Going to see a rheumatologist. What should I ask?

[linguininess]

I'm seeing many ophthalmologists, optometrists, ENT, and allergists. They all say the same thing: see a rheumatologist. I've never been to one, nor have I even known this was an actual medical practice. Can anyone tell me what I should ask and inquire about when I see a rheumatologist?

I simply don't want to say "my eyes are red and hurting." I do plan on telling my "dry eye story" and all the treatments I've done. I'm just not too sure how aware rheumatologists are with eye-related issues.

So yeah, I'd like to get input on what I should talk to my rheumatologist about. Thanks!

[MGD1701]

Hi linguininess
Perhaps 1) joints, ulcer, skin problems 2) ask your family memebers if they have similiar issues.
Please share with us the results. I am curious to know such topic. Thanks!

[PhoenixEyes]

A rheumatologist can be called upon to diagnose Sjorgen's Syndrome and other inflammatory or autoimmune diseases which can be a cause of dry eye for some.

Preparing for your rheumatologist appointment - Sjogren's syndrome
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-c...t/con-20020275

Rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome, rosacea and systemic lupus erythematosus are just a few examples of autoimmune diseases that can have severe systemic and ocular effects. But, from them, we can learn about the key role that ocular surface and lacrimal gland inflammation play in the development of dry eye and keratoconjunctivitis sicca.

When Autoimmune Disease Initiates DRY EYE
https://www.reviewofoptometry.com/ce...tiates-dry-eye

“Rheumatologists are no strangers to eye care because a number of rheumatology patients present with or develop eye symptoms.
"Most of the inflammatory diseases we treat as rheumatologists can have ophthalmologic manifestations"”

7 Things Ophthalmologists Want Rheumatologists to Know
http://www.the-rheumatologist.org/ar.../?singlepage=1

[linguininess]

Thank you both! These are helpful. Also, I went and saw an internist a few days ago to have a full blown blood test and thyroid ultrasound. Nothing abnormal was found. Will the rheumatologist do more than just a routine blood test ?

[ltree]

Hello linguininess, good question and I had also been wondering if there is more a rhumatologist could offer, if I were to spend more time with one - I recently decided to put this on hold so I could manage better following through with the other specialists, while managing my own conditions and my life.

I do not want to discourage you - I did not get much that is useful with mine after 3 visits, so I will be keeping an eye on this discussion to see if I am missing something.

Mine ordered a panel of blood tests, also a series of X-ray at my lower back. He claimed the latter would check for some specific rare condition. The results showed negative on that condition, and positive on some non-definitive marker which may suggest Sjogren's.. I do not remember all details but the last discussion was about possibly having a lip biopsy which might find something more. I asked if meanwhile there are any treatments that may help with whatever under-lying condition to possibly help with my eyes, because it looks like it would take a while. The answer was, no, he has to find out what exactly first, because the treatment is different for each.

It would be nice if the rhumatolgist is knowledgable in DES - mine said he has no experience in it.

[MGD1701]

Hi
Just occured to me,
If you have MGD and have images/photos of the (missing/short etc) glands, show them to doctor.