Question:
How educated do you think PCP's really are concerning Bariatric Surgery?

I went in to see my PCP Dr today. Actually she is one of the clinic Dr's that rotate there. I informed her I need to be considering what to use in place of an anti-imflammatory after surgery for my Fibromyalgia. She looked at me quizzically and said, "Why can't you continue taking what you are currently using? (that being Ibuprofen)" I looked at her in utter amazement. I informed her since it was an anti-imflammatory and they are harsh on the stomach anyways, it would wreck havoc on a pouch that small PLUS the pill is just too darn big. She informed me, she does not feel fibromyalgia warrants pain medication... I seriously considered how I'd look in a orange jumpsuit when she said that :-) I think I better change Dr's asap. I told her upon leaving that I'd highly suggest she do some reading on my surgery before coming to unrealistic decisions. As a matter of fact she told me to take a Tylenol. Tylenol will not b.e.g.i.n. to touch the pain. Is my Dr the only one clueless about this surgery?    — TerryS (posted on September 12, 2003)

September 11, 2003
I think many doc don't have enough info. My pcp had 1 other wls pt when I had mine. I'm sure more now, since she has seen how well I have done. every doc is different, mine has been more than willing to get educated. If you are going to continue w/ this doc, maybe take a deep breath, forget the orange jumpsuit, and give her the info in a friendly "I thought you might find this interesting" way. another thing is that Fibromyalgia is a fairly mysterious disease that many docs are not well informed on either. actually there is not enough great nfo out there for anyone to toatlly understand the disease. the current treatments are pretty trial and error. I would like to know does wls help fibromyalgia. It seems like everyone Iknow who has it is pretty overweight. good luck w/ your wls, and i hope the fibromyalgia improves, what an awful thing to deal with.
   — **willow**

September 11, 2003
Run away from this doc! Sounds like one of the docs that prescribe to the idea that fibromyalgia is not a real disease. (She would change her tune if she had it.)Many doctors are clueless. Now, be aware that some surgeons do allow NSAIDs (mine is one of them). He is the head of Laparoscopic and Endoscopic surgery at a major teaching hospital, has seen the inside of a lot of stomachs and pouches, so I believe him when he says they don't do any more damage to a pouch than a regular stomach. On another note, I was the first person in my PCPs practice to have laparoscopic RNY and he really didn't know much about the after care, but I have been able to teach him a lot, and he appreciates it. He has been very impressed with my progress, and my husband's, and a couple of others who have had the surgery. I am very lucky to have a doctor who is open to new ideas and learning from his patients.
   — koogy

September 12, 2003
Terry, you really made me laugh out loud. There have been many times I have thought about how my 400 lb body would looked squeezed into some ugly orange jumpsuit when I have wanted so badly to react to something extreme. I am pleased that you were able to keep your composure. And to answer your question, most pcp are not informed about the post op care we need. I have a great and very smart pcp (Dr Julia Graves in Dallas). She learned about WLS. I also did something I recommend that other post ops do. I had my surgeon, Dr Julie Leverton, call and write my pcp. They were able to talk Doc-to-Doc. It was extremely helpful and I have had outstanding post surgery care from both of them. You might give it a try. I am also dealing with fibromyalgia. You need a good pain reliever. That pcp of yours is an idiot if she does not know that. Hang in there. Ann in TX
   — Ann B.

September 12, 2003
Hi Terry, when my fibromyalgia flares up, I take Tylenol arthritis, and I take amtriptaline (sp?) at night at bedtime. Joyce Ismail open RNY 5/21/03 316/263/150
   — Joyce I.

September 12, 2003
Not only do they lack education on WLS they are clueless about fibromyalgia. My husband has it. He had 4 different doctors before he was referred by a physical therapist to one that knows men can also have it and that they are truly in REAL pain (he is on morphine).
   — LLinderman

September 13, 2003
I heard it is very hard on men. I know a young male that has it and has been unable to go to school the last 3 years as a result. Thanks all for the responses..I will truly be checking this week on getting a new PCP...not gonna stand for that.
   — TerryS

September 13, 2003
Hi Terry: Sorry you're in pain. I think you're right, a new doctor asap is definitely in order. But I don't think your doctor is close to the only one that's clueless about WLS. The reason I'd change doctor is because they're clueless about the pain involved in your disease. In my opinion, that's not a good sign that she feels it's ok to tell a patient that's seeking pain relief that they don't need it. Good luck finding a more informed PCP. S
   — sherry hedgecock

September 13, 2003
I have fibromyalgia and am in the "thinking about" surgery stage. Actually I think I am pretty sure that I want to go this way, but have to work on my engineer minded husband (another issue). Anyway, back to the fibro. I have a bariatric M.D. in Tempe, Arizona who is trying magnesium injections on me for the pain. I had my first last Tuesday. I went in that day to give the injections a chance because I was feeling really stinky and felt they might be worth the cost ($31 each). I was shocked to find that by the end of the day I felt substantially better. Now I have no idea if this is coincidence or the injection yet, but am most hopeful. The series is of 8 injections over 8 weeks and then repeating depends on the individual from what I understand. If you would like to check out his website go to http://www.drscottrigden.com/ because perhaps he could consult with your doctor if you are in a different state. My doctor specializes in Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue, weight loss, and a variety of other issues and he uses traditional and non-traditional approaches. I know he does not take out of state patients and often is a cash only basis depending on your insurance. I know from personal experience that all the pain meds in the world do absolutely NOTHING for my fibro. I quit even trying a long time ago and have just endured the pain. Good luck.
   — Arizona_Sun