Do I need to continue seeing a Rheumatologist vs another specialist if my symptoms are getting worse? 
For 10 years plus, I have been treated with Naproxen for arthritis in my knees. My pain and stiffness in my knees has increased over the years. Gradually, I have added joint pain in my knuckles, hips, shoulders, ankles and feet. Within the past year, I have developed numbness in my toes that vascillates between extreme cold and pain and tingling. I have been diagnosed with gout, fibroymyalgia and PMR and tried methotrexate (8 months) and prednisone (18 months) with temporary help. My feet and ankles swell and and I have difficulty walking. My joint pain has spread to muscle pain and weakness in my arms and thighs. Am I seeing the correct specialist who is at her wits end for the past 2 years of treating me unsuccessfully?
Answers from our Doctors
Dr. Chela Alarcon says:
It is very hard to give personal advice without the benefit of a full history, physical examination and review of all pertinent data. At this point the most reasonable thing to do is to get a second opinion from a rheumatologist. This person will, hopefully, with all the information provided be able to come up to a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Answered on: Wednesday, April 21, 2010 - 12:38
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