not a one of us has earned a patent for being correct one hundred percent of the time. Same goes for doctors.

Cortisone is a steroid, so apart from being a temporary fix, it will not slow the progress of RA. Only a disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD), such as methotrexate or plaquenil, or a biologic will do that. If you feel that the mtx and plaquenil are not giving you adequate control and he refuses to do the imaging or change your meds, then it probably is time to get a second opinion. And getting a second opinion doesn't mean you have to leave your first doctor. It's like getting a second mechanic to give you an estimate on your car repairs-it will either give you a different set of options or confirm what the first person said. Keeping a journal of your symptoms and how they are affecting your daily life might help your current or new doctor see how you are doing over time. You could also just tell your doctor that you want the MRI or an ultrasound and see if he will prescribe it if you insist on it. You are the only one who knows how you feel, and you shouldn't settle for health care that you feel is not the best for you. Best of luck!

Hi,
I find that most Dr's won't order tests the first time you ask, unless you are quite firm. From the Dr's point of view, they can't order tests unless they feel they are really necessary because they have to justify it to the insurance companies. But if you are firm in your reasons for it, pain that makes it impossible to work and fear of erosion, it will help to get him to listen. Plus, a second visit with the same complaint and request, from a Dr's point of view, makes it sound more likely that this does need to be done.
If you do have erosion of the hips, which is unlikely if it has only been 6 months, a steroid shot is not the best idea, as they can cause bone loss (...I think, you should look that up)
Also are your blood markers up? If they are, this indicates that you might need medication adjustment, depending on how much higher the numbers are.
As for a second opinion, yes, certainly seek one if you feel unhappy with your current treatment, but.be sure to specify when you make the appointment that it is for a second opinion, otherwise you may end up switched to the new Rheumy and the old one does not have to take you back.
I hope you find some relief! My lower back and hips have been killing me, some days I can barely walk, or even sit, so I can certainly sympathize with you. One thing to remember is that the Rheumy's can't take the pain away. It is terrible that they cannot, and I am not suggesting that you not seek better treatment; just that medical science hasn't gotten any farther than relieving some of the symptoms for many diseases.
And, as SpringDaffodils suggested, a journal is very helpful to you, and all your Dr's. Use the journal to record how you feel, all of your appointments, any questions, answers, and anything else you discussed. This helps you remember what you wanted to ask and greatly improves the use of your time with Dr's. I felt uncomfortable at first, taking a notebook with me, but found that Dr's liked it when I was organized!

I hope you find something that will help, and relief soon.

Thank you for the replies. You all have made some valuable points. I will see my rheumy next month and see what his plan is..

I would think that the dr would have done the MRI prior to dosing any type of meds-so if you can't get the dr to order the MRI then I would look at an second opinion..you shouldn't cover up an medical problem with meds