Gastro vs Rheumatology?

[KatyMac]

I've been having investigations for IBS with a Gastro doctor

I think everything is OK but I know have an appointment with the Gastro doctor at a Rheumatology clinic - what might be going on?

I do have CFS, FM & IBS so I'm an odd rag-bag of symptoms!

Rheumatology often looks at immune illnesses such as FM as well as "Rheumatic" things. FM, CFS and IBS can all be immunological - I have RA and also an immunological neuro condition - I saw my rheumatologist who referred back to neurology, and see both.

Gastro is normally only going to concern themselves with that specific part of you. A rheumatologist will be looking at you globally, especially given your other conditions which are all inflammatory conditions and maybe or may not be linked. It's not uncommon for CFS, IBS and FM to be linked so it's best to see a consultant who can see the overarching picture.

Just as a side note, if you haven't been referred to a physio yet it might be something to consider to help too

Physio wrote me off years ago - back pain, unstable hips & CFS meant they couldn't help

I have massages & reflexology; which are lovely

It's funny I have been trying to get them to look at all of me for years - now they might be I'm a little concerned

A physio wrote you off?? I'm only saying that as I'm surprised and disappointed about that, there is so much physio can do for chronic conditions - try and find a specialist physio. If you're in London, Charing Cross has an excellent physio team who deal with CFS, FM, IBS etc etc

Having 2 complex health problems, I see both a gastroenterologist and a rheumatologist. While some gastro conditions are autoimmune and thus, associated with common rheumatological illnesses, there is not necessarily a link between the two specialities Therefore, it's best to either see both or start with one and then see another.

It sounds like you saw a shit physio. They work with a range of people, from a normally fit and healthy person with a running injury to a person rehabbing after breaking their neck.

It was hard - they struggled with the idea that on different days I could do different amounts of exercise & that some days I could do nothing - the 'chronic fatigue' thing apparently meant I get a bit tired...

I think I was just surprised the Gastro person would be at the Rheumatology clinic; here's hoping for a diagnosis.....rather than a collection of acronyms

What do you mean the gatsro is at the rheum clinic, as in part of it or in the same place? My rheum clinic shares it's space with gastro and something else but I can't remember what, maybe the warfarin clinic?

The letter is headed 'Department of Gastroenterology'

The consultant is a Gastroenterologist

The clinic I'm attending is the Rheumatology Clinic

I don't know.....

If the gastro and rheum are doing a cooperative clinic you're on to a winner, as it's inter-disciplinary.

Between gynae/rheumy/neuro/GP/immunology I'm very lucky they work together!

You're not in greater London by any chance, are you?

Me? No, Glasgow.

Do you think they might be?

No, sorry KatyMac

Oh I fancied a cooperative clinic

Obvious but boring answer - Gastro clinic just happens to be running in the building usually occupied by Rheumatology clinic.

I did wonder about that

Some treatments for gastro conditions involve IV infusions, as do some treatments for rheum conditions. I think that's why the two share the same clinic space at my local hospital. There is only one day treatment room.

Thanks - it's an enormous hospital so I doubt it's space

I think I'll just have to be patient.....I don't do patience well

I don't think it's a space thing at my hospital either, just that the nurses are trained in observing reactions to the drugs etc. They are not used that commonly except in certain autoimmune conditions.

"Obvious but boring answer - Gastro clinic just happens to be running in the building usually occupied by Rheumatology clinic."

DD goes for rheumatology appointments in the CF department at the children's hospital as they share accommodation. That's the only reason.

Actually MyFairyKing may have it - some of the drugs used for inflammatory bowel disease are the same as those for some rheumatology conditions. If they share a day unit, you only need to train one set of nurses in their use.

Doesn't mean there are joint clinics.

I just got a text asking me to come to 'General Medical Outpatients'!!!

So I guess I was hoping unnecessarily!!

Well it was a space/refurbishing issue

The Gastro told me I had "a fast transit time" which tbh was the symptom I went with

Did they offer any tests, suggestions, diagnosis?

Have you had a coeliac test OP?