Rhemy did a turnabout | Arthritis Information

 

I had my 2nd appt today and he put me on Mtx 10 mg in addition to my 10 mg of Pred.  He told me to take the Mtx on an empty stomach early in the AM.  I have read many people say they take it at night and sleep thru the S/E.  What do you think? 

I really liked this dr. during my first visit, but this time I'm not so sure.  This time he seemed to not believe me or his original dx.  I have blood work, MRI's and symptoms to back up the dx, but he seemed to doubt it today.  Maybe it's just me.   He doesn't want to put me on a biological, but I want to be on one.  I'm not thrilled with the cost but I think it is in my best interest.  I'll see how it goes next visit, which isn't for 2 months.  He didn't even ask me how my symptoms were.  I'm thinking because I'm a nurse, he expects me to tell him my symptoms. 

Needless to say, he fell a few notches today. 

Hope everyone is well.

Phatgirl2 

Phatgirl2,  your doctor really should be asking those questions.  Maybe you are right and he assumed you would tell him these things as you are nurse.   I hope the Mtx works for you.Phatgirl,  I took my mtx at night - advised by doctor.  hmmmmmmmmm  I want my new rheumy to ask,ask ask.  Every two months sound so far apart.  I was seeing my rheumy every 2 - 3 weeks.  I hope this rheumy turns out to be a good one for you   Phatgirl2, Maybe he doesn't want to start you on biologics until
you try the MTX. I know a lot of docs are hesitant to put
younger people on them for some reason. If you feel like he is
not treating it aggressively enough, let him know. If you feel like
you goals aren't the same as his, maybe it's time to look for a
new doc. 2 months is definitely a long time to wait for an
appointment when you are in pain. Thank you all for your responses.  I think the problem is that I want to bring out the big guns and shoot down this RA, but I know I need to be patient.  He wants me to wean off my Pred, which surprises me since I'm still in a lot of pain.  Although he wouldn't know that, because he didn't ask.  But, I'm not shy, so if we aren't on the same page, I'll move on.
Thanks everyone, have a great day!!!!
Phatgirl2
Phatgirl2 the first thing my rheumy says when he walks in the door is
"how is it going?" and that always starts us off and then he does a
complete joint check. One thing I did want to say about the MTX is they
always start with this first and then move to the biol. and the other
reason is insurance. That nasty insurance! you must fail MTX before most
insurance companys will even consider a TNF med. So all that comes into
play.

Next time if your rheumy does not ask how you are be up front and make
a point to let him know how you are doing and how it is affecting your
daily routine. Good luck TerryTerry,
I'm just in shock over yesterday.  He didn't even lay a hand on me, no examination, nothing.  He then went so far as to say that I already had damage in my left hand and wrist, but then stated that "that radiologist has been giving a lot of false positives, but your story matches your MRI".  I think he just has very poor bedside manners and poor choices in words.  I don't know what else he wants from me, positive blood work, symptoms AND MRI's that show damage ALREADY.  It seems like he doesn't even believe his own diagnosis. 
But, he's the expert, so I'm relying on him to do right by me.  I thought they generally started with Mtx first, so thats where I am.  Thanks for everyones input.
Phatgirl
I have never heard of taking MTX in the morning and I agree with your
assessment that this Doc. fell a few points at this appointment. It is so
very important to have that confidence in your rheumy. I went through
two before I found one that fit my profile. My second one never touched
me at all and that is why I let him go. I have also recently found a new PCP
because my last one was too busy to have me come in when I was sick
and only perscribed antibiotics over the phone. Well my heumy was a bit
upset given the fact that I had been sick for four months with lung issues
and not so much as a visit or a lung x-ray. I don't hesitate anymore to let
a doctor go when it is not working out, I don't bash them I simply move
on and find one that will do the job and work for me.

Maybe he was having a bad day. Give it one more try and then if you still
feel the same give him he boot. Take care TerryThanks Terri!!
Phatgirl2


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