Have never had a rheumy not try to deal with my pain issues. If that is what your rheumy is saying you might want to look for another rheumy.

My primary care physician (PCP) and I take care of that. My PCP referred me to a pain management specialist. Once the pain was under some kind of control my PCP rights my prescriptions every month. My pain has been controlled pretty good until the last 3-4 months when my back, hands and feet have flared out. I have 75mg Fentanyl patches I change out every 48 hrs. For breakout pain I have Oxycodone 5mg. I recommend you start with your PCP. He should be in all aspects of your care. My PCP will see the notes from my last visit with my Rheumy and if he doesn't understand them or have questions he will call my Rheumy and ask questions. My Rheumy wanted to prescribe a specific drug for my dry mouth, but it my conflict with my med for my Glacoma. He called my Optamologist and asked questi ok ns and if it was OK to give me that drug. My PCP saw the notes from their conversation. So, when I saw him about 4 weeks later he asked how things were going on with the dry mouth med. This is how the PCP works. He is the one you call with questions or problems. He is the primary one who knows what is going on with my medical care.

I have never had my Rheumy not help with pain. I am on Celebrex, Arthritus Tylenol and Tramadol the Tramad is on a as needs basis. We have talked about using Prednisone for short term relief. We have talked about other possibilities that we can look at down the road if my pain needs them. If your doctor tells you there is nothing he can do, I'd look for another doctor. I left one as all he did was look at my hands without ever touching me and write a prescription and an appointment for the next month. He was useless. I love my Rheumy now

Seriously? What is your doctor for then?? How would she feel if she were the one in constant pain? I would definitely find another rheumatologist...one who has some compassion!

Yeah I took tramadol for a long time till it stopped working, now I'm on methadone and percocet