Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group " Bitter Old Bag "

Hi Chelsea

Well, I was actually diagnosed very quickly by my GP back in 2001.
Now that things were getting more involved I was getting worried and asked to see a rheumy. Now - 2 in a row have told me there is NOTHING wrong.
Wow - that was a great help huh ?

This last fellow is, I have heard, a very nice fellow. I think he was simply mad at me switching drs. That's all I can think of.

Thanks for your understanding Chelsea

Maggie

That's right David. That's it exactly - "starting all over again."
or " back to where I started "
Well, I have to laugh and take it as lightly as possible. I still have my GP and she and I are getting along really well now. Could be worse I suppose.
At the moment - I see no point whatsoever in visiting a rheumy. Not even sure if I will again.

Thanks for you caring David
Maggie

Hi Valerie

Sorry to put you off rheumies. Sounds like you had a bad first experience too.
It's probably worth trying a new one if he/she comes. Just don't get your hopes up and then you won't be too upset.
There are obviously some good and caring ones out there somewhere.

Maggie

Thankyou Stacie

You are such a sweetie yourself.
It helps so much when you and others understand all this. I'm sure that many of us would feel so abandoned without the caring we get here

Thanks Stacie

Maggie

Oh Maggie! I am so sorry you had to go through that crap. What an awful doctor! I have to agree with as far as the moral of the story...you needed to go far away from that building and kind of start all over without anything already put in the doctors head. They tend to listen to what others have said instead of using their own mind.
If I were you I would not go back to him and seek out someone else.
Try not to let this get you too down, although we all know it's easier said than done. Remember what so many others have gone through and how many doctors they had to see before finally getting an answer. We all know it's hard, but we're all here and we understand excatly how you are feeling. ok. Dont let what anyone else says cloud your vision as far as what you need to keep doing. They don't know you so don't let what they say bother you. Shake it off and think of them as the shallow, insignificant nuisance, because the way they acted shows exactly that, besides many other things I could think of right now, like ignorant arrogant, unkind etc..
I still can't get over how badly he treated you. UUUG! It makes my blood boil, so I can just imagine how its making you feel. Maybe you can use that anger for a good thing...take the energy that you're putting into the anger and use it to keep plugging away.
Again I am sorry that you had to go through this. I hope things change for you soon so you can have some better days.
Big hugs to ya,
Lisa

Hi Maxine

I got bitter too, about the aging thing. I am now 50yrs and I hate it. Do you know how many times I have now been told that this or that is due to aging ?
Sorry to offend any of the lovely caring gentleman here, but it is allways men that say this to us. It is so insensitive and you are so right - is usually a cop out.!!!!!

Thanks for understanding Maxine

Maggie

Hi Maggie
I am not familiar with your situation but this is what happened when I switche docs in the same building. I went to a total of four different rheumys before I found my current, excellent rheumy. I had dx of fibro, to nothing is wrong with you, to "Idon't know" you name it. Now, I have definitive dx, a rheumy who works with me, let's me e-mail her with questions etc. One time before this current one, I switched in the same building.It was a disaster. I think the two rheumy's communicated and I suspect the first warned the second about me. The second time I switched, in the same building it was fine and I landed the rheumy I have now.

Keep looking. No matter how many you have to see-the right one is out there for you!

Rene a.k.a Julie

Oh Doreen - please don't imagine that I am sedentary person. I do not sit around waiting for a rheumy to heal me.
In fact the only time I sit much at all is when I am on KickAS
Painful though it often is, I keep very very active.
I have allready discovered ( time and time again ) that over the counter products do not help with my spine or hips and NOTHING at all relieves the fatigue whenever it comes to visit. Obviously. Iritis does not get cured without medical help either.
I totally agree that keeping active is the key to keeping our flexibility and mobility. This I'm sure is why I appear to others to be healthy.
I never complain to those around me when in pain - I keep my mouth shut and continue whatever we are doing.
I come here to do all my whining.
it's just that certain symptoms were definatly increasing and I thought it prudent to get the advice of the experts/ BIG mistake as it happens.

I'll continue to remain active and practise LSD as well as I can. I take Amytryptiline for the night time - this at least has helped quite a bit.

I'm glad you are doing well

Maggie

Hi again Brent

Yep I'm sure this was the problem. Really really ticks me off that they feel that way.
If they were looking for a new washer they wouldn't hesitate to shop around - right ? Who do they think they are anyway !!!!
I have to stop here cause I'mm getting all riled up.

I'd be happy to find a rheumy without the attitude - one who is caring, communicative and helpful - I know there are some out there somewhere

Glad your situation had a happy ending Brent

Maggie

Hi Lisa

Nice to hear from you.
I think that is actually what is happening to me today. I'm taking the anger and turning it around. I feel more up to facing everything today. I'll just keep plugging away with my GP for now but when the time comes again that I feel I need an expert - I will go to a different place and I will go in with a different attitude. I think that being meek and mild and polite is, sadly, not what gets their attention. I will be firmer if there is a next time.

It does help,. as you said, to listen to the stories of many others here and to recieve their understanding too.
Thanks for all your kindness Lisa.

I have just realized that yesterday was that big day for you - am I right ?
I hope you are staying as strong as possible. Since you posted that here, I have though of you often. My heart certainly goes out to you and I'm looking forward to you telling us, one day, about your son arriving home safely.

Hugs
Maggie