Good Doctors Treat Patients - Rheumatoid Arthritis Patient Speaks

[drmoynihan]

Kelly, one year ago I had no symptoms, a great immune system, and was on no medications. Being 60 years old and feeling so healthy, I could not imagine what slowed down so many "old people". I took my first flu shot and within one month my body was inflamed and I was on 60mg of prednisone & meds etc. One year later - still undiagnosed except for "auto-immune". Now its settled down & has moved from my hip bursa to my hands/wrists. I have a great GP & like/but not sure @ RA-MD. - Help!

[CynVee]

Thank you Kelly - your efforts are so appreciated. Thankfully, my current rheum doc is wonderful - treats me not the labwork - which is always conflicting. Getting ready to start Actemra - will make sure my cholesterol is monitored. Thank you again and best wishes.

[tdfisk]

I spent over 10 years in medical science that started in 1970. I had a passionate love of medical science & was totally devoted to ethics and now it seems to have all but vanish. It's difficult enough dealing with RA, but to have to deal with unethical doctors & nurse practioners is insane. I've learned to take one of my sons with me, even to the examining room. They are very protective and show that body language, So doctors act polite. My beloved medical science has gone down the tubes.

Thomas

[Topher4334]

Thanks for asking ;) I would give anything to be around people and friends! I've had so many bad deals with Dr's too! I wouldn't know where to start ;) I hope your doing OK! Chris

[westinflorida]

Thank you for sharing. Unfortunately, I do understand your feelings. I told my primary doc of my RA symptoms and got responses such as, "You're in your 40s now - you're no spring chicken", "You're unable to grab a golf club anymore because you need to take lessons on your swing" and after a trip to the ER for pericarditis, "Your heart has absolutely nothing to do with your claim of achy joints. You just had a virus & must not have known.". I then found a new doc that gave the RA diagnosis...

[Shadow17th]

Kelly,

Thank you for the video. You actually brought me to tears.....it hit close to home for us. A good doctor DOES treat the patient (and the symptoms, XRays, MRIs, CT scans) and not just the bloodwork. Having ANA, Rheum factors that change is a troubling situation. However, when simply functioning with day to day activities, it can be depressing for many of us.

Keep the fight going. You have both my wife and I on your side and thanks to all that are dealing w/this and other AI diseases

[KellyRAWarrior]

Hi Laurie, as I say in this video, the doc I have now (for the last year) is awesome. But I'll keep yours in mind because people are always asking me for a good one who knows what s/he's doing. Thank You! Always get excited about more FL RA friends in person someday. :D Hope you are doing well.

[LaurieMaloney]

Hi Kelly, I live in Loxahatchee, Florida which is about 18 miles west of West Palm Beach. I have a wonderful Rheumatologist in Boynton Beach. My ESR and CRP have been normal since day 1. He always tells me "that can happen" and continues to treat my symptoms. He listens and answers question until you understand what's going on and have all your options. I am a RN and have found him to be very knowledgable. He's about 2 1/2 hrs from Orlando, but thought maybe it would be worth the trip.

[KellyRAWarrior]

Stef - that is such a good point. And one more reason that RA Awareness even with doctors is so needed. RA / PsA / and AS are among the most painful conditions & it's as if they don't even know this. It is getting hard to get pain treated by RA doctors now here in Florida with new laws forcing most patients to go to pain specialists in addtition to all our other specialists. Like you say, docs don't want to worry with the heavy red tape & risks involved with strong pain meds.

[steffiejoable]

Kelly this is the first or second time i watched your blog...and i think i was sent here because i am to the point where i know i need to find a new doc and rheumy but it is so hard like you said. here in washington if you go see to many doctors they assume you are "doctor hopping" to get more pain medication. and when your on a heavy pain medication it is even harder to get a new doctor because no doc wants to take a patient who is on pain medication because of the DEA.

[CSandellOK]

SO glad I watched this, Kelly! I didn't know that cholesterol changes were a marker. My OB pointed out I was borderline high about the same time my swelling and joint pain became worse.

[RMccoury59]

boy can i relate to your video,keep pressing on Kelly & you will find a good doc.

[mpatt79]

great job, Kelly, very brave.

[lovelife1265]

I'm so happy that you have a new RA Doctor now. It is all about us... Love the video.