Rheumatoid Arthritis - What is your relationship like with your RA Dr?

16 Jan 2011

I haven't been lucky enough to get a good RA Specialist yet, we just moved house to another town and the one I saw here just moved my arms and legs about took notes and sent me on my way without even a prescription! And charged me $210 for the privilege. He only comes once every two weeks to our town and the waiting list is long. So I think I may drive 130 km to see a Dr in Melbourne. It's been a struggle for the last 10 years trying to work out what I had and how to treat it. Yet my sister-in-law got to see a specialist and treated straight away. It's the luck of the draw, I really think you should at least be able to bring up your concerns and get answers without feeling stupid or feeling like you are wasting their time! So if you don't feel comfortable with them why pay your money to them? Transfer your file and notes across to another Dr if you like them, check out some first, find one you relate well with and can talk to and be LISTENED to and get them to request your medical notes. Hope this helps.
A second opinion isn't a bad thing!

16 Jan 2011

Are you on meds at all for RA? You didn't say. I can not imagine an RA doctor not offering different options, such as one of the biologics. My hands also turned, and I even had an operation on one, before it got too bad to be corrected. I am on one of the biologics; the Dr and the patient make together a decision which ones to try. This is the third one I've been on; had to see which one worked best for me. Sometimes it turns out to be trial and error. I am happy with my specialist. Is your Dr a specialist?

17 Jan 2011

Branwen33,
The rheumatologist that first diagnosed me with RA was rude & miserable! She offered minimal hope and should have her license revoked! I stayed with her for almost 9 months because I didn't know anyone else! Of course my husband thought I was overreacting and went with me one day. Boy was he shocked! We left her office and went straight to the computer and phone book. I opted for a physician associated with a major teaching facility, with active research and trials. It is a huge practice and at times, I do feel like a number and not a patient. However, my physician was wonderful! He said to give him a year, and he will have me functioning as well as last year. That was about 3 years ago, and he did. I really have minimal symptoms now. It is very important that you find a physician that you are compatible and comfortable with. You must trust him/her. Keep looking. This is your body and your life. Remember, you have a right to quality health care!