Re: is your rheumy incompetent? (no way)

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone,

This is Steph in VA. In the 5.5 years I have had arthritis I have been

treated by 4 rheumys. 2 were execellent, 1 was okay and 1 was a monster.

Fortunately for me, my diagnosing rheumy and my current rheumy are great. I

started seeing my current rheumy b/c I worked in DC and he was close to my

office. I now live & work 75 miles west of DC (2 hours in traffic, however) and

he is still my rheumy. When I have an appt with him, I drive to DC, see him

early, then go to museums and visit friends I used to work with. Last week I saw

the new Native American sonian. It was AWESOME!!!

When my rheumy didn't take my insurance, he gave me a lower rate and put me

on a payment plan. When I was sick in April (nausea, fever, chills, etc) Dr.

Lawson made me call him every day with my vitals to monitor me. When I told him

I only had 6 hours of sick time and I couldn't afford to stay home all week, he

wrote me a note and spoke with my boss to make sure he understood the risks in

me stressing out and trying to work while I was sick (he had my permission, of

course.)

As many of you know, I'm writing a book about arthritis and quality of life

issues associated with chronic illnesses. I'm dedicating the book to the medical

professionals I've been blessed to have. When I brought a copy of the dedication

to my rheumy last week he got teary when he read it and mumbled something about

not deserving to have by book dedicated to him.

Dr. Lawson is just awesome. I brought my boyfriend to meet Dr. Lawson for

1st time last week & meet the man behind the myth. I had explained a lot about

arthritis to Chad. Dr. Lawson brought out the models and showed him what

arthritis does to the body, and answers questions he had.

Take care,

Steph in VA

I found an excellent rheumatologist at the local medical school. I was

unemployed at the time and had enough life insurance money from my

late (beloved) husband that I could afford to go anywhere - at least

temporarily. When he found out I was an unemployed widow with two

kids, he cut his fee in half. I had no idea what was ahead in my life,

but he gave me clear-cut goals and always listened to me attentively.

A great, gentle wonderful man. He also donated time to treating the

Navaho on their reservation - which is not close by. He retired this

year - at least as far as seeing patients goes. I heard a rumour that

some group in California had enticed him to join their research

effort. I hope he does, for he will bring great compassion and

intelligence to bear on the problem.

Wish me luck in finding another gem like him.

Nina in Tucson

---------------------------------

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone,

This is Steph in VA. In the 5.5 years I have had arthritis I have been

treated by 4 rheumys. 2 were execellent, 1 was okay and 1 was a monster.

Fortunately for me, my diagnosing rheumy and my current rheumy are great. I

started seeing my current rheumy b/c I worked in DC and he was close to my

office. I now live & work 75 miles west of DC (2 hours in traffic, however) and

he is still my rheumy. When I have an appt with him, I drive to DC, see him

early, then go to museums and visit friends I used to work with. Last week I saw

the new Native American sonian. It was AWESOME!!!

When my rheumy didn't take my insurance, he gave me a lower rate and put me

on a payment plan. When I was sick in April (nausea, fever, chills, etc) Dr.

Lawson made me call him every day with my vitals to monitor me. When I told him

I only had 6 hours of sick time and I couldn't afford to stay home all week, he

wrote me a note and spoke with my boss to make sure he understood the risks in

me stressing out and trying to work while I was sick (he had my permission, of

course.)

As many of you know, I'm writing a book about arthritis and quality of life

issues associated with chronic illnesses. I'm dedicating the book to the medical

professionals I've been blessed to have. When I brought a copy of the dedication

to my rheumy last week he got teary when he read it and mumbled something about

not deserving to have by book dedicated to him.

Dr. Lawson is just awesome. I brought my boyfriend to meet Dr. Lawson for

1st time last week & meet the man behind the myth. I had explained a lot about

arthritis to Chad. Dr. Lawson brought out the models and showed him what

arthritis does to the body, and answers questions he had.

Take care,

Steph in VA

I found an excellent rheumatologist at the local medical school. I was

unemployed at the time and had enough life insurance money from my

late (beloved) husband that I could afford to go anywhere - at least

temporarily. When he found out I was an unemployed widow with two

kids, he cut his fee in half. I had no idea what was ahead in my life,

but he gave me clear-cut goals and always listened to me attentively.

A great, gentle wonderful man. He also donated time to treating the

Navaho on their reservation - which is not close by. He retired this

year - at least as far as seeing patients goes. I heard a rumour that

some group in California had enticed him to join their research

effort. I hope he does, for he will bring great compassion and

intelligence to bear on the problem.

Wish me luck in finding another gem like him.

Nina in Tucson

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