It is important that you like your doctor. I didn't like the first rheumatologist I saw. I don't think she liked me either because she documented in her notes that I was "non-compliant."

I think my first rheumatologist gave up on me. At one of my followup visits, I was seen by a different rheumatologist even though I didn't request a different one.

Anyway ... my second rheumatologist became my friend and managed my care for 12 years until I retired. It was financially better for me to go to a VA hospital across the street from the University Hospital. My long time rheumatologist said she knew every rheumatologist who went to VA. She assured me I would get good care at the VA.

Sure enough ... the first rheumatologist I saw at the VA said he knew all about me. I had never seen this rhematologist before and had just introduced myself.

This new rheumatologist at the VA said I was "too young" and "too healthy" to take prednisone for the rest of my life. I thought he had confused me for someone else at first! However, at this first visit the VA rheumatologist asked me if I would be willing to try Actemra if he could get it approved for me. He said it might be my best chance of ever getting off prednisone.

I was off prednisone a year later.