waste of time appointment

[littleme]

So I went to the Rhuemy yesterday, took off work and everything.  What a waste.  I felt like he was totally unprepared for my visit.  I circled that my pain was a 6 lately when I was dealing with symptoms (out of 10) b/c I am bothered by them and often have to take something to take the edge off.  I am sick of dealing with it.  He asked, but didn't seem real concerned.  He just went immediately into prescribing something else Methotrexate. 

I told him I haven't even been on plaquenil for 6 months and would like to give it a little while longer to see if that helps.  I know that sounds great to some of you, but I am not looking for just a medicine fix...I am willing to try this plaquenil thing out. I want some clear answers. 

So...I had to bring up that last time he was concerned about my liver counts and the fact that my eye doctor did do the Schrimer's test and he should have those results.  He was totally unprepared to talk about that, but finally said they ended up fine.  The eyes were 7's and he said with SJS they should be 5's.  Whatever that means!  Then I mentioned my tightness/pain in my shoulders and how my skin feels tingly and raw/.  He didn't think that had anything to do with anything.  I also told him about my migraines and sinus pressure.  He just asked if I had been to my GP.

  I am I crazy to think the last two are to do with SJS.  He still hasn't confirmed, but used SJS in a context that made me think this is what he is going with.  I think I should go for a 2nd somewhere.  Thoughts?

[Scottietottie]

Hi littleme 

I was told that a reading of less than 10 on a Schirmers indicated dryness although I bet people with a score of 0 would love to have a 7. I think mine were a 6 and a 1 - but both improved after 2 years on Plaquenil.

My rheumy never seems exactly 'prepared' when I go to see him but we have a different system - so it's not comparable.

I know the feeling of leaving an appointment dissatisfied though.

Take care - Scottie 

[Joe S.]

I have gone around and around the specialist merry-go-round. I understand what you are going through. Vent to get it out. Then start looking for how you can manage your condition. Research how you can improve your situation. Take care of yourself and be kind to yourself.

[YYC_ Mommy]

I have gone around and around the specialist merry-go-round. I understand what you are going through. Vent to get it out. Then start looking for how you can manage your condition. Research how you can improve your situation. Take care of yourself and be kind to yourself.

This struck a cord with my as I have been to a GI doctor, 1st Rheumy, Neurologist and now on to my 2nd Rheumy...all in the span of 13months. Starting to feel like I want to get off the merry-go-round myself:)

It certainly is frustrating, I can totally relate.

I have been told that my own sinus issues are due to Sjogren's and I have been given Nasonex to help with that.

Hope you are able to find some answers! Best of luck.