Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatments in a Health Care Situation That Sucks
Posted on August 21st, 2008 by Aud under Medications, Natural Health, Rheumatoid Arthritis
I think that one of the most frustrating things about my Rheumatoid Arthritis treatments has been my health care. I have other health issues besides my RA, and really should have a family doctor, let alone a few specialists- but I don’t.
I moved from Ontario in 2001 to Michigan, and left behind doctors I’d had for years. When I moved back in 2006 and notified their offices, they were full and were not taking any new patients. When I told them I wasn’t new, just returning, I was told that I had been away over 2 years and was not considered a patient of theirs any longer and so I was put on a 5 year waiting list (I have 3 years to go).
The city I live in is one of many Ontario centers where there is a lack of doctors, which is very unfortunate. When a blood test or prescription is needed, I go to the doctor on call at the walk-in clinic and wait for several hours with other people who do not have a family doctor as well.
Just a couple weeks ago I wrote a post that included my 7 hour wait with my daughter at the clinic just to have a blood test! I was so stressed that my arthritis flared.
I had a wonderful doctor and Rheumatologist in Michigan and I am thankful for the loads of information they gave me, and because of their encouragement, I sought out other avenues of pain relief and prevention of the damage of Rheumatoid Arthritis.
I looked into Naturopath/holistic healing and therapy. I was very, very skeptical at first and wasn’t too keen on the idea. A few years ago my husband tried to get me to try holistic healing, but at the time I was newly diagnosed and really didn’t know a thing about it. But with more research under my belt, along with being exasperated with my symptoms, I booked an appointment and was happy and very satisfied with my results. It did take time, good things always do, but it was worth it and has continued to be a part of my daily life and routine.
I still need to make a trip down to the walk-in clinic at least once a month to have blood tests for coagulation, prescriptions filled, or one of the kids needs medical attention, but I don’t have the angst and concern that I had a year ago. 2 prescriptions, methotrexate and plaquenil, have been eliminated from my list because I have been dealing with the arthritis differently and no longer need to take them for my Rheumatoid Arthritis treatment.
Finding a good, knowledgeable, compassionate doctor is so important to the life of a patient dealing with a serious disease. For me that’s a luxury I don’t have at the moment, but that’s okay because I have a wonderful Naturopath therapist who is doing a fine job filling in.
So you know how I feel about my health care situation, how’s yours?
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Tags: arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis pain relief, rheumatoid arthritis treaments
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I’m currently on Plaquenil, Sulfasalazine, Arava and Orencia and yet I still have pain every day. I stopped eating wheat in March and I think that’s helped a bit but I’m really intrigued about what you’re doing now, naturally. If you could share that, it would be nice to hear.
Joanna~
I hope you’re not feeling too discouraged about all the pain you’re experiencing. Chronic pain is so tough to deal with. Is it the wheat or gluten in wheat that gives you trouble?
I have shared a bit of what I’m doing naturally in a few posts so far, but I am so willing to share more!! Thank you so much.
Take tons of care~
Audrey
Where I live (Hollywood), there’s a major shortage on doctors, hospitals are always packed like most people would expect. There’s the population grows, there’s more and more need of doctors. I hate to say this but I think the stress towards medical care is only going to get worse.
I also see a lot of pharmacies opening up. Sooner or later, everyone will have pain killers as an everyday carry item.
I hope you’ve been drinking your 4 big cups of water. I’m still in the process of designing the website, should be done by tonight. Take care . Toodles!
Her Ticking Clocks last blog post..Is Love Really Just The Chemistry In The Brain?
I was sick in Anaheim in 2002 and had to go to a clinic and waited hours there. We spend so much time waiting! Therefore I bring my lap top everywhere now
I have been drinking my 4 LARGE cups of water! And I hope you’re able to get all of your work done on your website.
Shine on~
Audrey
Hi Audrey, I hope you soon find relief from your pain. Your post inspired me to write about a different kind of chronic illness that I have had for years. I linked to your site–I hope you don’t mind.
Also, I subscribed to your feed. Although our diseases are different, the emotional roller-coasters that they cause are the same.
I’m looking forward to reading more of what you have to say!
Cheers!
Karen,
I’m very interested in what you have to share. It’s tough having to live day to day with a disease or condition that you don’t have complete control over, but there is a comforting fact in knowing that there are others on the same path. Finding others with this in common gives an added strength!
Thank you so much for your comment, it’s very encouraging!
Audrey