Have to find new PCP - Page 2

LilacTree · ‎03-25-2012

No, Trinity, she made it very clear that she is not going to treat the RD with anything, and only when I told her how low I was on the med did she say she would give me one last 30 day prescription. In fact it was CVS who called me and said they weren’t getting her authorization to refill the scrip. They said to call her, and I did, then she called me late yesterday.

I intend to find a new PCP and when I discussed that with her, she was very quick to say she would be fine with that, but that she is still willing to treat me otherwise. Since I already have a gastro doc and an ortho doc, I guess she means for colds and miscellaneous whatevers. So really she will not be a loss to me.

Sitting in the waiting room for an hour and then another hour in the exam room because she overbooks sometimes by three patient appointments will be a relief also.

Formerly Ford1224
We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. Elie Wiesel 1986

NickNack · ‎03-10-2010

@LilacTree I'm sure you know this, but you can't just quit prednisone. You have to taper off of it gradually, even if you've only been taking it for a couple of weeks. I hope she told you how to do that. You could be in a lot of trouble if you just quit cold turkey.

The Bluebird Carries The Sky On His Back"
-Henry David Thoreau

LilacTree · ‎03-25-2012

@NickNack wrote:
@LilacTree I'm sure you know this, but you can't just quit prednisone. You have to taper off of it gradually, even if you've only been taking it for a couple of weeks. I hope she told you how to do that. You could be in a lot of trouble if you just quit cold turkey.

@NickNack

yes, NickNack, I’ve been on low dose prednisone for fourteen years now and have several times tried to taper to 5 mg and have not been successful. 5/mgs would be equal replacement of cortisol that the adrenals naturally produce, but the symptoms always stop me.

I am 81 now, I don’t expect miracles anymore. if I can stay on 8 mgs at a non-flare level of RD, I will be peaceful. After an 8-month flare after the broken hip/arm surgery I really don’t want to risk another one.

Formerly Ford1224
We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. Elie Wiesel 1986

sydsgma1 · ‎03-09-2010

Lilac tree..from my experience, prednisone does not treat ra..it merely reduces the inflammation. I know you are terrified of biological, but not all rheumatologisysctrest the first thing with that.

there are many other disease modifying drugs to try. Please give a dr a chance and try not to overthink or go in with preset notions.

(((((Hugs))))

LilacTree · ‎03-25-2012

@sydsgma1 wrote:
Lilac tree..from my experience, prednisone does not treat ra..it merely reduces the inflammation. I know you are terrified of biological, but not all rheumatologisysctrest the first thing with that.

there are many other disease modifying drugs to try. Please give a dr a chance and try not to overthink or go in with preset notions.

(((((Hugs))))

@sydsgma1

Spoiler

Yes, pred reduces inflammation and therefore pain. It does nothing for the fatigue, but neither do the biologics. I have been on MTX, Plaquenil (which was wonderful until I developed a rash from it), sulfasalazine, which doesn’t work for four or more months, yet one gets the side effects immediately, and one other before I was put on prednisone at 15 mgs. I then went down to 10 mgs for several years, to my present 8 mgs, which keeps me sane.

As you know, there is no cure for autoimmune disease, just treatments. The prednisone has done its job on me, I am well aware of that, but so far it has been the most effective med for me. It’s not as though I have many years ahead of me to keep trying new things and in the course of that, picking up new side effects that I have not experienced to date.

My life expectancy is no longer decreased by RD,as it is the same at this age, 81, as it would be if I did not have RD.

Perhaps a new doc, whether a PCP or a rheumatologist will have a new treatment I can live with. One never knows. I am not closed off from that, I’m just doubtful that will happen.

Formerly Ford1224
We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. Elie Wiesel 1986

software · ‎06-08-2016

I have no advice but just wanted to say I understand and hope the best for you.

30 days doesn't seem to be enough time to get off the steroids and find a replacement with a new doctor. Maybe she would reconsider the timeline.

LilacTree · ‎03-25-2012

@software wrote:
I have no advice but just wanted to say I understand and hope the best for you.
30 days doesn't seem to be enough time to get off the steroids and find a replacement with a new doctor. Maybe she would reconsider the timeline.

@software

From research I am learning that legally she has to keep treating me until I find a new doc. She sprung this on me without any warning and there are legal ramifications for that. I would hate that, but I would have no choice, as the price I would have to pay would be too high.

Spoiler

I am hopeful that I can find a new doc quickly. I am only looking into docs in the same conglomerate, so they would automatically be able to view my chart online.

Formerly Ford1224
We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. Elie Wiesel 1986

BeautyLver · ‎09-09-2018

@LilacTree wrote:
@software wrote:
I have no advice but just wanted to say I understand and hope the best for you.
30 days doesn't seem to be enough time to get off the steroids and find a replacement with a new doctor. Maybe she would reconsider the timeline.
@software

From research I am learning that legally she has to keep treating me until I find a new doc. She sprung this on me without any warning and there are legal ramifications for that. I would hate that, but I would have no choice, as the price I would have to pay would be too high.
Spoiler

I am hopeful that I can find a new doc quickly. I am only looking into docs in the same conglomerate, so they would automatically be able to view my chart online.

Sounds like something came to light that that the doctor has been prescribing all these years, something she should not have. My doctor would never in a million years prescribe anything...no matter what it was...even upon a patient insisting, claiming it may be the only thing that works. Get the sense this dr did what she did for all the wrong reasons....was easier to do so than putting her foot down. Truth is, a specialist should be treating. But from what has been said, you wont get the med that you want from anyone else. Be careful inferring legal action. As it is you who will be hurt most. And you also have much bigger fish to fry. Your health.

tansy · ‎01-02-2011

If I were in my 80s, I’d probably consider trying the biologics to see how much the med helped:/

I only mention your age because things you’ve said before about your lifespan.

Wishing you the best, @LilacTree.

There are websites that offer patient reviews on doctors.

GraceLady · ‎01-03-2013

You sound very stubborn. Your doctor is under no legal obligation to continue to presctibe a drug to you when she has informed you that you must find a specialist. I am surprised that you wouldn't want a rheumatologist to receive the best care possible and have the best quality of life that you are able to have. Prednisone is not a great choice long term, especially as the only medication. It is typically part of a cocktail of drugs. It also takes a long time to wean off of it. It could take you years to wean off that dose. I encourage you to diligently look for a rheumatologist. You will need to be seen quickly, and have an open mind. There are many treatment options that you are probably unaware of. Please give them a chance.