Hi All:
My new rhuematologist has the bedside manner of a porcupine.He has steadfastly told me you just have fibro and not RA--folks the other doctor said it was there even thought I have normal test results. I have decided that this new rheumatologist is a JERK and that he's not worth the expense and the anguish. I cry every time after I see him--he just wont' listen and has no sympathy.
I have not been on here for awhile so hello to new folks and been here folks.
Have a low pain day!
Elna
Hi elna,
Don't go back to see him if thats the way he treats you. You don't have to put up with your dr being a jerk. Arthritis of any kind is miserable and maybe your diagnosis will change several times before they get the right one. I know a number of people who have tested negative for RA factor and they have what appears to be a full blown case of RA. These diseases tend to overlap one another anyway.
Check with your insurance and pick out another Rheu... You have to keep trying until you find one that listens and explains and you can work with to hopefully help you get better. I saw 3 Rheu... before I found the right one for me. Do you know anyone who goes to another Rheu...? Ask around and you may be surprised how many people you know or who have family members that go to a Rheu... Good luck with your search.
Barb
Hi Elna,
I agree with dyna 100%. Do NOT go back, find you another RD. They really aren't God, even if they think they are.
Lu
Hi,
I can sympathise with you as I too have an idiot of a so called rheumatologist who i am sure is in it just for the title!!! Sorry to all you other excellent Rheumy's - mine has been sent from Mars!
I have had RA for 6 months and am also 6 months pregnant. For the past 6 months I have seen him twice - waste of time as said the same thing twice - can't give you anything as pregnant although I was being admitted on a twice a week basis to Hospital to get shoulder aspirations, bed bound as could not move knees and hips and also recently lost any movement in my fingers as swollen up so much as though all broken. The break down point was when in too much pain couldn't even use the toilet without cleaning myself after for not being able to even hold toilet roll without crying in pain. My Thyroid Consultant saw me for a check up and was disgusted that I had been left for 6 months with no pain relief etc and in this state and that the idiot didn't even want to see me until a month after the birth of my baby in August coming!!! Never mind about the fact he scared me and my husband to death about the flare ups that are due after the birth!! Anyway - I had medication Prednisone from him (thyroid specialist) and am now bouncing around the place with no pain and no swelling thanks to him. He consulted with another Rheumy on the phone and he said to go ahead and give me 10mg - which i could have been on all the time from the idiot one.
So - like the others have said dont give up (like i did) make people hear you and get medication and support etc - we all need it in this pain.
Wonder if he/she has ever had RA and really understands the illness???? Makes you think doesn't it! I think that animals get better treatments at vets sometimes than we do!
Good luck
Dump him. You have enough problems. Just stressing out over this juerk can place you in a real bad flare. check your insurance and see what else if available. Post your area on the boards and see if anyone is near you and can recommend one.
Kieye
I agree with the others see what other rds are covered by your insurance and tll them you want to change drs. Check to see if there is a support group for Athritis in your area and check with their members as to who they would recommend. memeI agree with the others, as well. There's no reason you should be treated like that when there are doctors out there that will do right by you. I've been in your position before and finally I found a new Rheumy that listens and does his best to help me. He never rushes me out the door and makes time for me when I really need a doctor. RA or any illness like this is hard enough to go through without having to see an insensitive doctor. Best of luck to you.