In my case I waited 8 months to get an appointment with a rheumatologist that I could only see after a referral from my doctor. My pc doctor had the diagnosis correct from the start but not up on the proper treatment. I was given an open Rx for prednisone, told to start at 15mg a day and adjust my dosage until the pain was gone then maintain it there. I ended up at 40 mg a day. 6 week waits to see my pc doctor who was under the idea as long as my pain was under control all was fine. See you in 6 or 8 weeks. When I saw my rheumatologist she was shocked at the course of treatment I was given. She actually took me on as a patient, where my pc doctor only wanted a confirmation. The rheumatologist ordered blood tests and an MRI ( which my pc doctor actually got mad that I was scheduled for an MRI, said it wasn’t needed) my rheumatologist started me immediately on lowering my prednisone to where I will finally be off it completely and on MTX for the long term. The MRI showed spine related problems that were masked by the prednisone and were causing PMR signatures. With my spine problems now under control she is working on my PMR. I believe it is now under control at 7.5mg pred. a day which she will lower again next visit and raise the MTX to replace the prednisone. Long term outlook is the MTX will completely replace the prednisone and then gradually reduce the MTX.
Yes, I am Canadian. Yes, our once world renown excellent health care is in shatters and getting worse. Politicians tell us our health system is on the brink of collapse. Canadians are telling them it has collapsed.
I want the same health care program our politicians have.