Choosing a doctor is something we all need to do at different points in our lives. That's especially true when you're dealing with the pain of arthritis. Often the doctor we need is dictated by our condition – and how urgently we need one, says William Buchholz, MD, an oncologist and primary-care physician in Mountain View, Calif., who writes and educates about finding doctor-patient relationships that are positive.
“If you have a cut that needs stitches, you just need a technician – any doctor who can stitch the cut and knows to inject Xylocaine.” If you have rheumatoid arthritis, you need a rheumatologist, because a chronic condition may require a lifetime of medical treatment and expertise and technical competence aren’t always enough.
Is a good physician for one person always the right physician for another? Not necessarily, says Edward Krupat, PhD, a Harvard Medical School psychologist whose research has focused largely on the unique nuances of the doctor-patient relationship. Just because a physician is “good,” doesn’t mean he’s right for you. Be it a shared religious belief, common interests or intangible qualities that attract good friends or make people fall in love, for some legitimate – and some inexplicable – reasons certain patients just seem to click with certain doctors.
Doctors feel it, too. “There are some people that you just click with immediately and you know it’s going to be a wonderful match,” says David Watts, MD, a San Francisco physician, poet and regular commentator on National Public Radio’s “All Things Considered.” “Then there are others you just can’t click with, so you just do the best you can.”
Krupat’s fascination with what makes some doctors and patients click began with a personal experience 33 years ago. He and his wife had just moved to Boston and had made same-day appointments to see the same primary care physician. That evening, at home, the two compared notes and discovered vastly different perceptions. “She said he was great and that she was looking forward to seeing him [again],” Krupat recalls. “I said, ‘That’s funny, because I’ve already called and asked for another doctor.’”
While the doctor was in control, comforting and reassuring with both Krupat and his wife, the two saw him differently, simply because their own needs and expectations were different. “Whatever she asked about, he was very reassuring and that was what she needed,” he says. Krupat, on the other hand, was put off by the physician’s paternal style. “I needed information and he wasn’t anxious to give it to me.” The next doctor he found was more forthcoming with information.
The benefits of a positive relationship with your doctor
Add to the equation this research finding: Doctor-patient studies show a positive relationship based on individual needs can pay off in long-term health benefits.
of pain but my knees seem disjointed.I have come close to falling while walking several times because of this.I need a doctor to evaluate my condition and give me medical advice. I live near Houston TX. MY zip code is 77477.
I have been to one rheumatologist who was of very little help. I am looking for a better one around my area in Sun City West, Arizona.
Thanks.
I just thought of a link that always helps: whatever the country/ state area look for national association/foundation or for the U.S College of...
To find a rheumatologist in your area, also check the American College of Rheumatology's directory at
www.rheumatology.org/directory/geo.asp.
http://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals
Each and everyone of us can check by own criteria such as: city, specialty (rheumatology etc.)
- this is genuine sharing and I have no connection whatsoever with U.S. News or any of hospitals mentionned
Enjoy!
is a link I just found out about.
Would Arthritis Foundation online possibly consider adding some special page onsite for those of us not well informed?
This is what took me ages to find about
http://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/search?hospital_name=Hospital+name& specialty_id=REPRHEU&city=City&distance=100
Top 10 of Hospital ranking for Rheumatology
My name is Brenda and I have Ankylosing Spondylitis. They now believe that I also have Psoriatic Arthritis and possibly Osteo Arthritis. Can a person have more than one type of arthritis? I believe, as this runs in the family and my SXs are the same and they are only DXd with AS, that I only have AS.
I desperately need a good doctor and am at my wits end. There are only 2 offices in my area. I've been to both. One is a single doc ofc and I cannot go to him now as I was forced by Oregon's Medicaid (which is a whole other can of worms---I can't access all that I need and there are major problems with my carrier---Mid Rogue. Anyone out there have any similar issues, advice, ANY INFO? Perhaps we might join together to get what we need. In my case it would cost them less to provide me with what I need rather than what they are paying for now--some of which has come close to causing potentially life threatening conditions they refer to as side effects.)
I currently see a doc in an office/group. I don't like the route he is choosing--too many side effects. Oddly, my Uncle sees him as well. His AS is far more advanced and they don't use "trial" type meds on him--no feeling that he is being used as a guinea pig. I am not allowed to see another doc in the group---it's their policy. So, I am stuck!
I am attempting to petition OHP for permission to go out of my area to get the help I need. Does anyone know of an excellent Rheumatologist in Eugene OR., Portland, OR., Salem, OR.,....OR anywhere in Oregon??? Any info would be great! My email is xanaduxile@yahoo.com.
The pain is out of control and damage to my spine, hips, etc---you all know---is rapidly escalating. I need help and can't access it or find it.
In closing, I just want everyone out there to know that I pray daily for all who suffer from any rheumatologic disorder and send out healing and positive thoughts daily as it can seem like torture at times and my heart goes out to anyone living AND fighting it. Let's kick it's butt!!
~Brenda
Thank you
I am 42 and was diagnosed with Osteo-Arthritis in both hips. It is so painful. The only thing that helps is steroid shots, physical therapy, and Vicodin. I am thank-ful to my primary care physician for prescribing the pain medicine because the pain is unbearable and my orthopedic doctor for the steroid shots. I was also diagnosed with RA with the RA factor under 40. I have only had two RA full body flare ups...where all the joints and bones in my body feel like they are killing me. It is so painful. I do not take anything for my RA. My Rheumatologist is still doing tests. Life sucks and I am only 42 years old!
I am seeking a more permanent relief program
a doctor who can help me with my arthritis in the
Victoria Texas area.
Warren Cowan
WARREN MI 48091
Could anyone recommend a good arthritis doctor here in Hilton Head, SC?
I am 56 years and I need help, serious help. I can no longer deal with taking pain pills and other medicines that causes other health problems. I am temporarily living in Ft Lauderdale, Fl with my daughter and son-in-law. I hope there is a doctor out there somewhere that can help me get to the real problem and real relief.
I also had back surgery that gave me a new life!!
I can really empathize with the people whose family doesn't understand. I probably had this in my twenties, but it took til I was in my sixties to get properly diagnosed. I spoiled more than a few family outings, because I just couldn't get off the couch. My husband finally divorced me because he couldn't take my "back" any longer. I refused to take any narcotic pain meds, because I was so afraid of becoming addicted and I would have after all the years of pain.
I am so grateful to my Doctor for finally believing me and testing me properly and giving me the proper drugs.
The thing that I just can't bear is my back and leg pain. It's getting so bad that I have a hard time to just walk at all, so I take pain med to help me -- and it does. I've been to pain management for epidural injections on several occasions within two years, but no help.
I'm getting desparate and would so appreciate anything you could suggest for me. I just feel rather hopeless!
I am ANA Positive, and the doctor, who just retired, felt I should be tested for Lupus.
Thanks again
3679 Williams Nook
Grove City, Ohio 43123
And, maybe how to manage it better?
All my doc says is I'm too fat and won't do anything new until I lose weight- so I guess I also need a Dr. whose not fat phobic!(My zip code is 43085)
I too live in Las Vegas and have what looks like an another ankle protruding from the base of my left thumb. Have you found anyone yet? Please let me know if you have.
Thank you.
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