Got 2nd opinion.......

[Musiclady18]

Well the day I was waiting for arrived today and I have mixed feelings?? Well apparently my GP sent the 1st rheumy’s info to the 2nd opinion dr?? I was hoping today’s rheumy was going to do her own research with me and come to an answer, instead, she kept sharing her head, saying tapered toooooo fast, should be on Pred. for at least 18 months and ended with I agree you have PMR with RA overlap. I continually mentioned about my frustration, minimal info from 1st rheumy, got PMR due to age. I also asked when my next appt with her is? She laughed and said follow up with first rheumy??

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Your second Rheumy was partially correct - too fast a taper (but then we’d all said that) - but I would dispute her 18 month’s comment (although she did say minimum).

I think you’ll find most medical people don’t like a patient complaining about another doctor (no matter how justified it may be). Even if they think you are correct, but they would never let you know!

Did she give you a new tapering plan?

[Blearyeyed]

This is positive news.

The second opinion has confirmed your diagnosis and agreed with the advice that you have received from forum members that you are tapering too fast and that you need to pace yourself and make room for recovery for at least 18 months.

It is not surprising that you are being sent back to the original Rheumy , this often happens , it is a way of dealing with a second opinion rather than a formal complaint and request to change your Doctor.

The opinion of this Rheumy ( who is likely to be more senior or specialised in PMR than your main specialist care provider ) will be given to your specialist and your GP to follow.

If they do not send you a letter including this Rheumatologists conclusions you need to request a copy from your surgery to keep in your own records to take to appointments .

Then , if you receive advice contrary to these instructions you can bring it out as prove that you need a slow taper and that a minimum of 18 months managing the condition was advised.

I hope you feel the relief that you should from this appointment , and now you are confirmed with PMR , take time to balance on a starting dose that suits you , try the slow taper and pacing advice , and can adjust to the " new normal" .

Take care , Bee

[PMRpro Ambassador]

You win some, you lose some. On the whole though - this was win I think, provided she puts all that in her letter/notes.

This is in the USA I assume from your past posts (please add some info to your profile, it does make such a difference to comments and saves reading all the posts). I don't know how your system works to change doctor but that is what you will have to do to avoid the first one. In the UK in the NHS you just wait until the next appointment - where you will almost certainly see someone different!

[Musiclady18 in reply to PMRpro]

No I am in Canada.

[Mikb]

I am in Canada and when all this started my GP asked if I liked and trusted my Rheumy and if i wanted to see someone else she would arrange it. I didn’t want to as I have had very good care from him. See him every two months and if I have any concerns, or if he does, he fits me in earlier.