Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...
I like mine.
My quarterly visit was today. I have to say that where I am now when compared to where I was before I saw him - I'm just thrilled. I am not pain free, and I still have to do workaround and be careful not to overdo things, but I am almost fully functional. I haven't been that in a long time.
So during our interview today, he not only listed to me about me, he listened to me when I brought up my concerns with my daughter. His facial expression rather indicated that he agreed with my theory. He doesn't think I'm a horrible patient just because I read things.
I told him I was happy with where I was at, but he thinks we can do more, so I'll go to the injectable MTX as a bridge to starting Humira. WE both figure that a little more groundwork needs to be laid for the insurance company's satisfaction, but he did go ahead and get the panels to make sure I can have it. I didn't particularly notice that my hands were swollen, but he found a few places.
He also gets lots of points because when I called at Christmastime in a bad full flare, I had a response within two hours and a prescription waiting for me to pick up on my home from work.
He's not even the top dog at this place.
I am just going to be very grateful that I can get good care up here in Alaska. I have to travel 350 miles to get it, but the care is attentive and compassionate. (And I am grateful we got snow while I was gone today. We NEEDED snow. The snowpack had gotten icy and dangerous. )
My quarterly visit was today. I have to say that where I am now when compared to where I was before I saw him - I'm just thrilled. I am not pain free, and I still have to do workaround and be careful not to overdo things, but I am almost fully functional. I haven't been that in a long time.
So during our interview today, he not only listed to me about me, he listened to me when I brought up my concerns with my daughter. His facial expression rather indicated that he agreed with my theory. He doesn't think I'm a horrible patient just because I read things.
I told him I was happy with where I was at, but he thinks we can do more, so I'll go to the injectable MTX as a bridge to starting Humira. WE both figure that a little more groundwork needs to be laid for the insurance company's satisfaction, but he did go ahead and get the panels to make sure I can have it. I didn't particularly notice that my hands were swollen, but he found a few places.
He also gets lots of points because when I called at Christmastime in a bad full flare, I had a response within two hours and a prescription waiting for me to pick up on my home from work.
He's not even the top dog at this place.
I am just going to be very grateful that I can get good care up here in Alaska. I have to travel 350 miles to get it, but the care is attentive and compassionate. (And I am grateful we got snow while I was gone today. We NEEDED snow. The snowpack had gotten icy and dangerous. )
There is no news like good news.
We are sailing in the same boat; I'm busy jumping through all of my insurance hoops and I am very hopeful that I have completed my last jump.
I have an appointment with my Rheumy this coming Monday for the very same reason as you: to see if all of the hoop jumping is over and I can now start Humira.
I'm happy for you and have my fingers crossed for me Monday!
Take care,
TheWino
an attentive provider
i like your gratitude also :)
happy for you
hugs
Ros
I'll share this with you I've not been to thrilled with the so called "top dogs".
The fact he listened, responded so quickly & you actually like him is great.
With all the non responsive doctors out there it's sure good to hear of the good ones.
Mine responds quickly to, let's hope they don't change.
Sammy
The guy standing in for our primary care doc (until the end of March) is an absolute jerk and a half. He must be schooled.
Finally being proven I was right for all those years has given me confidence and I know I won't put up with the baloney regarding my daughter the way I did with me.
We are so lucky to live in an age when there is medication.