Should I change rhuemy? | Arthritis Information

Hi, I've recently been diagnosed with RA after having complain of persistent swelling and pain in both my ankles for more than half a year. Went to rhuemy no. 1 and she did blood tests and gave me injections to both my ankles. Didn't help but at that time I didnt believe I had arthritis so I went around seeing all sorts of other doctors from orthopaedics to GP. Eventually, I'm refered to rhuemy no. 2. He tried a few kinds of medication on me but I still complained of swelling and pain so he suggested to give me an injection. I told him that my previous rhuemy already gave me an injection but it didn't work. At that time, I didnt know what injection is that but he dismissed it as non-steriod injection to control the inflammation and convinced me to take another injection on my buttocks. He says this is more effective as it controls the immune system. The injection helped, but in the end, I found out that the injection he gave is the same as the one my previous rhuemy gave, only at a higher dosage.

I'm currently on Methotrexate and it's working well on me. But I'm fed up with the injection incident. Should he have checked with my previous rhuemy what injection was given rather than dismiss it so quickly? And I read that steriod injections should only be given once in 3 months but I was given the 2nd injection by the 2nd rhuemy with only a 2 months + a few days gap in between. Should I look for another rhuemy or should I just stick to the same one since I'm feeling fine with taking Methotrexate?

Hi Isparkles,
I don't know if you should change your rheumie but I wanted to comment
people do betterwhen they're proactive about being involved in their RA
treatment. It's a good idea to ask a lot of questions and keep track of the
different medications you take or are given. Also, try to have copies of either
medical records or a health journal you can show different doctors to avoid
mix ups like this one. I hope things go smoother in the future.

I agree with Gimpy about being proactive, we have to take an active role in this disease and sometimes that takes a while to get a handle on.

It probably didn't matter what injection you had had previously as your RD probably assessed your current symptoms and administered what he thought might be an appropriate treatment for those. I haven't heard that about steroid injections being more than 3 months apart. I certainly have had them a month apart and even if that is the basic 'rule' doctor's do make educated judgments for the benefit of their patients breaking the 'rules' in the process knowing the calculated risks involved.

I think before I changed rheumy's I would be asking them the questions you asked us and see what the response is.

I am kind of unclear about whether you are angry just about him not checking previous medication and giving it to you when you though he couldn't or is it something else?

Thanks for the reply and suggestions. I'm starting to keep a record of all my medications. Yes, I'm angry but I wonder why does he say that the previous injection was not effective because it's probably only something non-steriodal to control the swelling when he was not sure? And I forgot to add one important thing, I'm experiencing daily continuous menstruation for 2 months since the injection. He says it's a side effect of the steroid and I was refered to a gynaecologist. But the gynaecologist says that nothing much can be done as if he gives me some other medication, there would be other side effects and the problem might correct itself after a few more months. I'm also wondering if the Methotrexate might be causing the problem. When I asked my rhuemy about it, he says it's the steroid that's causing it but I read that Methotrexate can have effects on the menstrual cycle too. To sum up everything: I'm really confused.

Hello, Cordy is absolutely correct...we all have to write lists of frustrations...and don't be affraid to write down what the doc says. This disease seems to be about weighing side effects vs. effective treatment, but I have not heard some of the younger folks complain about continuous menstral bleeding. I would wait to see if some of them have had similar problems. I had a hysterectomy, so I have no ideas.

Have you had girl problems before this? Is this something that you do not mind living with until your body gets used to the MTX?

Also, there are more joint shots than just steriod. I have had steriod shots in my knees and have been on oral steriods within three months to six months after...with no ill effects. There are also joint shots that help enhance joint fluid and I will be starting those in the next couple of weeks.

Let me know how I can help.

I want another shot in the asssss

Cordy is right, I'm relatively new and after being on this site I wrote down loads of questions and went in 'armed'. My rheumy was pleased that I had a list of questions the second time I saw him (I was in too much shock the first time to even be coherent

I'm lucky I've had an hysterectomy so cant help with the bleeding issue, but if they are all saying its down to the steroids... then it possibly is.

Best of luck in getting the right treatment and docs.

Lynne