I have moved to a new rheum and just experienced a severe flare-up (pain, swelling). I could call and leave a message for my old doc and he former doc would order a steroid pack, increase MTX, and prescribe Tramadol.
I left a msg for new doc and asked them to pass it to nurse, hoping they'd fit me in or call me or call the pharmacy. Nothing. I will be going for me second visit in a week and will let the doc (who seems really nice) know what happened. I did go to my internist who gave me a shot of Toradol, steroid pack and Percoset.
What is your rheum's policy for responding to a severe flare between scheduled appts? Not sure if I should demand to come in or accept that I have to go to my internist for treatment.
I get an appointment made for this. My rheumatologist leaves a certain amount of space in her schedule for urgent visits. Otherwise you need to schedule about 2 months in advance. I will typically call and speak to her nurse, but my doctor does not do medicine over the phone. You must be seen. It's a bit of a hassle, but I would rather she be thorough and do an exam.
Mine doesn't even want me going to my internist right now if I'm sick. I just started my first biologic in February, and she wants me to come in to her office if I get sick.
I'm with Erinsmum, I feel lucky because I have a good relationship with my doc and his nurse. I've had experiences where the nurse has called back and times when the doc has called. We now have a standard course of treatment established for flares which means I always have prednisone on hand and I have a standing order for Tramadol and also for antibiotics in case I get regular sick. This way I can call the pharmacy or delve into the medicine cabinet as needed. No waiting required. And I typically email him if my symptoms are weird or if I've had to give myself a short course of prednisone. This way he notes it in my chart and knows to follow up if needs be.
My Rheumy is at least a 6 hour trip away depending on ferry connections and also requires an over night stay. She is almost impossible to get a hold of....I try and leave a message with her receptionist when she answers, then wait for a return call...usually a week or two, the last time there was no return call. My doctors nurse faxed the rheumy and eventually got a message back in regards to my treatment.
I see my doctor when I have issues in between appointments for monthly blood work and follow ups in regards to how the treatment is going and to document any flares/changes. I am considering a referral to another rheumy after my next appointment.
I had a talk with my rheumy regarding phone calls and having them returned last visit. She told me that it was fine to call when there were issues and said she would get back to me, maybe not the same day but to call if there were any issues and she certainly would return the call. This hasn't been the case....feeling rather frustrated. I understand she is super busy, it's not like I call every week or even month...but when I have the pharmacy calling me because they can't get a hold of her, nurses and myself trying to get info regarding prescription renewal or questions pertaining to issues, it certainly would be nice to have response.
Thanks to all who have responded. Sounds like there is a wide range of responses. Taralynn, I feel for you being that far away from your rheum. I cannot imagine being in your shoes, especially with the lack of quick response time.
I did get in with my rheum today. Apparently, the first phone message was lost and when I called the second time, they assumed I was calling for lab results. Doc was not happy with their response to me and was apologetic and assured me that the office should have given her the msg and she would call that day. I am hopeful and glad I took a chance on a new doc.
I had to laugh when thinking about my response to this … my bad flares seem to always happen on weekends and consist of me not being able to lift my arms at all or move a leg or two, requiring urgent care. I usually leave a message for my rheumy, head to the ER, and catch up with my rheumy after I get the big drugs via iv and injection in the hospital. Due to other autoimmune issues, I have a limited selection of drugs I can take, so the protocol is usually the same each time.
Been there too nym....I've had to tough it out a few times, due to flares happening on the weekend. Living on a small Island, not being able to travel on the ferry due to mobility issues, as well as the travel time. Thankfully my doctor has given me meds to keep on hand so that I won't have to go through that again!
Great to hear you got in to see your rheumy! I'm thankful my disease finally seems to be more managed then it was last year. Not sure I could of continued like that. I will still be seeking a rheumy that is closer... We are planning on moving one day soon and hopefully this will allow for better treatment and support.
Piganli said:
Thanks to all who have responded. Sounds like there is a wide range of responses. Taralynn, I feel for you being that far away from your rheum. I cannot imagine being in your shoes, especially with the lack of quick response time.
I did get in with my rheum today. Apparently, the first phone message was lost and when I called the second time, they assumed I was calling for lab results. Doc was not happy with their response to me and was apologetic and assured me that the office should have given her the msg and she would call that day. I am hopeful and glad I took a chance on a new doc.
I have 3 bad wrist flare ups. rhuemy told me if I have a bad flare to just go get a cortisone injection in the wrist. Today I did that and not one Dr. at my clinic would do it, and told me they needed an order from my rhuemy to do it. My wrist has a nodule on it and it’s tender and my tendon protrudes out and is painful. They said they couldn’t help. Any advise? I also left work because of painful wrist and my boss told me it was going to count against me on attendance.
I put Salonpas and an ace wrap on a joint when it swells due to over use. But some people prefer ice. I use heat like a heating pad or soaking in a tub with epsom salt also helps. And resting it though that is usually the hard part for me.