Comments on: 20 Questions RA Patients Should Ask a Doctor

By: Lizzie Fraden

Lizzie Fraden — Fri, 20 May 2011 11:24:32 +0000

thank you for the questions! I’m wondering, however, if anyone could help me determine what the answers should be on many of them. For example answers to #3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19. I’m not sure what I should expect the answers to be. I also asked my doctor about #19 (would she help me with disability) and she said we are trying to avoid that. And that was that. I didn’t know what else to say…What else could I have said?
Also, is it customary for doctors to just stick to treating with drugs? Are there doctors that recommend preventative care for other problems that arise from all the medication? Maybe I’m expecting too much from my doctor, or any doctor. Although I do all the research myself as to how to take care of myself, sometimes I expect my doctor to know how to avoid side effects and making recommendations other than just checking my blood work every month to see if something is not already damaged. I would really appreciate any comments.

By: Vi D.

Vi D. — Sun, 15 May 2011 12:16:11 +0000

Rositta,
I am so sorry that you are having such a bad time now, but I ‘m glad you have a doctor who seem to be better than many we have been hearing about from others. I know these flare-up times are not easy, but please try to remember that tomorrow may be the “better” day for you. We all keep hoping that if RA patients can just “maintain,” that some super med will get discovered that will give all RA sufferers more relief than they are getting at the present time. Don’t give up….the spring and summer sunshine–even in Canada–will give you hope for better days ahead. We’ll be thinking of you!

By: Rositta

Rositta — Sat, 14 May 2011 13:24:13 +0000

No, I’m not in the US. I am in Toronto, Canada. There is a severe shortage of doctors here and I’m lucky to have her even though it’s hard to get appt. I’m
In a really bad flare right now. My email is on my blog if anyone wants to talk. I can’t even blog right now as I’m vert depressed with my situation. There are days when I just want to give up and there have been more of those lately…ciao

By: MomB

MomB — Sat, 14 May 2011 02:00:52 +0000

I am starting to realize how fortunate I am to have been referred to this particular rheumatologist.
I did already ask my doctor why she got into the field. She told me that initially she chose the field because she was interested in it, but also because it would allow her to control her work hours. At least she was honest with me.
She made it clear to me when the diagnosis was first made that it needed to be treated very agressively.
With regard to pain meds, she doesn’t generally prescribe them. My familly doctor handles that (and quite well).
If I have a flare I can get into see her within a reasonable period of time. She prescribed prednisone in the event that it was a long weekend or something and I couldn’t get in to see her. *Unfortunately we’ve since found out that I have a bad reaction to oral prednisone ~ fortunately I haven’t had a flare when she hasn’t been available* She told me not to hesitate to seek treatment at the hospital. There is always a rheumy on call.
She certainly allows me to particpate in decisions about my own treatment. She never tells me ~ she asks me and mentions alternatives.
Okay ~ while having RA has changed my life drastically, I think I’ve been blessed with good doctors. It really does make a difference.
And don’t hesitate to ask your doctor those questions ~ even if you have to do it bit by bit. You are your best advocate. ( And Kelly too!)

By: Vi D.

Vi D. — Fri, 13 May 2011 23:23:31 +0000

Rositta, are you from the Boston area? I’m wondering because I know there is a rheumatologist in a Boston hospital who has rheumatoid arthritis herself–and I wondered if you have her as a doctor. If you do, that would be great, and I’d like to ask you some questions by e-mail. Thanks!

By: Mary

Mary — Fri, 13 May 2011 22:12:37 +0000

Highly recommend booking an “extended” appointment for such questions. That will give more time for the doctor; he/she will likely be glad not to be rushed to answer your concerns.

By: Sheila M. Toby

Sheila M. Toby — Fri, 13 May 2011 20:41:27 +0000

Let me start by saying I have worked for different docs over the years.
I would be cautious in the wording of # 10/He/She may think you are looking for drugs. I know–but it does happen.
I would word it more towards: When my pain gets severe what do you suggest I take to ease the pain, is there something that you normally prescribe?
#11 I would leave mom out of it.
#13 I wouldn’t start off seeing a doctor and ask him what you could do if you have a problem with a staff member. That could set off an alarm that you may have had trouble in the past with staff members of other doctors.
Just thought I would throw it out that.

By: Denise

Denise — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 18:41:23 +0000

What a great site you have! I am following you now (RSS-Yahoo). There is such a wealth of info here! Fortunately for me, I have a Rheumy now who ACTUALLY listens to me:) I was diagnosed with RA 17 years ago and Fibro last year. So glad I stumbled upon You!!
Happy Weekend

By: Kelly Young

Kelly Young — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 01:16:00 +0000

Rositta, Can you ask her if you can email me her name? If she has RA, I’d like to ask her if I can interview her. kelly@ rawarrior.com

By: rositta

rositta — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 01:03:13 +0000

Those are all very good questions and I admit I haven’t asked most of them. I do know she will treat me to the best of her ability and knowledge, she has RA herself…ciao