Vist With the Rheumy

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I finally had my visit with the Rheumy and it was a mixed bag. The

doctor was the most arrogant, condescending jerk I have ever met in

my life! The only positive was that he said that I don't have

lupus. Hopefully, I can trust his diagnosis. He said that my

internist should never have tested my ANA

because people in their 40's don't get lupus and that the positive

test

result didn't mean anything. He is foreign and said that doctors in

the USA are just afraid of getting sued. First, a young resident

came in and examined me. When the Rheumy came he immediately

started barking about not to expect a diagnosis (I didn't) and all

he did besides barking at me was to rotate my shoulders, extend my

knees, and press two spots on my chest(to see if he thought I had

fibromyalgia). He went on about how fibromyalgia is a catch-all

term and he isn't ready to call it that. He had them x-ray my

shoulders and run a blood test to check on my muscle function and

said to call back in 2 wks. for the results and to go back for a

visit in 3-4 months. Yeah, right! The man didn't have a

compassionate bone in his body! By the time he left, I was in tears.

My husband was with me and was flabbergasted, too. He said, no way

am I gong back to him! I see my internist on Tues. and will tell him

what I thought of his referral!

If any good can come of this, it is that someone in this group that

has not yet seen their Rheumy, they will be sure to inquire about

the

doctor's reputation for his " bedside manner " before their visit. No

matter how qualified a doctor is on paper, if he has no compassion,

he should not be involved with patients - especially those dealing

with chronic pain.

I sure have appreciated all of the information and support that this

group has provided these past couple of months. Hope you are all

having a pain-free day and have a great weekend!

Hugs,

Sherry