Rheumatologist
In my search for a new Neurologist I have read that a Rheumatologist may be a better choice, if available, to help with MG.
Any comments, or clarity, as to searching for a Rhuematologist, especially any experience.
Thanks
With further research it becomes clear’er that while there are reports of some connectivity by Rheumatologist to MG the main value is when the MG’er also has more than 1 autoimmune disorder.
Lupus.
Osteoarthritis.
Gout.
Psoriatic arthritis.
Sjögren's syndrome.
Fibromyalgia.
Vasculitis.
And yet, my search still supports the idea that while an acceptable Neurologist is hard to find, maybe connecting with a Rheumatologist in search of a Neurologist (a referral) will move the process along.One of the values I am looking for in a new Neurologist is his / her ability to recommend a Optomerest with solid MG experience. Prior to my MG coming out of its remission I had cataract surgery; the replacement of my infected lenses with new / artificial lenses and initially all seemed OK ... and then my MG came out and I now have double vision (Diplopia). The good news: my efforts (increasing medication) to put my MG back into remission has reduced my double vision by about 50% ... YEA!
I am still considering a 'darkened' prosthetic contact lens once I found that my double vision went away by covering one eye (which is labor oriented) and then finding by darkening one eye /side of a pair of frames I eliminated the labor of holding my hand over an eye. Going to an optomerist and a opthmologist it was diagnosed that my MG 'floated' ---coming and going-- thus virtually impossible to have a prescription. And while my optomerist was able to find an answer to my question regarding a darkened conact this idea was new to her and thus I hope to find a optomerist with solid MG experience; including prosthetic contacts should I go that (expensive) route.
We see a highly qualified MG specialist twice a year, with close coordination to a local primary. This is such a highly specialized field! And read through these posts. In general people are best served by an expert.
Hi, Ralsted, I have seen a few people who said that they had other Dr. other than neurologist for their MG Primary Care. From my experience with my Rheumatologist, she said absolutely not for treating my MG. I see her for degenerative disc & degenerative joint Disease/ osteoarthritis & osteopenia (beginning of Osteoporosis).
Finding a good neurologist to treat MG is very hard!! The association has no MG Specialist listed for my State.
Keep looking and Best Wishes!! Sally Farrier...Myasthenia-Gravis.com (team member).Thank you Sally for your sharring ... musch appreciated! Sorry to hear you do not have a MG specialist in your state ... I live in California so I have an abundance of 1) Neurologist and 2) most of which include MG in their coverage and 3) very few of those claiming MG knowledge whom TRULY have MG knowledge past what they read in their medical newsletters or are given from their insurance 'handlers'.
BTW: When it comes to finding a Neurologist whose resume' has the 'needed' experience--over and above what the doctor has read or their insurance company had told them--is a challenge and I hope to address this once I have find a solution ... I am resolved to go back to my original Neurologist who is now a distance away yet the challenge to 'get' to him is tied to Medicare / Medical and while he is approved by Medicare he limits the Medicare-oriented programs he will work through and this limits the insurance companies he will work with and thus a new challenge.
