rayuma-tologist

photo downloaded from healthmetz.com 2011Dec28

A rheumatologist is an internist who specializes in the treatment of patients with arthritis, gout, osteoporosis, fibromyalgia, SLE or other autoimmune diseases.

I have joint pain (or back pain) and I was referred by my doctor to the orthopedic surgeon, rehab doctor and a rheumatologist. What do I do?

Some would recommend you see the rheumatologist first. All three specialists see patients with arthritis or musculoskeletal problems but have different focus of treatment. The rheumatologist will refer you to the others if your case needs specialized treatments (physical therapy or surgery) .

My doctor thinks I have kidney disease due to lupus and told me to see a nephrologist and a rheumatologist. Do I need to see both?

You may need to, eventually. It is a good idea to see the rheumatologist first who can check if you have lupus in other parts of your body.

 I have been having pains that do not go away. Do I have gout or arthritis?

It is best to see the rheumatologist with your complaints. 

A geri-who?

downloaded from filipinolifeinpictures.wordpress.com 2011Dec28

A geriatrician is an internist or family physician who specializes in the care of the older person. 

Who needs a geriatrician? 

The older person does. Kids see a pediatrician. People with heart problems see a cardiologist. The older person should see a geriatrician.

But I (or my lolo or my lola) already see/s a cardiologist/diabetologist/etc?
Yes. The geriatrician can (and will) still help in the overall care of the older person.

What about if I (my lola/lola) am/is well?
The geriatrician can still help in two ways. First, in preventing disease or disability by suggesting personalized yet simple ways to do so. Second, by identifying "quiet" conditions that may lead to progressive disability or disease if not treated early.