Elephant Jokes for a Happy Two Year Birthday RA Warrior
One reason I love elephants is they remind me of my goal: To become extremely old and gray and much wrinkled, like a good elephant. As you read this, I’m hopefully finding a rheumatologist to help me do that.
Elephant jokes to celebrate.
Why don’t African elephants like to play cards?
Because of all the cheetahs.
It wasn’t much of a party yesterday for the birthday. I talked with the Chief Operating Officer of the hospital who made the original report on my bone scan. He explained their peer review process means that the radiology firm who made the errors is the only one qualified to decide whether errors were made. Do you think a firm, polite conversation with me changed his mind?
Today, the radiologist called to say he stands by his claim that my bone scan is perfectly healthy. They cast aspersions on the second opinion since the independent firm is not part of the hospital.
Comic relief elephant joke break:
Where do elephants with skin problems go?
Pachydermatologists.
Too bad I can’t go to a pachydermatologist.
I really don’t want to go through this again with a rheumatologist. Like many readers who write to me, I don’t relish being told by another doctor that I don’t “look like” I have RA. We all know people who won’t go to the rheum doc anymore and I understand.
You go to the doctor to get medicine. But why go when the prescriptions don’t bring any relief?
I guess because there’s another reason to go. If you have RA, you go to the rheumatologist to help you monitor progress of the disease so you can take better care of yourself. It amounts to preventive care. Since I hate hypocrisy, I have to practice what I preach, and go to another rheumatologist.
But you won’t mind if I’m honest about how I feel, right? Frustrated. Weary. Uneasy.
I hate mentioning significant symptoms and being told “You don’t have that because it’s rare” or “Your RA is in remission.” People call or write me and tell me that it’s not worth the risk to have another doctor raise their eyebrow and make them feel foolish. I’m only trying to protect my own health and life.
The last time I tried to ask a question, I got a certified letter dismissing me. Regular readers and good friends know I’m the polite compliant patient who brings muffins to show appreciation to the staff. I don’t risk offending rheumatologists by letting them know I read journal articles or write a blog. But none of that has helped.
Maybe telling an elephant joke would.
Why did the elephant fall out of the tree?
She slipped.
Why did the second elephant fall out of the tree?
He was glued to the first one.
Why did the third elephant fall out of the tree?
He thought it was a game.
Why did the fourth elephant fall out of the tree?
Because when his mother asked “If all your friends jumped out of a tree, would you?” he said “Yes!”
Why did the tree fall down?
It thought it was an elephant.
I’ll let you know how it goes.
Recommended reading
- My Doctor Fired Me
- New Reading of the Nuclear Bone Scan: Credibility is Everything
- Meeting the New Rheumatoid Arthritis Specialist
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Docs not being trained properly. Pathetic that you (we) have to endure such agony.
All my best to you today. Stay strong and know that you are supported and loved by many. Your knowledge is your power and when combined with the right rheum doc will make a formidable team. Let us know how it all goes!
Kelly, I’m so sorry that you or any of us have to go through that. I truly understand the “you don’t look like you have RA statement.” I get it all the time. But what does an RA pt. look like? Unless you’re in a truly acute flare do you look like one? What utter nonsense. And like many I go to my rheum to stop the progression and take the meds so it doesn’t progress. Also I can tell you from personal experience docs do not and will not step on each other’s toes. It’s a rare one that will. They have this etiquette they use.Archaic to be sure but it’s there. I truly hope you find a good doc , one that will listen to you, make you feel better, and won’t dismiss you because you are pro active regarding your RA.So, good luck today.
Wow, I can’t beleive it has only been 2 years. Congrats on the birthday. I can never thank you enough for everything you have done for me over the last 2 years. I can’t wait to see what the next year brings. Best of luck with the new Rheumy, I totally get the frustration.
Thank you so much Tanya. Your positive support to the site and to the community members is so valuable. You’re right – next year is going to be amazing.
I’m sorry. It is so frustrating! I wish I had a fantastic piece of advice or a great tip for dealing with rheumatologists, but I don’t. Happy birthday! Praying for you.
Thanks, Ashley. You are a good friend. All the good advice in the world won’t help if the person is either incompetant or unkind or both. We do our best; that’s all we can do!
I don’t really know how “good” my rheumatologist is as far as getting results goes, but I felt like it was a good sign when he said it was refreshing to have a patient who has actually read up on the condition, treatments, etc. Wish you could come see him.
Maybe I will come see him. 🙂
Love the elephant jokes.
Sometimes, all we can do is laugh.
Thanks so much for the past two years. It would be nice if RA was truely cured so that there was no need for more posts, but until then, it is so nice to have people that understand and we can compare notes and support each other.
We are all standing (or sitting, or laying) with you as you courageously attempt to find a rheumy who will listen and work with you. You are not going through this alone, and we all know you are not crazy, malingering or unreasonable.
Wishing you the best!
This meant more than you can ever know tonight as I came home and read the comments.
An old elephant joke:
Why do elephants paint their toenails red?
So they can hide in strawberry fields.
Thanks. 😀
Kelly, Thank you for all the info I really felt alone until i found this blog. Happy 2 yrs. So sorry about your doctor. I questioned my doctor about the side effects of a new medicine he gave me. He replied who is doctor here!!! My wish for all of us is to find kind and understanding doctors we go through enough dealing with this chronic condition.
That is wrong (obviously). The reply that would be appropriate is “Who is the one who has to swallow it?” NOT that I’d have the nerve to say that to a doc. But maybe we should.
All I can offer are (((HUGS))). I get soooo upset about the plight of ra patients and doctors. I really just don’t understand why we have to go through these hoops all the time. I WILL be thinking of you as we are traveling this same path..finding another rhuemie. Ugh!
Happy 2nd Birthday, RAW!!! Thank you for all the helpful information and encouragement you give to RAers. May you continue to inspire people & through this media be able to make more people aware of #rheum.
God bless, Kelly! May you be able to find the “right” rheum doctor to work with… 🙂