Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Steaming

Hey Connie,
What a mess you have found yourself in. I am so sorry that you have to go through this after all this time. Sounds like this guy is a real jerk! And I know it would be quite a drive to another rheumy! Well I guess on the Isle of Man, AS is only a Man's disease.

Carol and I were watching a rerun of Ghost Hunters the other night about the Willard Library, and got to remembering your visit and wondered how you and Drew were doing. It is good to hear from you even it it's to rant a little... Give Hubby our best! And don't stay away so long...LOL

Thank you all for your lovely replies and your support. I feel that I don't deserve it, no more than I have been around, but I do appreciate it so much.

I only went to the rheumy yesterday because I received a letter to come in--just a routine check up--so it wasn't my idea to go. I knew from my first visit with this doctor that I didn't really like him.

Gerri, I do like the neurologist I have seen and he seems quite confident that I don't have MS, so that's a relief. There was a white area on my spinal cord (what he thinks was an inflammatory lesion) at T4-T5 (I think) that corresponds to the symptoms that I have--from my ribcage to my toes. He's sticking by his diagnosis even though he knows the rheumy doesn't agree.

Molly, I don't think I would be able to see another doctor on the mainland. They do send people from here for medical treatment, but I don't think they'd do it just because I don't like the doctor. And the UK is ending the reciprocal medical treatment agreement between the UK and the IOM. The IOM is not a part of the UK or the EU and, with the agreement ending, we will have to have travel insurance just to visit the UK.

I don't really feel that I need a rheumatologist at the moment and I do get my NSAID prescription from the GP, whom I like, so I'll stick with him for now. Thank you all again for your support.

Connie

Help Connie - what a fexation. well, those NSAIDs will wreak havoc in the long run... Need to be pretty careful of em. So many have reported of damage after long term use, and damage that cannot be rectified. One gets concerned.

No. You would not have to say 'I don't like this doctor' but, you can certainly say that there is NO empathy AND that he is rubishing your DX AND this is leading to your being MOST *upset and unwell. That is a given and is acceptable. Happens that even some doctors can't bear some patients (has happened to me on not a few occasions. But twas reciprocal! HaHa.) Will need to fight your corner. You can also report him to the GMC. Strewth, think what he is doing to other patients. Makes one weep.

Go well me dear. And take care. Warmest best to you hon.

Molly C (France)
Keeping on Keeping on

Hi Connie,

Listen, I was so mad by the time I got to the end of your post that I wanted to rip his head off for you!!ha Seriously now, WHERE do these docs come from? Obviously they're all over the world because we hear of this happening far too often! It is maddening and you have every right to rant and rave - you deserve it!

You go girl!! We can only know that the docs that have no empathy are the ones that have not been touched by this monster of a disease...

Hope you find someone soon that is better qualified! Keep us updated, ok!