While at the Rheumy's office today........

[missy1306]

So, I had my 3rd visit to this Rheumatologist today. First I should say that I have not been completely sure about him, couldn't really put my finger on it, I was glad he got to a diagnosis fairly quick, but was not sure I clicked with him.  As I sat their waiting in the tiny little office and 40 minutes had gone by before he came in, I started to get alittle bothered he was taking so long. So I looked aorund the room for something to do and found an "Arthritis Today" magazine. In it was an article called "Making the Most of your Doctor Appointment." Point number 3 0r 4 was to give it time. It talked about how even Dr's can have a bad day and we should give it at least 3 or more visits to decide to change. Well, I just thought that was a good peice of advice and then as it turned out, I had a great appointment with him. He really listened and was very encouraging that my current flare will not last forever. Anyway, I just wanted to share a bit of good news today. Nothing has really changed, I still don't feel good, but somehow it feels much easier to deal with when I feel like I have been listened to by my Doctor and now I also don't have the uncertainty of whether I should look for another Dr or not. You know?

[Scottietottie]

Hi Missy 

I think our doctors attitudes can have a really positive or negative affect on how we feel. Whatever we've got - to greater or lesser degree - we have it for life: so to get a doctor who will listen and relate and treat as necessary - is really important. Getting a doctor who doesn't listen or who minimises symptoms or puts them down to 'time of life' or depression is just so demoralising.

If you've found a keeper - hang on!

Take care - Scottie 

[eyeamdry]

Doctors are becoming harder to find for some varieties and also they are getting more choosy on whom they accept.  If you have one who is a good clinician, if you can, try and put up with the incidentals.  You'll have to wait too long in every doctor's office.  I used to get rather riotious when this waiting thing happened and you know what?  They didn't care and always had an "excuse."  Lucy

[Patze]

Lucy has a good point, some varieties are becoming much harder to find, and that ain't good.  It kind of scares me wondering what kind of doctor won't I have a chance of seeing in 20 years?

The rheumy I see is not big on personality (and it seems that he's mostly in a foul mood), but he's a good clinician and is treating my symptoms, so I'll hang on for a while longer.  

It's a tough call, and only you know what you will put up with, and what has to go like yesterday.

Take care -

Patze

[missy1306]

Yes and today I decided I just need to change my expectations. I need to expect a 90 minute ordeal when I go for my every 3 month check up. Then if it is less it will be a bonus!! 

[kathyl]

I've noticed that when I am seeing a good doctor I should expect to wait.  If I want the doctor to listen to me the other patients do too.
I always take a book or my iPod and make myself comfortable.  Glad your doctor worked out.
KathyL

[Billydude]

As I become more and more educated about medical things I'm finding that I have less respest and patience for many doctors and I'm quick to measure up one.   The one thing that is an alarm for me is when they seem to be more impressed by their own knowledge than taking a moment to listen to you and your own research on a subject.

[eyeamdry]

I have two doctors that I always take a lunch and stuff to drink.  A couple of pops, snacks and even a sandwich.  I've waited in my cancer doc's office for 3 hours.  My rheumy is almost as bad.  Once I realized this, I just come prepared to wait.  I'm retired so I can do this.  Lucy

[missyb]

Totally Missy. They are pretty important to us, so when it feels like they give a crap,. it's helpful. 

[Billydude]

I've had to wait at my rhumy's up to three hours too.   Now thats after driving three hours to get there and three hours back as well.
My primary guy is great.   I've never had to wait at all and they have it timed perfectly.  The moment I walk in the door the person ahead of me is walking out and they take me right in.    I've never spent more than 15 minutes at my primary docs.