Comments on: Uncommon Chat with a Rheumatoid Arthritis Specialist, part 2

By: Shawnette

Shawnette — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 17:53:14 +0000

Yes. I’ve read several comments and they have been helpful in the understanding of RA. Seems mine just “snuck” up on me – if that’s what it is – and the pain from Dec to now (April) is awfully intense I’ve also had xrays done last week and will have those results on Wednesday as well. Thanks so much for your kindness and all the information you have provided.

By: Kelly Young

Kelly Young — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 16:21:49 +0000

Well, then if he and you are willing to work hard with research, you can make the best of it. Maybe he can even use email or phone to consult with a specialist to make sure he gets it right. I’ll be the American College of Rheumatology could help him find someone. RA diagnosis can be hard especially since symptoms may be inconsistent and medicine can mask them or alter blood tests.

Have you read through some pages here about tests and diagnosis? That might help you to as you try to know for sure what’s going on. You can look at the topical lists using the Tags list. I agree – hopefully not RA – but treatment early is what counts in that case. Good luck!

By: Shawnette

Shawnette — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 16:15:37 +0000

Wow! Thanks for your reply, Kelly. This was my first post and you were the first to reply! I was on 2.5mg taking 3 tablets once a week.(There were 12 of them) I just took my last three last week and have my first follow up this week Wed. I’m actually hoping the blood tests reveal it’s something else “fixable” Regretably, there’s no RA specialist here in Bermuda.

By: Kelly Young

Kelly Young — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 14:09:17 +0000

Hi Shawnette,
I know that feeling – one person wrote me that it’s like Gulliver being tied down by the Lillputians.
While I bless the internist for doing so much to try to help, RA does usually require a specialist – I know good ones can be hard to find, but that is the best way. Methotrexate takes weeks to help and the dose has to be high enough – and it still may not be enough on its own, depending on the RA. I don’t blame you for being frustrated!

By: Shawnette

Shawnette — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 13:31:44 +0000

I’ve just come across the interviews with Dr. Akerkar and found both part one and part two informative. I’ve been suffering severe joint pain since Dec. At 48 years old I’ve had a very healthy life. The dr “thinks” it’s RA and has been treating me as such until I go back to him next week for blood test results. I’ve been on Arcoxia and Methatrexate for a month and there’s been no change. In fact, the pain seems to be getting worse. As this is my first time EVER being “sick” (if I can put it that way) I am extremely frustrated at the way I feel – especially when I wake up in the morning. My entire body is painfully locked! The dr I am seeing is an internist….not one who specializes in RA. I’m at my wit’s end!

By: Hilda

Hilda — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 18:23:29 +0000

Having others that truly understands makes a world of a difference, I wish I had that support in the beginning. Now, I make it a point to help others who are newly diagnosed, I want them to learn from my mistakes.

By: Angie via facebook

Angie via facebook — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 03:30:21 +0000

I like when he says (in part 1) about seeing the smile on a patient’s face when they go into remission…. that is my wish for all of us.

By: Kelly Young

Kelly Young — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 00:59:09 +0000

Yes, I thought of your comment as I saw my dr. today. She said her greatest concern w/my condition is that depression can set in when I do not see improvement for so long. I thought that was a good sign.

I added this: I think I’m not depressed because I have some others w/RA to talk to…& that helps me.

By: doctorakerkar

doctorakerkar — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 17:37:02 +0000

Yes. AS is definitely a part of Rheumatology.

We call it a ‘poor cousin’ of RA; neglected despite its importance.
Approach wise, sulphasalazive & TNF alpha blockers have a much bigger role to play in AS vis a vis RA.

There are hardly any blogs on AS. I would like to include AS in my blog.

You can get in tocuh on twitter (http://twitter.com/doctorakerkar) for any specific queries. I would be happy to help you.

By: Hilda

Hilda — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 17:31:45 +0000

Wow, I loved this 2 part interview. I always wondered about the shortage of RA docs, now it all makes sense.
I also thanks Dr. Akerkar for acknowledging the importance of mental health being affected by a chronic disease such as RA. Not all Dr.’s understand how depression is a big part of living with RA.