[jyl]

Why is it that it takes forever to see a rheumatologist?

Several years ago, I had an extended period of ankle joint swelling/pain. I was in pain and occasionally on crutches for a couple of months. I saw a GP, he referred me to a rheumatologist, whose first appointment was 2 months away. By the time I saw him, the pain was gone. This was in Berkeley.

Last year I had another extended period of ankle joint swelling/pain. I went to an orthopedist, he eventually referred me to a rheumatologist, that rheumatologist had no openings, after two months I got in to see another rheumatologist in the same office. I was almost all better by then. These docs are all in PDX at OHSU.

So now I need to see ''my'' rheumatologist again. Called yesterday. First appointment is December. Turns out she only sees patients until noon. I will probably be all better by then - again.

Are rheumatologists a particularly scarce commodity? Or should I find one who isn't so backed up?

I sort of would like my rheumatologist to actually be able to see the ankle when its giving problems. Somehow it seems like it might be medically useful, I could be wrong.