I know what you mean frizzietail. I don't really like the current rheumatologist that I'm seeing, but my insurance carrier only has 2 rheums listed. They're in the same practice & you can't trade doctors within a practice; plus I hear the other one isn't much better. I can't afford to go out of network & pay more. You would think w/where I live with our huge medical community I would have more options, but apparently not.
It's very frustrating.
My doc is very particular though about lab work while I'm on an immunosuppresant, I'm on Imuran, he wants blood work every 4-6 weeks & to see me along with the lab work until I start doing better then I see him every 8-10 wks w/lab work every 4-6.
Just keep pushing for the care you need!

I don't mind doctors being thorough with their prescriptions (meds and lab work) as long as they explain their actions to me. I prefer their being on the safe side of things rather than the opposite.
I think lab work for immuno-suppressants every 6 weeks is standard procedure.

apparently the part about the doc explaining what he's doing is where i've fallen down on the job of maintaining my health care.

my doc either says, my counts are slightly elevated or my lab work was "unremarkable" that's his favorite term.

if you want an idea of the uppity kind of way my doc is think of an elitist version of mr. rogers. i swear he sounds just like him. i almost want to start humming won't you be my neighbor while i'm waiting in the exam room.

i'm not sure how i'm going to approach next visit, but i definitely need to start getting more info. our visits seem to be he's either in a good mood; therefore a good doc. or... well i won't say the other. :)

Hopefull 444--Why can't you change doctors within a practice?? I see patients as part of my job (work in a clinic) and I'm not offended if people want to see my partner instead of me...just as many like me better than him.

But if you're still uncomfortable with that, try this. I have this surgeon that I work with. He used to scare the sh-t out of me. Surgeons on the whole are well known for their prima-donna like demeanors. Made a point to say hello and smile everytime I saw him. Wasn't sure if it made me relax more or him but we are quite chummy now. Try humming the Mr Rogers theme song, maybe it'll make him laugh and relax. Maybe that should be your goal for awhile too. trying to make you doc laugh AND get better description of lab result. They sould be able to give you a hard copy of ALL the tests they do. Just ask.

Try not to be offended by the medical lingo (unremarkable, just means it's all normal). It's like an internal code and docs sometimes use it out of context. It always sounds bad to "non-medical" ears. My favorite is " patient has no complaints". Sounds like we all just complain all the time, and like it!

zzz1 - i don't really get it, but was told that the hospital doesn't allow patients to change w/in a practice something about it's for political reasons... doesn't really make sense to me, but i'm not sure what i can do about that.
thanks for reassuring me though & for the good advice. i'm sure as a rheumatologist all day he's constantly hearing people complain about aches and pains he really can't fix & that has to be wearing. i'll just have to go in w/more of a focus to building a more light hearted & understanding relationship... especially since i'm kinda stuck w/him.
i'll definitely focus next time on making him smile or maybe even laugh; i'll have to let you all know how it goes. thanks!

I was diagnosed by muscle biopsy on the monday and had a full 3D body scan within 2 weeks to screen for cancer - Hurrah no cancer - but I was not concerned at all as ive had this for so long I kinda new it was not cancer

My rheumatologist has not sent me for any kind of extra cancer screenings, but I have had multiple MRI's of the brain, chest, ect over recent years as doctors have been trying to figure out what was wrong with me. Never a full body scan - but I do not think cancer is a problem... and neither does my rheum or he would have ordered more tests. My dermatologist wanted a full work up, but to be completely honest with you the last thing I want or need is another doctor poking and prodding on me. I go by what my Rheum says..