Doctor Doctor

So, I am in the search for a new Rheumatologist and would love to hear from all of you.
I know that Doctors vary, and I have heard from some of you and I’d like to hear more.  Does your doctor move your joints for you, or ask you to move them?  Does the doctor press on joints and manipulate joints to check for any sort of inflammation?  Does the doctor take into account what you say about your joints and your pain?
I have had docs forcefully push my joints…past the point they are able to…and have caused incredible pain.  Now that I have been thinking of starting with a new doctor I am getting a little anxious thinking about it…since my pain has increased lately. 
We all know that RA is incurable, and effects everyone differently to some degree.  So, I know for Rheumy’s there is a lot of trial and error for each patient…as everyone reacts differently to different meds, med combinations etc.  But, I have had great docs in the past…and some not so good ones.  I like docs who are personable and take the time to listen to my concerns etc.  All docs should have the patients best interest at heart right?!?!


-L

Comments

  1. JennaJanuary 23, 2011 at 8:06 PM

    Lindsay, I'm sorry to hear that this has happened to you. I'm lucky - my Rheumatologist is wonderful. He would never touch any of my joints to the point of pain - we leave that to my PT - lol! Keep looking for a good one. I just found your blog. Here's mine... http://thefeedingedge.com United we will raise awareness! Soft hugs - Jenna

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  2. Erin M.January 23, 2011 at 8:42 PM

    Well, I would say to look into a DO as opposed to an MD. I may be a bit biased(my hubby is a DO), but they really tend to focus on the patient's overall well-being as opposed to just treating a set of symptoms. Good Luck and let us know what you come up with.

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  3. Jill PJanuary 23, 2011 at 10:51 PM

    I switched rheumatologists a year or so ago. My first one was a nice man but when I asked him about being more active, what kinds of exercises I can do, etc. and that I was very tired all the time and it was hard to bear, he said to me "well, arthritis makes you tired." And left it at that. I was so appalled, I was 20 years old at the time. Maybe he was used to treating older patients, but to tell a 20 year old to live feeling like a 70 year old, rubbed me the wrong way.

    I switched to a doctor that is part of Hershey Medical Center in PA, and she had gotten good reviews. Hershey is prestigious and I think that switching to a doctor that is part of a renowned facility may be a good thing. Also, my rheumatologist has RA herself which is great because she can relate. She asks a lot of questions, is gentle, and when a medicine or dose is not working for me, she switches it.

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