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Neurologist vs rheumatologist

Achybones22
Achybones22
Some of you see a neurologist instead of a rheumatologist for fibro. Do you see a difference in treatment approach?
dorthy
dorthy
I have wondered the same thing. I have fibro with RA and Lupus so I see a Rheumatologist. After seeing all the posts about Neurologists I wondered if seeing one would help some of my pain from Fibromyalgia
Achybones22
Achybones22
They used to think that fibro was a musculo-skeletal problem, but now they're finding that it's a neurological problem instead. So wouldn't a neurologist be more appropriate?
Achybones22
Achybones22
Just bumping this up.
milily
milily
Well, about 5 years ago my rheumy retired. I tried to find a new rheumy in my area and was told they dont treat fibro anymore one office had said that 5 years before then they had stopped.

So, I had my friend that is a nurse at the hospital I used to work at to ask around with the Neuro Drs . Neuro Drs told her that Rheumatology wants them to take over fibro , but they have no training to do so.

So, eventually I got a better primary Dr and see her re fibro . For me this works okay so far because I was done trying different meds and I had learned a lot from my Rheumy over the years..

I believe in a lot of areas it depends on which type of Drs are treating fibro and I would personally want to know how long they have been treating it . I have seen on this site some people say they were diagnosed by a rheumy and then sent back to their primary Dr.

So, thats my 2 cents worth : )
Abotsd
Abotsd
YES! My neurologist is a sleep specialist and prescribes the Xyrem I use for sleep. My rheumatoid guy prescribes Lyrica & other pain meds and keeps track of my fibro & arthritis, weight, and general health.

I am very lucky, blessed, to have both in my life & for my care.
CajunTiger
CajunTiger
My rheumy does everything for my fibro.....the neurologist only treats my migraine, and has never mentioned my fibro from my chart...LOL IDK if she doesn't feel comfortable with it, or what....But I'm really happy with my rheumy so....

HUGS from down south :)
basketballmom23
basketballmom23
I see both, but I see the neuro due to lesions on my brain and numbness and a couple of hospital stays where they thought I was having a stroke. My neuro, at this point, doesn't prescribe any meds and was the one to refer me to a Rheumy. I was to go to the Rheumy or an MS clinic 2 1/2 hours away. I chose the Rheumy and we seem to get along well. The only meds I take for fibro are a muscle relaxer and diclofenac for pain. I have been through the realm of gabapentin, cymbalta, neurotin, etc from my old PCP. I didn't think the side effects out weighed the pain from Fibro.