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How long to see rheumy doc

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Posted 5/2/2006 11:47 PM (GMT 0)
I called today for an appointment and the nurse said are you a new patient I said yes and she said that we aren't seeing new patients until end of August.  I was like well that doesn't help me now.  The thought of waiting four months to see a Doc when your in so much pain, I just think thats crazy.  How long have you had to wait or is this about normal.
Posted 5/3/2006 6:33 AM (GMT 0)
That is a little excessive. I have had to wait before. Call again and explain you are in too much pain to wait. That sometimes will help.

good luck.

**

Posted 5/3/2006 1:15 PM (GMT 0)
Hey amyapo... I agree with CaMama... that is ridiculous.. is there another rheumy that maybe you could see? Let us know how you are doing.. Duck
Posted 5/3/2006 1:24 PM (GMT 0)
That happens in more rural areas where there is only a Rheumy or two.
My doc is 200 miles away and there in only one closer, at 60 miles. I had to wait a couple of months to see her the first time.
In the mean time, your GP may be able to help out. I hit the prednisone pretty hard until my Rheumy got things under control.
... Craig
Posted 5/3/2006 10:24 PM (GMT 0)
hi!

wow, almost 4 months away! holey moley.
what i would do: if you're in terrible pain...that needs to be adressed first. your PCP could tide you over with NSAIDs, COX2s, or RX opioids or NSAIDs, low dose pred, LidoDerm patches....etc.
this can even be helpful because by the time you see the rheummy, you'll have a list of meds that have either provided relief or not!
search & get a refferel for another rheumatologist...might get lucky with a sooner apointment. :-)

also, be asked to be put on a cancellation list for the doc you're waiting for. if someone cancels, the nurse will call you and you could fill that slot.

when i had to see a rheummy in Manhattan at the hospital for special surgeries, i think i too had to wait about 4 months for my apointment. so even in big cities this happens.

is this rheummy a "SUPER RHEUMMY"? tongue sometimes the really really great ones have LONG waiting lists...like the one i went to see.(worth the wait)
i would get some back-ups though if your pain/joints are getting worse.

but immediate needs come first, so try to get from your PCP some pain management. this will make everything a lot easier to deal with should you have to wait till august.

please let us know how you are doing & if you need any help.

sincerely,

erin

Posted 5/4/2006 12:53 AM (GMT 0)
Today I found another one with an appointment for July 17, not as long but must wait.  Called my
PCP they said that they can't help because they try to call and get the same answer.  I also told them to put me on the cancelation list.  Taking any NAIDS IS VERY hard for me because I have Crohns in my lower intestine and rectum.  Seems the meds makes me fare really bad.  I will try to grin and bare it.  Thanks for the support and replys.  I also have carpel tunnel due to the pentasa that gave me naropothy in hands and feet. thanks again hugs 

Posted 5/4/2006 12:59 AM (GMT 0)
Hey amyapo, are there not many rheumies nearby you? Just seems odd that you would have to wait that long... good luck to you and let us know how you are doing... Duck
Posted 5/4/2006 2:35 AM (GMT 0)
My doctors office says not to many to be found thats why it takes so long to get in and I don't really care for my gi doc either. Thanks
Posted 5/6/2006 2:08 PM (GMT 0)
:-)  Got a call yesterday they had a cancelation for Monday oh my I never thoutht I get in so soon, thank goodness I called this Doc, I think its because my Doc sent a letter to them describing my problems. What questions should I ask the rheumy Doc?
Posted 5/10/2006 2:12 AM (GMT 0)
hi amyapo,

 

so glad you got an early appointment.  for the initial consult, the focus will be mostly on physical assessment.  the doc will be asking YOU most of the questions, so feel a little relief in that.

 

what you need to have prepared are the specifics of pain: the where, when, what relieves it, how long does the pain last, when did it start, is it on both sides of the body equally, how bad does fatigue/stiffness/pain interfere with your life/work/daily tasks, family history of AI diseases and arthritis both OA & RA....

the key is to be as exactas possible.

also, what is very effective is making a list of NSAIDs, OTC pain relievers, ice, heat, RXs, and anything you do to help pain and what the effect was...did it work? or not? some work better than others?

 

after all is said & done, the doc will give you feedback on his initial thoughts & tests he wants done.  might or might not RX anything for treatment until labs/films/etc...come back for diagnoses.

 

and take your time too! sometimes everything is over and people are left like "huh?" it goes so quick!  but if you do a little homework & are as prepped as possible...you'll be helping the doc immenseley and it will make EVERYTHING a whole lot easier.

 

take good care.

erin

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