Visit to New Rheumy | Arthritis Information

 

After all of you suggested I find a new Rhematologist, I did.  I had my first visit today.  He was very nice, professional and listened to everything I had to say.  He said my RA was not under very good control and that was why I was experiencing such pain and fatigue.  He recommended I start either Embrel or Humira.  I have to get clearance from the oncologist first which may take up to a month.  He gave me low dose prednisone in the meantime.  I don't like taking prednisone but like how I am feeling a lot less.  Interestingly enough he discussed pain medication such as vicodan and indicated he knew it would help but did not prescribe it himself.  He said:  We don't prescribe pain medication because of all the monitoring, we just let the primary do that."  I thought that was very odd.  Let the primary treat the pain from the condition the Rheumatologist is treating.    Has anyone ran into that before?    Any recommendations as to which is better:  Humira or Embrel?    Thanks for any help and for all the support I get when I am lurking.

Janicer, I really glad you found a better RD.  It will make a difference in how you deal with the disease as well as how you feel! 

Its difficult to choose a drug, I just went through that with Cimzia.  I've been on both Humira and Enbrel too.  What works for some doesn't always work for others, so recommendations as to what drug to take may not work out.  The side effects for both are very similar, though I did have more sinus issues with Humira (but that could be me and my chronic sinus issues) and more allergic issues with Enbrel!  HI Janice, welcome to AI.

My pain meds are prescribed by my GP after initially being prescribed by my RD.  In Australia, it is now the norm for only one Dr to prescribe pain meds, my pain specialist doesn't even prescribe them for me, he will let my GP know if he wants things changed, this is so people cannot Dr shop, go to different Drs all over the place and get multiple scripts.  The reason my Gp got the nod was because I see her much more regularly and most narcotics are only available in small amounts and this saves me a trip to RD for repeat prescriptions too often.  It works really well for me.   Good luck from Janie. My RD suggested my GP prescribe any meds for pain.  I've never had a problem getting anything for my pain, so that's worked out for me I just call my pharmacist when I need my pain meds refilled.  He then calls my doctor if there are no more repeats left on my prescription.  I've never had to go back to see my doctor about the prescription unless I need the prescription changed.
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