Polymyositis & Dermatomyositis Support Group

Polymyositis (PM) is a type of chronic inflammation of the muscles (inflammatory myopathy) related to dermatomyositis and inclusion body myositis. The inflammation is predominantly of the endomysium in polymyositis, whereas dermatomyositis is characterized by primarily perimysial inflammation.

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Muscles & Bones
/ Polymyositis & Dermatomyositis Support Group

Long wait for MTX

amberhere
amberhere
Hi everyone, just to let you know saw my Rheumy last week and he said I had to see the Rheumy nurse to get the MTX prescription. Appointment came through for April!! Asked if I could be seen sooner as in a lot of pain but as she was on holiday they couldn't do anything until she came back. I thought with DM and PM it was really important to get on with the DMARDS as soon as possible??
autumm
autumm
Hi Amberhere. This is nonsense for these people to keep you waiting. Make an appointment with your GP to contact them about it. There is a full protocol involved here about blood work and it's fairly often at the beginning. Another way is to contact the Rheumatologists secretary and maybe she can ask someone else to help in the department. You could also contact the manager of the department and tell them whats going on. They never make it easy, do they !!! Autumm
trpt1
trpt1
Hi Amberhere, I would call the doctor and ask for the Rx to be sent to your pharmacy. Tell the doctor that the nurse is not available and you need your medication now.

I have things set up with my rheumy where I can contact her after hours and on holiday & weekends. Things happen at odd hours with DM/PM. My rheumy will always call me back. I can always get extra Rx refills in the event of hurricanes or bad weather. It is important to have that after hours communication ability with the doctor.

Just a tip - Excellent doctors have a well run practice because they do not have time for incompetence. An excellent doctor will have prompt billing, well scheduled appointments, and good service. You should be able to call the doctor if there is a problem and receive a call back. You should also be able to squeeze in an unscheduled appointment if you feel sick or are having a surprise flare. A good doctor will have excellent communication skills that answers all your questions about the disease and your meds. The doctor should spend time with you too. I do not waste time with anyone who does not have their act together.

I hope you get your meds soon.