u/namecurrentlyunknown

I (29F) have been doing the dance of seeking some sort of diagnosis for my myriad of chronic pain, fatigue, etc. physical issues that increased dramatically 1-2 years ago. Two different PCPs, 6-months of physical therapy, several rheumatology visits, multiple blood tests, ultrasounds of my joints, and X-rays of my knees layer, both rheumatology and primary care say there is “no indication of anything wrong with me”. According to my understanding of my blood results, my sed rate and CRP are elevated, but my rheumatologist insists it is “insignificant”.

So, I got back to my PCP, we go over everything again, and then just end up sort of staring at each other, as she and I both are like ??? My previous PCP suggested perhaps it’s fibro, but my current PCP isn’t so sure. My rheum refused to comment on fibro. So, current PCP asks me what I’d like to do next, and I honestly don’t know. I just keep googling about my symptoms, and sometimes I come up with diagnoses that seem to fall under neurology. The trouble is, my visits with the rheum have been so traumatic through their gaslighting of my experience that I hesitate to even ask my PCP to continue referring me to different specialties, just as it’s hard not to assume I’ll continue to hear the same things anyways.

Has anyone sought a neurologist’s (or speciality other than rheumatologist) opinion for fibro-like symptoms? Any ideas beyond this?

Any advice or insight is appreciated!

- Must be local to Phoenix, AZ, or surrounding valley cities. 21+ only, with a valid AZ driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle.

- Pay $50-$150/hour, commensurate to portfolio sample and/or experience level.

- The shoot itself (date TBD) will likely be two, eight hour days, to take place in Tucson, AZ. Accommodations and travel compensation are not included.

- No editing needed; looking for someone who can confidently shoot and operate camera gear independently

- We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate both creative vision and basic technical competency.

If this sounds interesting to you, please comment below with a brief note about why you think you’d be a good fit, and then we can DM to cover more details of the shoot and interview process.

Edit to add: Phoenix local requirement is due to our desire to hopefully work with the same person long term, while this shoot will be in the Tucson area, most jobs long term will be in the valley.

Recommend yourself or others in the comments!

Here’s the requirements:

1. 21+ , AZ full time resident
2. Experience filming at least one short form video
3. Demonstrates a strong understanding of independent camera operation

Here’s the preferences:

1. Owns a professional level camera
2. Owns a vehicle and holds a valid AZ license
3. Can produce one professional or educational reference (we just want to contact them, no letter)

Here’s the project:

I’m helping a local band shoot their next music video, and I’m hoping to find someone that could support the band’s content initiatives long term. I’m especially hoping for someone either still in school, recently post-grad, or just early in their career who would benefit from developing their portfolio (position is still paid).

I’m hoping to reach someone who may not be on the job boards, so if you have friends/family/previous coworkers who are trying to become serious videographers in the valley—please spread the word!

I’ll respond to comments to DM me if it sounds like a good match, then send the process to apply via DM.

Thanks Phoenix! ☀️

Sorry this is so long!

I (28F) have been seeking answers about my pain/fatigue for ~2 years now. Recently, I had my first rheumatology appointment after being referred by my latest PCP, and, long story short, the NP & Doctor both cut me off during my explanation of my history and symptoms, and really seemed to jump to conclusions. They requested more blood work and my first ever ultrasounds/x-rays of my hands/knees/feet, so I’m at least glad they’re looking into it further, but I’m worried about how to handle my follow-up after the extreme dismissal I experienced in the intake appointment. I assume others have experienced similar things, so my basic question is, should I just stick with this rheumatologist and fight to be a better self advocate, or is it a case where I should really ask for a different provider?

My backstory: I’ve experienced generalized pain and sensitivity for years, but in spring 2024 I began experiencing sudden knee pain/instability and swelling. Being an active person, I thought I had simply overdone it, so I spent weeks resting/icing/compressing/etc., only for minor relief, so I dropped my higher impact exercises like running and hiking. Between 2024-2025, I was going to yoga 3-4x a week, and slowly began to notice that my wrists, knees, and ankles were screaming in pain throughout each class, and I was finally forced to quit yoga in spring 2025 because I couldn’t handle the pain/crying throughout every class. As a result, I finally saw a doctor (PCP) in spring 2025, who, after blood testing, suspected fibro, and sent me to physical therapy which I spent 6-months working on, with little notable change. Then in winter/spring 2026, I went to a new PCP (moved) who was aghast that I had never seen a rheumatologist, and that’s how I ended up where I am now. Some other things to note: I do have a history of PTSD/anxiety and high stress, and I have attended therapy (mental health) twice a month since 2022 for mental health management/stress management. I am still moderately active (like many of you, I do the best I can whilst trying to avoid getting knocked out of commission for the whole week).

The appointment: I saw both a NP and a doctor at the appointment, first was the NP. She comes in with super “rushy” energy and starts firing off standard intake questions, and after a few she hits me with “describe your pain” as if it’s as simple as other questions like “do you smoke” and so I sort of paused and asked her if she wanted a full description or some shorter answer, and she said the full description, so I start explaining as I did above, and once she hears me mention knee pain, she stops me and goes “oh so this is a joint thing, okay” and just starts going on about how she’ll be back with the doctor soon, and she’s out the door within seconds. I didn’t feel like I really got to fully explain the situation, I never even got to mention I’ve done PT, or that if I accidentally brush any part of my leg, arm, or stomach against something too firm, I’m in excruciating pain for several minutes after. Or, that getting dressed has become difficult and uncomfortable. The NP and doctor come in, and the doctor has barely said hello before she’s physically examining me, asking me “rate your pain here and here” grabbing me throughout my body. I was so taken aback and confused at how the situation was unfolding that I barely knew what to even say in protest. I tried my best to give accurate answers, despite the fact that I never had the chance to explain the sensitivity/pain varies extremely based on the day, the pressure, the location, etc. etc. No sooner has she examined me that she says she wants the imaging of my joints since it’s a “joint issue” and she’s out the door again.

Is this normal? Should I just cut my losses now and try to ask for a new referral? Or do I just stick with it and try to fight against the steamrolling when I follow up after imaging?

Any advice or insight is greatly appreciated!