Sunday, February 15, 2009 amy's compassion asks

Q: Methotrexate, prednisone and "my rheumatologist is crappy"

Happy belated Valentine's Day to everyone!

I was so excited that I finally got into my doctor since it's impossible to do so. He prescribed Methotrexate/prednisone combo which I'm feeling dizzy and nauseated from - I know many of you have been through all of this.

My main disappointment is this doctor. I told him about my raging fatigue and he actually suggested a sleep study. Are you kidding me? I will try and help myself by getting a different one. If you could take the time and share a check list for finding a good one I would be quite appreciative. Blessings.

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Answers (5)

Feels like the TinMan

2/16/09 1:54pm

hi Amy,

i read your post and thought to myself, "i remember when didn't like my rheumatologist'.. in the beginning, i too was turned off by his 'lack of empathy'. i considered finding a new doc, but the idea of waiting and waiting to get in, convinced me to suck it up. not knowing what to expect, i went to my first visit expecting to get a handbook, and RA 101 class, a complete 'how to survive RA' type talk .....and i got nothing. he asked questions, wrote alot, and 'uhhmm'd alot and that was it. he took blood work AGAIN, as if he didn't trust my PCP's (and my) initial assessment. i felt like a fool, like a hypochondriac. i left there thinking, 'hmm, now what?"... i almost felt like he didn't take me seriously. well, i've been to him 5 or 6 times now, and he still doesn't earn 'empathy' points, but i've come to realize he's not there to give me pity. he's there to keep me encouraged. i find that when he asks how i'm doing, i'm reporting positive feedback and not complaints...

i'm feeling human again, with little or no pain most of the time, and i have my life back. i must say, 3 months after my DX, to be 'controlled' is pretty cool. What i want to say to you is, be positive. Give him a chance, take control of things and be informed. if there's something you want, tell him. if you have questions or concerns, tell him. I got a smile out of my doc, and that's when i knew, he really does care...

good luck, and give him a chance...

MsFluttersBie

2/15/09 10:43am

I don't know of any doc,s in your area but i can say that i saw the #1 rheumatologists in the state of fl foe 15 yrs and the complacient nature of these doc's is disturbing. I would learn as much about the disease and take treatment into your own hands. I don't know if anyone has told you that the methotrexate is a mild kemotherapy drug. I had taken it for a few years with good results, the down fall is hair loss and nausia. I don't knopw how you feel about marijuana but I have used it for years to control my atention defisiate hyperactivity dissorder and when I was on Methotrexate it took ayay the nausia and made me hungry. I stopped taking the methotrexate when I could no longer get the Munchies from smoking that how I knew I was really sick. Feel free to ask mty anything that migh help you in you treatment. Sincerly,Becky Sue P.L.U.R.

Summer

2/17/09 6:07pm

The advice that I can give you is...check into all your medications, look them up, google them, check out cause and effects. It helps when you go to your Dr. and you know what thye are talking about. I get upset too with drz, but its not their faault, you'll find the one your comfortable with and that one will help you feel more comfotable and less stressed. It took me 3 docs to find the one I am comfortable with, (their all around doctors, my tribe wont pay for a specialist) But he's great and calls the specialists up when he doesnt quite know.

Oh yeah, and Methotrexate didnt work fo rme, I've been on enbrel for 8 months now and LOVING IT! :)

JB, Editor

2/18/09 2:32pm

Hi Amy!

If you are looking for a new rheumatologist, or trying to figure out how to make things better with the one you have, I suggest you read Lene Andersen's post about 5 things to look for in a rheumatologist.

Good luck!