I couldn’t agree with you more! Drs may think they’ve seen it all before but most haven’t experienced what we do, EVER!
Unfortunately patients often don’t complain because they worry about getting substandard care if they do or left without treatment…this is particularly the case in the UK where patients perspective is that they get their treatment free, they DON’T! We all pay through our taxes and National Insurance contributions stopped from our salaries. Healthcare should always be tailored to the individual patients needs. Unfortunately we sometimes have to stand up and shout!
Sorry, he seems a bit insensitive. I was just diagnosed, although I had a feeling I have had this for awhile. I take tumeric(INDIAN SPICE) in capsules (1 four times a day) it helps with inflammation but the pain is always there. Can you switch docs? I know where I live there are not many to chose from. It's so frustrating.
I have been lucky my rheumy and his nurse has been great. He was with one hospital and had to leave because they wanted him to see more people in a day and he refused to. That's what i like about him he spends time with you and listens and explains everything. Now I have to drive further to see him but it's worth it. But I know what your talking about my GP is the one i had problems with can never get in and when I do he is in and out, and whatever I go for he will say that it is my arthritis.So now I have found another GP and will see how he does. My rheumy has been recognized in arthritis today magazine by his patients. I am also a type 2 diabetic tried to get the GP to write an order for diabetic shoes which are suppose to be good for arthritis also and he would not. Called my rheumy had one the next day. I know it can be frustrating but just remember there is more than one dr. out there.
I think it’s time for a reunion! If you haven’t posted on the PsA board recently, how are you doing? I’m sure everyone on this thread would love to hear from you. Pour yourself a drink, get comfy and tell us how it’s going!
Seenie
PS I’m doing this on a few threads which have long-lost friends.
Hello! What a good idea :) I have been doing quite well for about a year and a half now (I am now knocking wood, literally). I must admit, that's probably why I haven't been "around" lately - been keeping busy getting out and doing things! :) How is everyone else??
Hey Holly! It’s good to hear positive things! We tend to go our own ways when the going’s good, but it’s always nice to reconnect with old friends. I’m doing pretty well. Had a hip replacement in the spring (thank you, PsA), fired my rheumie, found a good clinic and now I’m on Enbrel and feeling better than I have in years.
What treatment are you on? It’s been so long, I forget …
Take care and keep in touch!
Glad you are doing well Seenie! It is good to hear good news. :)
I haven't been on any treatment since Oct. of last year. Up until then I had tried Humira and Enbrel and Celebrex (the only one that worked). Except for a couple of times of using celebrex since Oct. or Sept. of last year (one week in February and a few days in July) I have not been on any medications. I suppose I'm in a remission....I hope it lasts a LOOOOOOONG time. :)
My first Rheumy didn't even diagnose me. For years I was clueless as to PsA. I had read about it online and knew it fit the problems I had been having but also know it's not always a good idea to try and diagnose myself. It wasn't until things got worse last year that I finally went back to my GP to get a referral to another Rheumy.
Anyway, if the doc had diagnosed me in the first place, I can't help but feel I might not be having such a hard time today. We would have caught it earlier.
Are you responding to the initial conversation or to my conversation with Seenie?
Dini said:
Get another doctor.
My first Rheumy didn't even diagnose me. For years I was clueless as to PsA. I had read about it online and knew it fit the problems I had been having but also know it's not always a good idea to try and diagnose myself. It wasn't until things got worse last year that I finally went back to my GP to get a referral to another Rheumy.
Anyway, if the doc had diagnosed me in the first place, I can't help but feel I might not be having such a hard time today. We would have caught it earlier.
I am onto my second rhuematologist and so far so good. But it’s only been one appointment. About to change Gp’s too as mine has been seeing me so long he is getting complacent about stuff. No one is a bigger advocate for your physical and mental health but you. It is important to remember that they are human too, and you need to communicate clearly how you are feeling and not put up with comments or treatment you are not happy with. They can get overwhelmed by all our issues too, so focusing on some at each appointment might prove more productive than lumping it all together if that makes sense. We are not their ‘normal’ patients.
I can understand in a 15 minute appointment they can only cover 1 diagnosis or 2 tops. My co-pay is 10 dollars but I still find myself not returning very frequently. Now I schedule my next appointment while I am there for one. It helps me to make it while there and I do get seen 4 times a year. I keep a book with questions in them so i remember to ask when I am there.
Yes, there comes a time … glad you’ve found another. Sometimes, aside from interpersonal skill deficits, it can be productive to have your problem looked at with a fresh set of eyes.
sybil said:
I’ve just checked your profile to see where you are 'cos for a moment there I thought we had the same rheumy. It’s a bit like any other relationship I suppose … ‘I thought I could change him’!! But he just got worse & worse & now I’ve finally been referred to a new one. I think like others … a new rheumy might well be the best thing to do.
Fire him and find you a new dr. I had the option of seeing one 45 min from home or a different one 2 hours from home. I was able to get into the one 2 hours from home faster, and man am I glad. He spent 2 hours with me on a first appointment and LISTENED to me. He talked to me like I was a human not someone after pain meds.
You pay their salary, they work for you. If you don't like them or they treat you like this, find someone you like.