Need a good rheum.--can you ever trust a Dr.?

February 20, 2006

Negative heading I know. I have been Dx for 2 1/2 years now ; and

as of Wed. have seen 3 rheumatologists. The first one was nice; but

seemed burned out and bored. He never prescribed anti-depressants or

anything for pain other than NSAIDS. My first visit was about 1/2

hour; after that it was 15 min, tops. All he did was say what Rx's do

you need and start writing. After a whole year of this I decided to "

travel " ( 65 miles one way) to try to find a " good' one. The new one

was a well known researcher and publisher of excellent articles---

very intelligent and knowledgable about the newist drugs. He should

stick to research. He never had a clue about me( even after a year),

never looked at my chart---just made sure I filled out his research

questionaire each visit. I had a bad reaction to Enbrel---he said I

could never take biologics again. Next visit he wrote me a script for

Enbrel. I had an MRI in Dec. which showed extensive damage in my

cervical spine---with pain radiating down my left arm. He and my PCP

said it was RA damage with a little OA thrown in . He suggested I go

on Orencia--he had just finished a 2 year study on it. I asked about

the infection risk; since that is why I can't take Enbrel. He got

angry, and said if you don't want to help yourself and you are afraid

of everything; how can I help you?? On to a recommended new rheumy

for an opinion of what to do next. I liked his approach and interest

very much; but when I asked what he thought about my MRI--he said

forget about it--it's OA, nothing to do about that. I said I felt it

was RA and indicated uncontrolled disease as it had progressed so

much. He said " " RA never affects anything but C1 & C2---ever! "

This isn't true. I've just read at least 20 articles about cervical

spine RA---most dangerous in C1,C2; but can be anywhere C1-C7. So how

can I trust a rheumatologist who is wrong about basic facts?? I have

exhausted the area rheumy supply. What the he** do you do?? I have

never posted anything this long and thank you if you are still with

me. I am so frustrated and disappointed. I really don't know where

to turn. Any suggestions appreciated! Lou

Recommended Posts