Re: Help with my first apt. with Rheumatologist Betty

[Guest guest]

Hi Betty:

Well, it seems you have had bad experiences with

doctors - your tests are positive, but there is no

dianogsis from that rheumy? Where did she get her

degree? Out of a cereal box? It sure seems that way

with some of these quack doctors.

I am glad that your GP continued to try and get you in

to see a rheumatologist, and hope that this one goes

better than the first. You are doing exactly the

right thing by taking in all your tests and lab work,

even if she wants to do her own too, she will have

that to compare her stuff to. Yes, complain, and

don't hold back, it will only end up hurting you by

not getting you the treatment and medications you

need. It is not whining, it is communicating your

pain and your symptoms.

You need to let the doctor know everything that hurts,

your symptoms, how the pain feels, what kind of pain

and how much pain, where does it hurt, what makes it

worse, what makes it better. Everything you can think

of - think of it now, and write it down so you don't

forget to tell her. Say it firmly and be clear, and

let her know that you want to know what is wrong, and

what can be done.

You even have time to do a day by day notebook from

now until your appointment to chart your pain - it's a

good idea to do this anyway. Does weather affect your

pain, etc? All very important for your doctor to

know. Seems like too much information? Nope. Never

enough information, so that you can get the help you

need.

I go to a rheumatologist and have RA, OA, and FM. She

treats them all. There is no real medication for the

OA for me, just pain med that I use for all of my

pain, although you may need to take some sort of bone

strengthening med like Fosamax if your x-rays are

showing boney degeneration in your spine/hip areas.

Also remember to let her know about the Raynaud's

symptoms, I actually had Raynaud's prior to my RA

diagnosis, but it can also come along after RA. It

can be very serious, so let her know. There are meds

you can take, and my father does for his Raynauds, but

I generally just try to bundle up, stay warm, wear

socks and slippers, and gloves when necessary, even in

the house!

I hope that this helps you, I think I remembered to

tell you everything I wish I had done when I first saw

my initial rheumy! We learn as we go, believe me. A

good patient is an informed patient, and a proactive

patient. You need to be firm in your telling of your

symptoms and complaints, and firm in your desire to

have a proper diagnosis, proper medications if needed,

and proper treatment so that you will be able to feel

better. Good luck to you - and let us know how it

goes -

Kathe in CA

Kathe

" To ride a horse is to borrow freedom. "

__________________________________________________