Today I saw another rheumatologist. I wanted another opinion. This doctor came highly recommended...heck, he was even President of the American College of Rheumatology--woohoo! He must really know his stuff, right?
I took all my medical records and walked into this (much nicer) office with high hopes. The nurse practitioner examined me, talked with me, and spent a decent amount of time asking me questions. She was nice. After a little while, she left to discuss my situation with the doctor. Fifteen minutes later, they both walked in. He shook my hand and almost immediately told me that after reviewing my records, there was NO WAY I have rheumatoid arthritis, undifferentiated spondylarthropy, psoriatic arthritis, etc. Since my tests have all been negative and based on my exam with the nurse practitioner, he believes that I have Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. (oh, and severe osteoarthritis in my big toe) He says that my rheumatologist ALWAYS gives the same diagnosis. He implied that he is out of date in some of his testing methods and diagnosis procedures. WOW.
This doctor says I won't die from this. (DUH. I know that. But dammit some days I want to!)
He says I should stop the mtx and continue all my other meds. He says yoga and pilates would make me feel better. He, then, said that I could schedule another appointment with him if I need to in about 6 weeks.
I left there in tears. I feel like I am back to square one. I'm not sure what to do. Which doctor do I believe?
I'm so bummed.
