My doctor doesn't listen to me--forgets past information

[Guest guest]

I have had PA (diagnosed) for over ten years. The rheumatologist I have now is

the second one I've had. The first one was an older male doctor who never

listened. I think the current doctor has gotten tired of listening to me.

I am current suffering from swelling on my feet, legs and knees. This has

happened before in the spring, summer, fall, winter. She tells me it is a case

of hot weather (only 3 days over 85). She forgets I have had this problem in

the dead of winter several times. I am overweight, so now it is because I have

diabetes although my tests don't confirm that. I started out on NSAIDs,

ibuprofen...sulindac...voltaren...with minimum relief. Then it was MTX by

pills, then injection, then that ended when my liver was severely damaged. I am

now on Enbrel and have recently started using ibuprofen instead of voltaren.

My doctor tells me that swelling of feet, legs, and knew is not a symptom of PA

although I have read here and in medical literature that it is. I have also

read that many PA sufferers develop diabetes because of PA, which she poo poos.

Where can I find information that can convince her. I have been in such pain,

unable to do much physically, I feel sorry for my husband having a wife who

can't do much. I am getting depressed beyond belief and it is affecting my job.

Help.

Blondie