[heavens_child0101]

I finally got a referral to a rheumy for Friday, December 5 but I am a little worried about it. Okay, a lot worried. I did a search on his name and found a doctor review site where he has only a rating of 2.1 out of 5! All of the reviews said he was very rude, wouldn't listen, acted like he new everything and just wanted to give people cortisone shots. I am in Ontario, Canada so I have to take the referral I was given so now I am worried that I am going to go in and get nothing out of it. I was planning to take a list of all my symptoms and when they started with me, do you think that is too presumptuous? I have a positive ANA (1:320, speckled) so at least he'll know I'm making that up! Any advice for me?

 

[lazylegs]

Hi,

Good luck with your appointment on Friday. Hopefully your experience will be more positive than others that have seen the same doctor. One thing to remember is that more dissatisfied patients are bound to reply than satisfied patients.

Definitely take in your list of symptoms and any photos of rashes if you have them. I know some of the symptoms may sound trivial but in combination they may lead to a diagnosis. You should also stress how your symptoms have changed you daily life. It is always best not to mention that you think it might be Lupus. Doctors tend to react negatively if they think you are self diagnosing off of the internet.

Take care,
Lazylegs

 

[Rose Maclean]

Be clear and move on if you don't get a satifactory response.

lazylegs is quite right. I have often felt that i was prejudged because I knew too much about my symptoms and doctors are often suspicious of self diagnosis, particularly with the internet avail. I can imagine lupus as a great spot for hypochondriacs, so try to be clear and give a full history. Sometimes a doctor will fixate on 1 symptom only. Will hold thumbs for you.

bye Rose

 

[Joandublin]

Hi Shawna

I can understand how nervous you must be feeling, particularly having read such a poor review of this doctor. However you have no choice but to deal with him on the 5th so its best to put your worries about not being believed aside, take a deep breath and face him with as much confidence as you can muster. In some ways you are forewarned about him which can be a mixed blessing.

Remember that your doctor has made this referral for you. He/she is concerned enough about your symptoms and ANA result to feel that a rheumatology referral is appropriate. This is not just about you 'fighting' your way in to see him.

It is the rare rheumatologist who will give a clear indication of what is wrong at a first visit. The fact of the matter is that they usually just dont know until they run their own further tests. So dont expect too much from your first visit. Most likely he will order further tests and have you come back for the results. The important thing is make sure you tell him/give him your list of symptoms and the photos you have of your leg rashes. Write your symptoms down with the most bothersome at the top.

A good rheumatologist should also be checking your BP and urine as well. I often bring along a sample myself.

You might also want to ask him if there is anything you can do in the meantime to ease your symptoms while you are undergoing investigations. If for example your hands/wrists make it very difficult for you to do some basic tasks do mention that as well. Its important that they know how the symptoms are affecting you as opposed to just saying 'wrist pain'.

The best of luck on Friday. I believe this will be the start of a diagnostic journey for you - not the end.

Many hugs
Joan:rose:

 

[KarolH]

I agree with Joan that it is a blessing in disguise that you know what your dealing with before you go in to see him.

Take any photos you may have of your rashes with you along with a list of questions you may have.

How one person perceives a doctor may be totally different then the next person. Be optimistic and give him a chance but do not allow him to blow you off and certainly do not tolerate him being rude to you.

You may think he is wonderful once you see him. Let us know how you make out Friday and good luck.:wink2::wink2::wink2: