Great Doctor, Horrible P.A.?
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Hi Everyone, I am getting out of my first visit with a P.A. and I am shocked and appalled. I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia within the past year. I’ve had 2 visits with my regular rheumatologist. I was prescribed Lyrica and it works really well for me thankfully. The doctor I’m seeing listens to me, takes notes, and entertains all of my questions as I am still learning to parse out what is Fibromyalgia and what is potentially something else (there is also a working diagnosis of non-radiographic Spondyloarthritis due to my hip and lower back pain) Here is my qualm. I still occasionally have flares. They are not as bad, but they still happen. I, in fact, showed up to my appointment today coming off of a pretty bad 3 day flare. I’m in PT bi-weekly right now and I live a very active life. My best friend is an OT and she suggested that I inquire about a referral because OT offers chronic illness support and she thinks I would benefit from having a discussion about energy conservation. Immediately the P.A. starts to say wellll OT is more for fine motor and works basically up to the elbow. I had a mask on, but when I tell you that my jaw was on the floor. OT literally does so much more than fine motor. They work with you to figure out how to function with a disability. Then I start asking about reasonable accommodation at work. I tell her that I’ve spoken with HR and they are pretty open to working with me and that I might need a letter or statement from them. She says “I mean yeah, if you feel like that is something you might need.” This is after I come to the appointment telling her that I am struggling with grogginess and have a hard time making it through the work day. Here is why I am frustrated, friends. I am a very vocal self advocate, but I am new to this space. If you are a medical professional who works with fibromyalgia patients all day, I would anticipate that you would be aware of interventions and accommodations and be able to discuss them with your patients. I feel like my regular Doctor and I have a conversation. This was not that. Am I completely off base here with my expectations? Should I ask to see a different PA or request that I only have appointments with the Doctor?
AI Analysis
- Medication
- pregabalin (Lyrica)
- Condition
- fibromyalgia, non-radiographic spondyloarthritis
- Barrier
- gatekeeping
- Geography
- us likely