Not Sure Your Treatment’s Working? Say More

Music track throughout.

DR. JAIN (OC): You’ve spent months—maybe years—on your RA treatment, but you still have symptoms. You know feeling “just OK” isn’t OK, but you’re not sure how to ask for a treatment change.

DR. JAIN (OC): I get it. Let’s look at how to make the conversation easier.

RHEUMATOLOGIST: So, Rob, you’ve been on your treatment for 3 months. How’s it going?

ROB: It’s OK. My hands still swell up and it can be tough to do stuff like text and type. And my knees keep locking up—

I guess I just need to give it more time to kick in?

DR. JAIN [POP-UP]: Actually, if you haven’t seen symptoms improve by 3 months, don’t hesitate to discuss a treatment change.

RHEUMATOLOGIST: Let’s talk about your goals...

ROB: Well, I’d LOVE to be able to wake up without feeling exhausted— or just wake up without my hands locked in fists.

Are there any other treatments to consider?

DR. JAIN POP-UP: Now THAT was helpful.

Sharing detailed symptoms and personal goals is critical in assessing your current and future treatment.

ROB: I definitely want to stop feeling the pain, but making any treatment change is nerve-racking—I’m scared of getting worse again.

You know, what if it doesn’t work? Am I going to run out of options?

RHEUMATOLOGIST: Well, there are lots of different treatments, and they work in different ways...

ROB: OK, I’d love to hear about some.

DR. JAIN POP-UP: Feeling concerned about losing any progress you’ve made is normal. It’s important to bring up these concerns with your doctor—using your voice and making sure you’re heard can make all the difference.

DR. JAIN (cont’d): Remember, if you still have symptoms—say more. Your doctor doesn’t want you settling for treatment that isn’t working. And you don’t have to.