Frustrated Newbie | Arthritis Information

Hello. I found out that I had RA about 6 mo ago and have been on medication for the last five, which haven't been helping too much. I've been watching message boards for a while and decided to post a concern that frustrates me. I'm 24 years old, a full time college student, and I work 32 hours a week, so I have a pretty hectic schedule. Does anybody else have problems with getting a prompt appointment with a rheumy? Every time I go I sit in the waiting area for about an hour and then I'm brought back into the examining room just to have to wait for another half. When I mention it, the office staff look at me like I'm psycho or something. Also, the other patients in the waiting room don't seem bothered by this. Is this normal? Is this something I have to just except? And, the doctor

The wait things is a pain. My old rheumy was always on time, my pcp is never on time.

I can't believe that they won't let your husband come in with you. That is just bizzare! I would DEMAND that they let him in or find another dr.

HUGS,
Kristin

I agree with Kristin, but I have been very lucky regarding waiting, my RD keeps his appointment times spaced far apart. I have waited twice in 2 years.

When they call you, I would just have your husband get up and walk in with you, PERIOD!! If your RD won't see you because of that, find another RD and file a complaint with everybody you can think of. You are married and your husband has the right to be with you

I have to agree with the ladies, your husband should be allowed in and yes some times it seems to take forever for you to see the rd. If the rd continues to refuse your husband to come in with you, then find another rd. meme

I'm absolutely appalled that they wouldn't let your husband come in. That is ridiculous!! I would definitely find a new RD.

Molly

WITH MY PREVIOUS RD I WAS IMPRESSED IF SHE WAS LESS THAN 3 HRS BEHIND SCHEDUAL--ONCE I HAD AN APPT LATE IN THE DAY AND I WAS PUT IN A ROOM AND AFTER AN HOUR SHE HADN'T COME IN YET SO I WENT OUT TO LOOK AROUND--ONLY TO FIND THAT THE CLINIC WAS CLOSED--NEEDLESS TO SAY I WAS TERRIFIED--ESPECIALLY SINCE I AM CLAUSTRAFOBIC AND AFTER I FOUND ALL OF THE DOORS LOCKED AND THE ELEVATOR TOO--IN OTHER WORDS YOU CAN'T GET OUT IF U GET LOCKED IN--I FINALLY FOUND A CLEANING PERSON WHO TOLD ME THE DR. WAS STILL HERE AND THAT THIS WASN'T UNUSUAL--WHEN SHE FINALLY CAME IN I WAS IN TEARS AND I REALLY GAVE IT TO HER--I HAVE A NEW RD NOW AND HE IS ALWAYS ONTIME--AND I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF A SPOUSE NOT BEING ALLOWED IN THE ROOM WITH--I'D INSIST OR GET A NEW DR.---TAKE CARE Lauuri

I always had to wait at least an hour with my RD. I haven't been to him in a couple of years though, so don't know if that's changed. I haven't been able to get to any RD in two years, so don't know about the wait.

But I would definitely take a stand where your husband is concerned. He has every right to be there with you.

Cris