Discussion Board

Probably a stupid question but does anyone know a Rheumy in the Washington DC area who is at least somewhat sympathetic to a patient on the McD plan?

This is not Podunk I live in!!! Yet, for the life of me, I can't find a doctor who will give me the prednisone I need (and hope to be off soon) without trying to force me to "step up the drugs."

My family doc is a nice person and wonderful listener. He just can't help me. Insurance companies won't let him do anything "specialized".

Just read through your other post about weaning off prednisone - didnt reply because everyone said what I would have, only better!

I don't have a solution, but as long as the other meds are not something the doc has to administer themselves (through an infusion, like Remicade, or an injection, like methotrexate) I think getting enough pred to wean off safely (and slowly, veeeerrrry slowly) is a good plan even if it fdoes involve lying. i know most docs aren't sympathetic to this treatment, and that is a real bummer.

Have you considered contacting Dr McDougall and inquiring about doing a phone consult with him? I don't know if he does that, but he might, and he'd certainly understand the need to wean off slowly with a pred 'script, while also encouraging focusing on a dietary approach.

I was reluctant to email Dr. McD because I hate imposing and bothering people. However, I did it anyway and he answere me instantly with a very thorough email response. What a nice person!

And yes the other docs do want to start IV drugs so I have to disappear after an initial appt or two. Dr. McD said try my regular MD which is a decent possibility because he's at least a very kind person. So I made an appt to see about that option.

Yes, Dr M is great about getting back to people!

Hope your local doc is helpful - keep us posted.