A Rheumatologist Without a Clue
I met my rheumatologist a little over a year ago. It was my wonderful, compassionate, warm, and wise internist/PCP who referred me to him.
Naturally, I thought I would be bowled over by the referral. Not knowing what to expect, I went to my first appointment with an open mind.
No connection with my rheumatologist
At first, I just felt it would take him some time to warm up to me. He was indeed a cold fish, but worse—he didn’t seem able to make decisions.
First, he declared he would not approve me for the Covid-19 vaccine.
I’m no doctor, but I figured that any protection was better than none.
I finally asked what was the worst-case scenario if I took the shot? What was the best-case scenario? He couldn’t seem to answer but referred me back to my internist.
He and I agreed. We didn’t know, either, if I would get 100% protection or 10%, but it was better than none. So I got it.
Needing better medical support
Later, my rheumatologist wanted to discontinue the medication I was on because he wasn’t seeing positive results on my blood tests.
After having read numerous journal articles and the prescribing information for the drug, I knew it could take up to six months for it to work.
I persuaded him to let me go another month or two on the drug. He offered me another, but while I was thinking about it, my blood work took a turn for the better.
The original drug was working—6 months after I started it. But he had given me the choice of drug A vs. B.
"Which is better for me?” I’d asked.
He said, “It’s up to you.” Here was an MD without an opinion nor conviction. Was this a game or medicine based on data?
Choosing a new doctor
So I’ve decided to look for a new doctor. It isn’t easy, but it will be worth it in the long run. This guy doesn’t even give me hope. One needs that to be able to live with oneself with RA!
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