That sounds incredibly frustrating, and those feelings of anger and betrayal are completely valid. A 10-minute appointment after a decade of managing multiple serious conditions is not okay, and you deserve better care than that.
You are absolutely not alone in this experience. Many myRAteam members have shared similar Show Full Answer
That sounds incredibly frustrating, and those feelings of anger and betrayal are completely valid. A 10-minute appointment after a decade of managing multiple serious conditions is not okay, and you deserve better care than that.
You are absolutely not alone in this experience. Many myRAteam members have shared similar stories of feeling dismissed or misdiagnosed. As one myRAteam member put it, "I have been through the diagnostic wringer for the last three years." Another shared, "I just wish my last rheumatologist would have paid closer attention to the symptoms." Here's something really important to know: RA test results can be inconsistent. Blood tests don't always tell the full story, and results can fluctuate. The fact that you had a positive rheumatoid factor just two months ago, combined with high inflammation markers, is clinically significant and deserves a thorough explanation — not a dismissal.
A few steps worth considering:
- Seek a second opinion from another rheumatologist who will take a more comprehensive look at your full history
- Bring documentation — your previous diagnoses, past test results, and a log of your symptoms
- Ask specifically about your recent positive rheumatoid factor and elevated inflammation markers and why those are being disregarded
- Request more time during appointments; you have every right to a thorough consultation As for worrying about the medications you've taken — please don't make any changes to your medications without consulting a doctor first. Stopping RA medications abruptly can cause serious flares. Bring your concerns about your treatment history to a rheumatologist you trust.
You know your body. Keep advocating for yourself — you deserve answers and proper care.
August 28
Yes that is frustrating. I do not under see and how the first rheumatologist over diagnosed you. If your “system” has normal blood work liver and kidney type and it is normal no lasting effects of treatments are in your system poisoning you. If you had normal bloodwork during treatments and they were all normal liver and kidney no treatment was poisoning you.
August 28 (edited)