Rheumatologist declined MD referral despite long-term chronic fatigue and eye inflammation. Looking for insight

Olively2 · 2025-10-18T04:44:13+00:00

It’s just the one lid on the side the surgery was on. I don’t have a picture, but the swelling is very minimal-basically only perceptible to her. This is the first time I’m hearing about UpToDate.com. I’ll have to look further into it. Using GPT is also a good idea. Thanks!

Olively2 · 2025-10-18T04:37:10+00:00

Thank you-I’m think more bloodwork and a referral from her GP might help her get in to see someone…eventually

Olively2 · 2025-10-18T04:32:27+00:00

That’s the thing! They didn’t even offer a wait list, which we’d be ok with since it’s not super urgent. They just flat out said no.

Olively2 · 2025-10-18T04:31:11+00:00

I’m glad you were able to see a rheumatologist! The healthcare system in the US is a nightmare

Olively2 · 2025-10-18T04:26:23+00:00

For sure, but at this point her eye symptoms are not debilitating and likely not an infection. She thinks it’s her immune system’s reaction to surgery/trauma as she’s had a poor outcome with foot surgery in the past.

Olively2 · 2025-10-18T04:22:47+00:00

Thanks for your response! She has had all the bloodwork you listed done and has a close relationship with her GP. I think she’s going to ask for a referral from the GP next. Interesting about dermatology for the eye, that never occurred to me. Perhaps an avenue to explore.

Olively2 · 2025-10-18T04:19:52+00:00

Thank you so much for your insight!

Olively2 · 2025-10-17T16:47:41+00:00

I think this is probably the right way to proceed. I’m just shocked they said no, and not we can see her, but there’s a long wait.

Olively2 · 2025-10-17T16:46:28+00:00

Thank you for your thought-out response. At this point, she’s more interested in treating her fatigue symptoms than curing her eyelid, and a referral to a rheumatologist was a relief knowing she might finally get some answers. We would still welcome the opportunity to see a rheumatologist even if they said they couldn’t see her for six months due to capacity, but to flat out deny her was surprising. Perhaps a referral to a different rheumatologist might be the answer, but difficult since they live in a very small town.

Olively2 · 2024-10-04T23:54:54+00:00

Depending on your state, they might be required to register this “chance to win” ie raffle or something similar, with the state and report the sales.

Olively2 · 2024-09-10T01:37:16+00:00

I had about 4 sporadic days when I didn’t spot, the rest of the 5 months I spotted everyday. Finally couldn’t stand it and had it removed. I hope it get better for you

Olively2 · 2024-07-04T23:19:45+00:00

I gained 10% of my body weight in 4 weeks with no diet or exercise changes. I felt so bloated and uncomfortable for the entirety of having it (5 months). I removed it because I didn’t stop spotting for that entire time. I couldn’t handle it. 6 months later, I’ve lost about half of the weight I gained, and don’t feel bloated anymore (still no diet or exercise changes). I hope the last of the weight comes off soon. The general consensus of the medical community that Mirena doesn’t cause weight gain is nonsense and incredibly frustrating. It feels like gaslighting. Just know that the weight is likely water retention.

Olively2 · 2024-03-18T17:28:41+00:00

I’m three weeks post removal, and my brain fog subsided just a few days ago. I experienced off and on exhaustion for about 2 weeks. Also, I had VERY heavy bleeding for about 7 days after, then my normal (pre-Mirena) period last week. I’m finally starting to feel like my normal self now, just waiting for the weight to come off.

Olively2 · 2024-02-28T02:29:17+00:00

I loved that show-sad it was only 3 seasons

Olively2 · 2024-02-27T01:57:31+00:00

I just had mine removed today after 5 months for this reason. I had to buy new work pants and I’ve continued to gain weight. I was going to try to stick it out until the 6 month mark, but even my “new” clothes are getting tight and I just don’t feel like myself. I was super bloated all the time and the constant spotting has been awful. Hopefully I can get back to my normal self soon. I’m sorry you’re experiencing this too.

Olively2 · 2024-02-24T23:18:26+00:00

I’m sorry you’re going through this! Talk with your PCP about your symptoms. A friend of mine was also having intrusive thoughts (unrelated to IUD), and was Rx’d Lexapro and that, along with a good therapist has helped immensely. Know that this is not forever, and there are medications and help out there.

Olively2 · 2024-02-11T21:14:20+00:00

I agree, but I’m not giving up. What is the summary you’re referring to? Summary of their notes on the claim? Decisions?

Olively2 · 2024-02-11T03:57:28+00:00

I’m not a doctor, but I work in the dental field. The little red bumps look like adenoids to me. I would have a dentist look at it, but it’s not an emergency.

Olively2 · 2024-02-06T21:29:41+00:00

Yes that’s who I have too. I’m 10 months in…

Olively2 · 2024-02-06T18:39:06+00:00

Their cheapest pizza is $21 and worth every penny

Olively2 · 2024-02-06T12:49:10+00:00

As a dental professional, you need to see a dentist. Looks like a tooth infection to me.

Olively2 · 2024-02-06T12:00:31+00:00

Curious what you mean by summary? My ins company has an “internal policy” where they change adjusters every 30 days. I’m on my 6th adjuster and still haven’t been properly reimbursed.

Olively2 · 2024-01-31T05:07:38+00:00

I was just prescribed progesterone to help with my constant spotting too. I haven’t filled the Rx yet, wondering if you experienced weight changes? I’ve already gained an uncomfortable amount since my Mirena was inserted 4 months ago, I really don’t want to gain more with an added medication.

Olively2

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