Visit to Rheumy

[Guest guest]

Hi all,

Yesterday when I went to my appointment with my rheumy, at first this young

man who turned out to be a medical student came in and asked questions, let

me ask questions, examined me, etc. Then he relayed the information to the

rheumy, and then they both came in and the rheumy talked to me. I don't know

how I like this procedure. Of course I'd rather just talk to the rheumy. My

next appointment is with the rheumy and his new fellow. I think this means

that he is abandoning me to the fellow for a year, just as he did with last

year's fellow. I know they have to learn on somebody, but I'd just as soon

they learned on somebody else. I would prefer some continuity in my

treatment. The rheumy kind of loses contact with me when he abandons me to

the fellow, even though I do see him briefly each time.

So what should I do? Any suggestions?

Anyway, my white blood cell count had dropped from 3.1 to 2.5 (normal

4.0-10.5). He said that was totally unacceptable, that I should drop the

Arava. I said no! let's drop the mtx. He said but it raised your

cholesterol. I said but I'm taking Lipitor. So he said okay.

I'm to have bloodwork done again in two weeks and then call him. I asked

what he would do if it didn't improve, and he wouldn't get specific, just

said that we have many options. I wish I knew what those options were. I

wonder if he will ever put me on Remicade or Enbrel.

Isn't that always the way of it? You find a medication that really helps,

and have a hard time tolerating it because of the side effects. My wbc count

had become too low while I was just on mtx. Each month, it's been steadily

declining still further, even though I'm on just 7.5 mg of mtx now and 10 mg

of Arava.

Sue in NC

[Guest guest]

Hi Sue...Do you go to a university medical center or teaching hospital?

For awhile I went to Oregon Health Sciences University rheumatology

clinic, and they had the same set-up you described. I wasn't so

comfortable with that either, but there really was no choice. Where I

go now they sometimes bring in students to go to the appointments with

the rheumy, but it is entirely optional. I don't mind because I know

the student will be moving on shortly and I can keep the same rheumy.

I sure hope they get to the bottom of your lowering white blood cell

count. Have you come right out and asked about Enbrel or Remicade?

Much Love & Many Hugs...

Tess