington. To date, three primary care docs have said there are no rheumatologists to refer me to cuz of overload and that such docs don't want fibro patients, anyhow! The UW folks in Seattle referred me to a clinic there, the Chronic Fatigue Clinic, saying I would be referred to a rheumatogist thru the clinic. Yesterday, the folks at the clinic said no rheumatologist at UW wants to work with fibro.
Thus, I am asking the forum for help!! for 1) names of docs (rheumatologists or otherwise) hopefully in the Olympia area that work with us fibro-folks; and/or 2) suggestions of how to find such docs?
Thanks muchly,
Peter

[Robby]

First WELCOME! We would love to learn more about you, feel free to browse around a while, and hopefully we can learn from each other.


I'm not sure if this will help any, but here is a link to a site that keeps a list of such docs. Maybe you can find help through here

http://menwithfibro.com/community/index.php?topic=8611.0

[Lonesome George]

Welcome to the forum. as for your question......

Rheumatologists are shying away from fibro patients in droves.  The crack down on pain meds is one major reason, and another reason is, what are they going to do that any primary doctor can't do anyway? It can't be cured, there are no treatments, and the best you can hope for is some mix of meds to help as much as possible during flares.

[ronr]

Welcome petsei !

The list mentioned is a great place to start.

I had not heard or at least remember that rheumys were shying away from fibro patients.  I suppose that if they deny treatment and deny the existence of FM then it will just go away.  Stupid!!!  I agree that there is nothing the rhemy can't do anything tha the primary can't do.  A good diagnosis and support is the best thing and a chance to TRY some different meds whether or not they are narcotic .

[foxgrove]

Welcome back petsei,   It's been a while since you've graced us with your presence. We've missed you. 

I did a little digging and wondered if you've checked out Dr K. Burnell Schaetzel-Hill... he's an osteopath, not a rheumy, but he does treat fibro.  He's located at 3525 Ensign Road North East, it's a private family practice. 

[wmoore]

I live up the road in Tacoma. If you look up List of Dr.s for fibro in Tacoma, you'll come up with a bunch from all over. None in Oly though.
I didn't write any down because you'll have to call and see what is what at each Doctor office. I go to the VA so I don't know to much about
this, but I have heard that we have a couple of good fibro Doc.s about. Good luck!