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Daily Living > Relationships > You and Your Doctor > I Found the Right Doctor
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I Found the Right Doctor

By Mirah Riben, Monmouth Junction, N.J.

Dealing with chronic illness, I think we need all the support we can get. I am divorced, my kids are grown, and who wants to complain to their friends? Therefore, I am all the more grateful to my rheumatologist.

My doctor is a very thorough and knowledgeable practitioner and highly regarded in his field of rheumatology and immunology. At the same time, his commitment to practicing integrative medicine is very sincere. His lack of myopic vision makes him a healer who treats the entire patient, not just the joints. While never omitting the most state-of-the-art testing and treatment, he likewise never fails to include the patient as an active participant in their own care.

He lacks the arrogance of many medical professionals, always asking me, "What do you think?" after carefully explaining the treatment options available.

His holistic approach appreciates the mind-body connection, and he knows the two cannot be separated. This, combined with the fact that he is a caring human being, allowed him to help me through a very protracted divorce and custody battle many years ago. My doctor took the time to talk to me and make sure I was seeing a therapist and eventually got the medication I needed to deal with the depression I was dealing with – realizing that stress, pain and depression combined with rheumatoid arthritis forms a vicious cycle.

I have been very fortunate in finding a doctor who’s the right doctor for me. I have been in my doctor's care for more than two decades – and four charts! He has seen me through the worst of times, and has always been there for me. I have phoned this kind and caring man in the middle of the night and he has always called me back promptly. When I found myself short of medication while on vacation, he phoned around to pharmacies in the area to see if any had the special-order item on hand.

The great care that my doctor provides is matched by his equally caring and efficient staff. They helped to make my application for disability go as smoothly as possible. I truly feel that I could not receive better treatment if I were a member of his family. I cannot thank this man enough."

Karen K Manes
02 Dec 2011, 13:50
I am looking for a new Rheumatologist...I am currently going to a particulary doctor right now and it appears that he is not adequately helping me and my circumstances...I have been out on long term disability since May of 2009..I asked him to help me with total disability and he replied, "I cannot do that for you".."the state has to do that". I really need to find a doctor that understand my day to day circumstances...and my long term disability that is long term...I have fibromyalgia, arthiritis and osteporois...please help me...I am at my witts end...
VKC
25 Aug 2011, 20:28
I would sincerely appreciate knowing the name of this doctor. It is so hard to find a good rheumatologist, never mind a holistically minded one. So glad you found help.
Pat Markel
05 Jul 2011, 18:02
My rheumatologist has left town and I would like a referral for another to treat my fibromyalgia and OA in Charlotte, N.C. I've been fortunate to have had an extremely caring physician who practiced holistic medicine.
Melissa
01 Dec 2010, 20:18
Thanks for your post! It is very difficult to find a specialist in this field in NJ that practices with a Holistic approach. Can you please post the name of the physician? I have been searching for a Rheumatologist in NJ to compliment my holistic practices with no luck so far...

Thank you!
trudi rose brody
01 Nov 2009, 17:08
You are indeed very lucky to have such a caring dr. They are definitely out there but hard to find....esp with chronic care concerns.

I can't help thinking that you are a very good, and informed patient as well.

thanks for your post.

trudi rose
Ileana Shofel
18 May 2009, 06:03
You are a very fortunate person. Thank you for sharing. I knew I shouldn't have left N.J.!

ils

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