I made a mistake when I saw my first rheumatologist. I saw the only local doctor in a rural area. I waited 3 months for an appointment; my symptoms had finally subsided has they sometimes do with prednisone prescibed by my orthopedic doctor and this doctor, over 60, didn't do any xrays any diagnosed osteoarthritis that for some unknown reason had come on overnight. His opinion was that if I was RF neg I didn't have RA, symptoms be damned. Well, symptoms came back, swollen knees, ankles, hands, and again, no xrays, still insisting it was osteoarthritis. I said that this happened overnight and he said osteoarthritis takes a long time; it was clear that we were having two separate conversations. After a conversation with my GP she recommended one of the major arthritis centers in the nearby cities, Pittsburgh or Cleveland, saying that's what she would do. I called Cleveland Clinic and had an appointment inside of a few days and a diagoses of undifferentiated inflammatory arthritis with my first exam. And treatment. The point of this long story is that you should look for an up to date arthritis center with recently trained rheumatoligists. The first rheumatologist I saw had an excellent reputation and I'm sure if I had been RF positive I would have been treated appropriately but I am still seronegative. Under his care, I would be in a world of hurt. If your doctor isn't listening to you; if they aren't treating you, you need to seek a second opinion. Good luck!

Stephanie

8/ 1/12 8:40pm

I am currently on my 3rd RA doctor.  I have tried several different RA drugs (Remicade, Enbrel, Cimzia, Orencia), but none of them have helped me.  Correction - the Remicade helped and I would still be on that and probably pain free, but I have an infusion reaction (chest pressure, throat closing) so they had to discontinue the Remicade.  Currently my doctor is trying Actemra, but I have only had one infusion so it is too soon to tell.  I am on pain meds, but they don't seem to help at all.  I have been hospitalized 3 times in the past two months because I was in pain 10+++ for 4-5 days and couldn't take it any more.  My current RA doctor just tells me "you need to give the Actemra time to work."  I understand this, but it takes 3-4 months for it to maybe work.  What am I supposed to do with my pain, stiffness, and some days I can't even bathe myself?  Am I just expecting too much from my doctor?

If you lived closer to the DC area I would suggest mine. Dr Roberson he is absolutely the best. I actually found him by checking 2 websites healthgrade.com and vitals.com they give patient rating and so far have been very accurate. Good luck and don't give up a good one is out there!