Problems with my rheumy....

[EmMogs]

Hi everyone, I was diagnosed with RA 7 yrs ago and have had it pretty under control for the last 18 months. However my problem lies with my rheumatologist....I find her manner very stern, she talks to me like a child and tells me off like a naughty schoolgirl. I understand she does a fantastic job but I get so anxious before I see her. I am now thinking of transferring to another hospital with better facilities. Does anyone have any experiences like this please? Thanks Em

[earthwitch]

I've heard folk who have transferred, and its a bit of a lottery as to whether you will be better off, especially if the new doctor decides to question your diagnosis or your treatment. I'd suggest that if at all possible, ask your GP about going somewhere else for a second opinion, without leaving your current rheumatologist officially (so you dont burn your bridges). That way if you decide the new one is no better, you can go back to the old one. If you can have a good talk to your GP and explain how you are feeling, it may make them understand better, so they can refer you more appropriately.

The other thing you could try is next time you see the rheumatologist, take someone in with you - spouse, family, good friend. It must be a psychological thing - in my experience most doctors seem to explain a whole lot more and treat you a whole lot more intelligently if there is someone else in the room with you.

A third option (if you can afford it) would be to try out a private appointment with someone who also works in the NHS at the hospital you want to go to. If you get on with them, then you could ask to be transferred to their NHS list - though it doesn't always mean you get to see them (could be a junior doctor), or that they treat you the same way when they don't have anywhere near as much time with you as privately.

[Hidden]

Hi, it's a tricky one isn't it?

I consciously try out different ways of relating to my Rheumy and also the different GPs I see too, most of whom I don't have massive respect for, truth to tell.

If I get an unsympathetic or patronising response one time I try to come across differently the next. I try to be 'charming' which my husband seems to find hilarious when he comes with me, especially if he thinks I succeed (wot? I thought I was charming all the time!) and I also have a go at 'assertive'. And I always go thoroughly prepared - my questions ready and prioritised. In other words I don't even consider being myself any more - they'd walk all over me!

But if you've been with this Rheumy for 7 years, I guess you have a good idea about whether anything you might do would help or not. It's going to be a case of weighing up the pros & cons of making the change I think. Does the other hospital have a lot more to offer in addition to a change of Rheumy? But there again, if your current Rheumy has helped get your disease under control maybe she's worth the anxiety ..... I'm not being much help! But good luck with making the decision!

Luce xx