Travel trailer with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Well, on the road we found that there were many doctors who don't understand RA very well even though they got their medical lic. In one case that I remember quite clearly, the doc was board certified in RA but clearly the guy graduated at the bottom of his class (every class has one). RA is very complicated and can invoke many different bodily reactions and severe side issues over time and the complications and reactions from many of the drugs used can also be a problem. I would recommend, earlier than later, that you get yourself a really good, board certified, pain management specialist. You want to be comfortable that the doc is not just a pill pusher but one who really understands the chemical interaction of various drugs and will spend the time to help you understand the risks. Just because there are severe potential risks doesn't mean you shouldn't take the med but as the patient you should be more informed than just reading the 'black box' warnings of every drug so you can properly weigh the consequences of your action vs inaction.

Best advice? If you are not comfortable with your doc, his knowledge, care and dedication to your well being vs your being just another billing opportunity, get another doc and keep on until you do. To you it's your life; to most of them you're just their paycheck.