Am I being unreasonable? | Arthritis Information
I was hoping to get a few opinions...
If my RA dr. said he wants to see me when I get a flare again or if I'm really worried about something, then I try to make that appt today and he cant see me until tomorrow...is it too much to say he should've squeezed me in? I know he has other patients...and probably worse cases that come up, but this has happened a lot when there's something that comes up and i need to see him.
These flares come on when ever they feel like it, hit me hard, then go away within 3 days. This is the 2nd day so I'm worried that since he's waiting, he wont see what's happening.
Do you feel your RA dr. should see you when there's a problem, or just hope he understands what's happening and wait until he can see you? The assistant that passes on this information I worry isnt giving him all the details, she has a heavy accent and doesnt seem to know a lot about RA. I almost want to change doctors...I dont know.
I'd push a little maybe?
I had my DX by virtue of an emergency appointment....
Can you take Pictures? at least?
have you been formally DX'd?
Unreasonable? No, but the practicalities of doctor appointments, emergency evaluations, and access can, and do surmount what we, as patients, view as reasonable/unreasonable.
Do you keep a daily journal of your overall well-being or lack of same and a
chart of your level of pain, mobility, and functionality? I have found a medical journal to be an invaluable tool for interactive discussion with my RD (as well as my other physicians).
Have you discussed, candidly and at length what you expect from your physician and asked him for feedback on what he is able to offer regarding emergency evaluations? If not, that might be the place to start. If you are concerned that your messages are not being adequately relayed to the doctor, ask if he accepts and responds to email messages from patients.
Best wishes, Shug
The next day is probable pretty quick. That probable is working you in....but I do understand wanting to be seen today so he can see what's going on right when it's going on.
I have had a difficult time getting into to see my RD, but I can e-mail her and she is good about answering them or calling me personally right away.
The daily assessment charts are a good tool. They are on "Combination Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis:" which I will bump up. Look on page 2, Snowowl posted them and I use them, especially when I am having issues or starting new meds (which does make it a daily journal!
Waddie: Thank you for the daily assessment charts tool, I will go look for it right now. I have been keeping track a little of all the things happening.
I really appreciate having this forum to bounce questiions off of, get opinions and even whine a little...I feel like you all understand. Thanks...
Having the right doctor is important- hope this new one is a good fit!
Having a good partnership is important but getting into a rheumatologist within 1 day is reasonable. Your dr may have any number of reasons you couldn't get in today.
You should have a discusssion with your doctor about what to do in cases like a short term flare. I keep a pred pack on hand and am allowed to use it at will.
Around here, it would be reasonable, most doctors are booked, If you do get in, the same day, It's a very long wait and you see a PA. Unless a patient calls in to cancel, it would be unreasonable for a Doctor to let other patients wait while he works you in. I do agree with you, that we need to get in when needed, I just don't know how they could do it, Maybe allow extra time at end of day, but if no one come in, it would be over time for staff.I don't think so. I'm glad your doc was able to get you in tomorrow instead of next week. Same day appointments are usually hard to come by, ya know? I hope your new RD works out well for you. It's good to have someone who makes you feel like a person, not a paycheck!
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