I actually had an appointment with just the rheumatologist. First time with no residents. Now I see like Kay said, the residents are important. The doctor did no examination . He did ask about the prescriptions he gives me and although my file was in front of him, he seemed not that versed in what they were, etc. I showed him the pictures of my discolored fingers. He said it could be Raynaud's. He mentioned calcium channel blockers. I said I take Norvasc for high blood pressure. I also mentioned I take atenolol for my heart. He said to see if the cardiologist would change that as it can make Raynaud's worse if that is what it is. He did ask how long have I been on it. It has been a few years. He did look at my finger joints. It was extremely cold in the room and my hands were freezing , fingers red and wrinkly. He only looked at the joint side of fingers and didn't comments on how cold they were. Then I mentioned the I thought the leflunomide was helping some with pain. He increased that and said to stop the methotrexate and 2 weeks before the next visit taper to 5 mg. of prednisone. As far as the discolored fingers, he said to see if it happens again and it seemed like he wanted someone else to deal with it. He definitely was in a hurry. I wasn't completely satisfied especially as he never asked me how I was, listened to my heart or any real examination at all. He never even calls me by name. He handed me the scripts and just walked out the room. Of course, then, I had trouble finding my way out LOL and that is on me.
Am I expecting too much? In the past my doctors at least act like they have concerns, but maybe it is just me. I have considered trying a new rheumy that is connected to my GP's hospital.
Healing hugs.
Hi Just joined this community hope we can all help each other.With reference to your hospital visit it sounds a nightmare & left you with more questions than answers, some doctors show little care to their patients.
With ref to raynaud's I suffer badly & find nothing works.....I do find wearing half fingered gloves can help.
Can you share how your hands react? I appreciate your reply so much.I am very glad you have joined. This is a really great group.
Healing hugs.
Yes no problem. My fingers, toes, nose & knees are either purple & mottled or white, when white they are very painful. No matter if I am aboard & very hot.....still cold & purple, have to wear socks in bed all year.
Sorry about delay having a bad day today.