February 16th. I kept my rheumy appt. with the expectation she would work with me and begin AP. Well, that didn't happen. She claimed she had read all the results of the latest double-blind studies by the NIH and NIAMS. Both stated that AP Therapy was effective in the treatment of RA but she still wasn't convinced or comfortable with it. Instead she wanted me to try Enbrel. This wasn't acceptable to me!! She told me that it was still okay to take up to 6-50mg. tablets of tramadol a day but was steadfast in not administering AP Therapy.
A few days later I made an appt. with my gp, who is an internist, and told him of my appt. with my rheumy. Since I was willing to "take the risk" as he stated it he could see no plausible reason for my rheumy not to administer it.
Told him "I want my life back." Then asked him if he would work with me in administering AP Therapy. He was hesitant but said that he would do his own research and get back to me. Well he called me yesterday and told me he had done his own research and also took an in-depth look at my medical history for I am allergic to so many drugs AND he sees no reason why AP Therapy shouldn't be an option for me. In addition, he's willings to take it on. I'm still speechless!!
Looks like one door slammed shut and another opened. Are you going to have the old rhuemy monitor you? If AP works it might open her/his eyes to another valid treatment.
No, I'm not going to have my rheumy monitor me. However, since our local clinic is a satellite of a large medical center all info is available via their computer network. Am going to request my rheumy be kept up-to-date, whether my treatment is negative or positive.
I am so happy that you are final going to get to try the therapy you want to do. It is so hard when things don't go our way. I wish you the best of luck on AP!
I talked to my rheumy about it and so surprised when she said she has several patients on it and I can start in a couple months! She wanted me to continue on plaquenil a little longer before switching. Fine with me. At least I know I will begin it soon! Keep us posted on your journey on it!
Good for you! It's frustrating when you're not getting support from your medical team---this is your body and your disease, and they perscribe the same drugs to teenagers for acne! I wonder what your rheumy found so threatening in the treatment? I mean, I guess she is committed to staying unconvinced since the research backs it so what's left except clinical experience which she seems determined not to get? Stories like that get me steaming mad. I was lucky in that my GP is open minded and a listener (although I would still feel more comfortable with an experienced AP doc).Now you're cooking with gas!
You also might run a search on the Road Back - there were a bunch of posts a couple of months back on getting over drug allergies.
Congrats!
Pip
I am so happy for you! Thank goodness you did not take "no" for an answer, that determination will serve you well on AP. Since your doc is not experienced, take full advantage of the advice offered on www.roadback.org and www.rheumaticsupport.net. You will have to chart your own course, but many have done so before you with great success. Best of luck to you and keep everyone posted. PatHey Watchingwolf thats Awesome. I am happy for you and I also wish you the best of luck...