I have a new doctor (about a year now) who doesn’t seem to listen and answers questions with questions. Ex: me "I’ve noticed for the first time that i can see a difference in pupil size when I look in the mirror. Does Adie’s tonic pupil get worse over time? Him “why don’t you just go to an optometrist in the eye glass place to get your eyes checked?” me “are they capable of telling me if the Adie’s has gotten worse?” him “what was the optomologist’s name who diagnosed you?”.
I’m finding it a little frustrating to deal with! He seems very disinterested. He didn’t feel I needed to see the rhuematologist, even though I’ve been flaring. I am going to start looking for a new doctor (fingers crossed).
So he did the eye referral and is sending me for standard blood work. Here they give you a form with the various tests listed and the doctor checks off the tests he wants done. He did not order an ANA test but I am thinking of checking off the box myself. My ANA was positive a few years ago but I have not been to the rhuematologist since that test came back positive. I know this is a bit “dishonest” but if it comes back positive then I feel like I can push for the referal.
Its your right to insist on an ANA test since you came up positive before. You have to be your own advocate. Does your insurance insist upon a referral from your primary? If not, go find a good rheumatologist in your area.
I’m in Canada, so no private doctors here! You simply cannot see a specialist without a referral from your primary or the emergency room. Sucks but we don’t pay for medical care so I’m not complaining. It’s just got me frustrated!
My 17 year old daughter has chronic tendon inflammation which the rheumatologist believes may be a precursor to PsA. She is on celebrex. The doctor went so far as to call the pharmacy to confirm her prescription even though the rheumy’s notes were right in her file. Does he think a 17 year old girl is drug seeking celebrex?!?! I just don’t get him. My doctor passed away and this one took over the practice. My old doctor was a sweetheart and an amazing doctor. I didn’t want to be too harsh in my judgement of the replacement because I don’t think anyone could replace my old doctor. A year in and I’m not warming up to him at all!!
It’s a bit of a pickle, but the more I think about it the more I think I will check off the ANA just to get the referral (fingers crossed that it’s still positive!). I just seem to be flaring pretty consistently and the Arthrotec isn’t helping much. The doctor has already bumped up the dosage, but it’s still the same.
James said:
Its your right to insist on an ANA test since you came up positive before. You have to be your own advocate. Does your insurance insist upon a referral from your primary? If not, go find a good rheumatologist in your area.
I’m sorry to hear about your dilemma, from what friends overseas tell me that is one drawback to free healthcare. Is there any way at all to see a new primary? Or go to the ER and complain of symptoms that would indicate an ANA test?
It is one of the drawbacks. Our free healthcare system isn't perfect but I'm still glad we have one. I'm looking into getting a new primary now... I believe I would have to be added to a waiting list. We don't have enough doctors here. I think I will just tick of the box on the blood test form that I have to get the ANA test done. It is a little dishonest, but I think it's the only way my primary is going to refer me. I don't understand the thinking though. He adjusted my NSAID dosage... it's not helping... he responds by doing nothing? I hate to complain, and I'm sure my arthritis is not nearly as bad as a lot of people but I'm just getting so tired of this constant throb in my hips and my lower back is so sore... if I move the wrong way it's bad. I'm crackling and popping constantly... I mean this is not under control!!! Sorry to whine but I'm just to the point where I need a break from it.
Oh well... tomorrow is another day and maybe it'll be a better one :)