A Rheumatologist Without a Clue

By Puccini

2 min read

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!

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The RheumatoidArthritis.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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RHall Community Admin
Hi <inline-mention username="Puccini" user-id="4243063"/> thank you for sharing your story. I know it is hard to change doctors sometimes. Some other community members have mentioned how they can feel guilty at changing rheumatologists, even if they know it is the right decision for them. Your self-advocacy is important though - it is vital that you have a good relationship with your doctor because it is going to ensure that you not only are happy about the care you are receiving, but you are more likely to communicate your needs and also have them met. Kudos to you for making a change! 💜 - Reggie, <a href='https://rheumatoidarthritis.net' target='_blank'>RheumatoidArthritis.net</a> Team Member
chocchips Member
DavidAdvent - about the resident-in-training being in the exam room with you and your doctor - I'm almost positive doctors are legally supposed to ask the patient if he/she is comfortable with another person in the room. It's also common courtesy although that's not so common these days. It depends on several things whether I am comfortable with a third person in that small room 
1. kayleighhill Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="chocchips" user-id="4172874"/> Thank you so much for sharing this and chiming in! You are so right in saying that we have every right to say "no, not today. thank you." I'm really glad you are here in this community with us and shared that. 💜 Kayleigh, team member
chocchips Member
Sorry, David. After the last word "room" it should read - that day. You have every right to say, "No, not today. Thank you." Good luck. We're all dealing with a lot of stuff.
Lisa Emrich Moderator & Contributor
<inline-mention username="Puccini" user-id="4243063"/>, I definitely can relate to much of what you've shared. After my first rheumatologist retired, it took a couple of years before I really felt like I developed a good relationship with the second rheumatologist. Now that we know each other better, we are able to discuss things at a more in-depth level. With this type of relationship, she gives me the space to really make many of my own decisions about my RA treatment. But a shared-decision making arrangement really does require shared information too. I hope that you find a doctor with whom you can develop this type of relationship. Best wishes, Lisa, RA Team Member
fordownr Member
Do not stay with a Rheumy who you are not comfortable/confident with! Yea it's a pain to switch but it's your life and you are your own best advocate!
Lynn Marie Witt, MSOT Moderator & Contributor
<inline-mention username="Puccini" user-id="4243063"/> I really appreciate you reaching out and sharing your story and experience. I wish your experience had been more pleasant, however your story and your adversity is amazing. You are advocating for yourself and other. By sharing your story, others will be able to benefit. Bottom line Puccini you are right if you are not feeling that you and any doctor including your rheumatologist are not on the same page, then it is a good idea to switch and find someone you feel comfortable with. I have attached some articles from our site, that might be helpful when you set up an appointment to meet with another rheumatologist. The first article discusses when it might be time to consider switching rheumatologist. Which I feel you are already there. However, the article is nicely done. The second article discusses about some helpful hints for your first appointment at a new Rheumatologist.
Puccini Member
 First, I want to apologize for being MIA. It's not that I haven't wanted to thank anyone for commenting, or to add my two cents. Like many others, I am plagued by concomitant conditions. I am now more understanding of how RA fits into the overall scheme of things. I worry less about the side effects of the drugs i take to control the inflammation and more about other things. But I still have no doubt that we each need to feel that our doctors are in our corners. There's no place for feeling like second-class citizens. And this is not just egotistical chatter. We're talking about our LIVES here, and if we aren't going to stick up for ourselves in this regard, who will? I'm happy to see so many people commenting. Sometimes sit takes a while to make a move and even just to articulate the need. But especially in this screwed up world we now live in, sometimes we have to make a lot of noise to get noticed. I did think I'd found the right rheumatlogist, but it turned out I kept getting pushed further back on his calendar for numerous reasons. And then I saw the handwriting on the wall. If he was now pushing me back, what would happen when I became a patent? I'd heard his bedside manner wzs great--I'm sure far better than that of my current doctor, but at least my current doctor is THERE for me. Sometime you have to try to change something in your life (eg, job, apartment, etc.) to realize that what you have ain't all that bad. So kudos to all of you. Keep on keepin' on! 
1. Erin Rush Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="Puccini" user-id="4243063"/> , thanks for checking back in with the community! I am glad you are hanging in there. I am sorry that the new rheumatologist isn't going to be a good fit. It doesn't matter how good a physician may be if they don't have the time to properly treat you. I am glad you keep fighting and advocating for your health. I mean, this is the only body each of us gets and it's our job to take care of it the best we can! Best, Erin, <a href='https://rheumatoidarthritis.net' target='_blank'>RheumatoidArthritis.net</a> Team Member. 
2. Lynn Marie Witt, MSOT Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Puccini" user-id="4243063"/> so great to hear from you! Keep advocating for yourself. Just Keep Swimming...Lynn Marie, "RheumatoidArthritis.net Team Member"