Comments on: Meeting the New Rheumatoid Arthritis Specialist

By: Kelly Young

Kelly Young — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 13:13:01 +0000

I love the rolodex joke – I’d love to hear how it went!

By: Kath

Kath — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 15:50:53 +0000

Hi Kelly
I am seeing my new Rheumatologist tomorrow. Back in November I wrote the same thing (but can’t remember which blog). I haven’t given feedback until now. Back then I set off to see my new Rheumatologist with my best mate and my mum in tow. Only about 2 1/2 hrs drive, but we decided to have a girls couple of days away. The boys were on their hollies (meaning my Rotties were at their kennels) and off we set. Leaving plenty of time for coffee stops etc we arrived at the hotel with 2hrs to spare.
A while later, we headed of to the Rheummy and when we got there, they had only made a 15 minute appointment for me and not the customary 45 minute appt for a new patient. I had sent the referral etc etc, they had even rung to confirm my appt time and vice versa so I was a little taken aback and was remarkably calm, even when they said “No he CAN’T see you today – but we could try for February”. I mean just how much could be achieved at a 15 minute 1st appt with someone anyway?
I was startled, surprised and a whole lot more. I had waited for the pretty much normal three + months and I guess I had built up my hopes after a not so good 1st Rheumy and his indifference. The message I got before I left the clinic was “Doctor doesn’t make exceptions for people just because you come from out of town” – wow did I feel small at that point?
I had a myriad of things rushing through my head, but said little as I didn’t want to say something I might regret later. In fact I think I would have just cried at that point and I wasn’t going to do that.
I decided that I also wasn’t going to let this spoil our ‘girls time’ and so it didn’t, but afterwards I did struggle with the disappointment. I guess I had hoped that things might change with that appt – but obviously not. What did change though, was the fact that I spoke to my GP and decided that maybe that happened for a reason and so I am seeing another Rheummy (at the same practice) tomorrow (God willing). I have prepared ‘my folder’ and included all the info that I can think of (thanks to your list) and just hope that I have a good appt. Regardless, I will write about it this time – I might even dare to be hopeful. Maybe I should have taken that Rolodex in November after all

By: Kelly Young

Kelly Young — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 04:40:02 +0000

Wow, I hope so. Maybe if you read some of the humorous stories on here about the things that have happened, it will make you more comfortable. Here’s one – click here.

By: Karen Smith

Karen Smith — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 03:15:55 +0000

Thanks foe the advice. I’m going to a new RA doctor in April & I’m super nervous! Im hoping this guy will be betterr than the last.

By: Kelly Young

Kelly Young — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 21:45:54 +0000

Thanks, Laurie. Good points.
At first I thought those are on this post, but I realized their on different posts. I need to link those ones together somehow so it’s easier to find all of the ideas. Maybe I can divide the “talking to doctors” tag into 2 tags…? Here’s one of them: here.

By: Laurie

Laurie — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 19:28:44 +0000

Great post…I’d like to add a couple items.
Bring a photo of your hands, feet, knees, (whatever hurts) on a “normal day” and on a flare day. Personally I work nite shift and my worst times are after the end of my nite when I am stiff and swollen from getting up and down off my chair a million times a nite, and typing our nurses notes in the computer. It made a big difference for my rehumey to see what really bothered me and aggravated my RA.
Drink a whole bottle of water on your way to the office. Sometimes the docs will do their own labs, and if you are dehydrated and have multiple rotten veins after years of getting labs drawn, it makes it easier for the tech to find a vein.
Make friends with the doctors staff…bags of individually wrapped candies and fresh fruit never hurt, and it helps them remember you when you call in for something. I had done a lot of travelling until a year ago…I always bring back a treat from where I went. Macadamia nut Hershey kisses from Hawaii were their favorite….they still talk about them 4 years later (and I keep telling them they are welcome to donate to finance my next trip!)

By: Kelly Young

Kelly Young — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 16:18:50 +0000

Thanks, Judi. That’s very true. Good luck to you.

By: Judi

Judi — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 16:09:37 +0000

This is more info than ive had in 6 years! Im so gratefull to have stumbled onto this site and Kelly! I will use this info with my Rhumy to see my results if any…If it doesnt work out i will have to find another doctor..Thanks Kelly I belive knowlegde is power! Power to help myself..Gratefull

By: saraethompson

saraethompson — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 12:13:29 +0000

Well timed post Kelly – i’m due to see a new specialist tomorrow! I will take heed of your very useful advice..i already have a list of q’s to ask him – i maybe there a while, if he’ll let me..
Thanks again x

By: URandomnessK

URandomnessK — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 07:00:26 +0000

Don’t forget the most important thing, the Easy Button!!