当你有类风湿关节炎（RA），重要的是要通过风湿病进行治疗 - 治疗肌肉骨骼疾病，如专家different types of arthritis. Finding a doctor — let alone finding the right doctor — can be challenging. It's almost like dating. Sometimes you have to try out several doctors before you find "the one.” Your doctor may be one of the longest relationships of your life, so it’s important that the two of you can work well together.
The referral from your family doctor
如果你r family doctor suspects you might have a type of autoimmune arthritis, they will refer you to a rheumatologist, who can officially diagnose you with RA. If all goes well, you and your specialist will be able to work together as a team. However, sometimes the rheumatologist may not be able to diagnose you, or the two of you are perhaps not a good fit. Whatever the cause, you may want to look for another doctor.
What’s a good rheumatologist
是什么让一个很好的风湿病不只是他们的技能和知识。这是非常重要的，他们需要您的问题严重，他们都听到，听到你。他们应该回答您的问题与关心和照顾，并满足你，你在哪里。也就是说，你对你的生活优先次序是什么应该推动团队的努力。同时，他们也应该是提供咨询的约会之间 - 毕竟，你有RA的时候，不只是在安排的约会。
这是一个相互的关系
如果你have a doctor that you can be serious with when needed, and crack jokes with along the way, that's the sign that you're with the right person. Ultimately, your relationship with your doctor should be mutual, not one-sided. You should feel like you have some measure of control over your care and your health, and your doctor should not feel like a stranger to you, nor you to them, when you have an appointment.
Reasons to look for a new doctor
如果你不觉得你可以开放和诚实与您的医生，因任何原因，它可能是时候寻找新的人，特别是如果你觉得匆忙，辞退，或由医生轻视。觉得在您的关怀自信，更有能力去听从你的治疗方案是非常重要的。找到合适的医生可能是你做自己最好的事情之一。
Where to look for a rheumatologist
The first person who can help you in your search for a new rheumatologist is your family doctor, who should be able to refer you to someone new. You can also call your insurance provider or hospitals in your area to ask for a list of rheumatologists close to where you live. Someone you know who also has RA may be able to give you a recommendation, or you canlook for a rheumatologist in your area在美国风湿病学会的网站。
如果你无法找到您所在地区的风湿病？
Sometimes, it can be hard to find a rheumatologist near you, especially if you live in a rural area, or the doctors near you are not taking new patients. It may be necessary for you to travel several hours to see your doctor and some people even travel to a different state. Although this can be a challenge, keep in mind that you usually only see your rheumatologist two-to-four times a year.
Creative ways to connect with your rheumatologist
如果你live far away from your rheumatologist, talk to them about alternate ways to connect. You may be able to contact them by phone or email to ask questions in between appointments. As well, if you experience anRA flare, you can’t just pop into their office for help. They need to be able to treat you long distance at times, or perhaps work with your family doctor as a liaison.
What if I can’t get another rheumatologist?
You may find yourself in a situation where you have to work with the rheumatologist you were given. In such cases, it can be worth it to spend some energy working on the relationship. Remember that your doctor is a human being and therefor capable of change. Educate yourself about RA andpractice self-advocacy skillsto learn to be more assertive — not aggressive — in your appointments. You may also want to bring a friend or family member as moral support.
工作的关系
你的医生通常只看到你的时间很短，使得它难以解决任何东西，但最紧迫的问题。你可能想订一间双人约会与他们双方你允许更多的时间来说话。要诚实，礼貌，你可以对你的生活，你的需求，你需要他们，什么即使违背了他们的建议。减对方有些松懈 - 发展与人保持良好的关系，你可能只看到一年四次可能需要一些时间，但它是可能的。
Other options
如果不顾一切，你无法找到风湿病，还有其他的选择。您的家庭医生可能会愿意成为一个替身。同样，其他类型的专家，如骨科医生或其他医疗服务提供者，如风湿病护士或执业护士，也能够提供您的治疗。当然，有风湿病是理想的，但如果这是不可能的，另找供应商是谁能够监督你的关心能满足您的需求。