My daughter was diagnosed with JRA at age 17. She's 18 now and in college. She can't get an appointment with an adult rheumatologist because she is too young, and pediatric rheumatologists won't see her because she's too old. Worse, our choices are limited because of insurance (lousy plan). Has anyone else experienced this? Any suggestions?

Hi! I'm new to this board (the one I usualy visit is being closed down in February) and I just wanted to say that I am 18 just like your daughter, but I haven't been diagnosed yet. I had no Idea it could be hard finding a rheumatologist because of being too young! I'll have to keep that in mind when I go to the doctor next time! The best of luck to you and your daughter! Take care, Mae-Flour :confused:

Hello PA Mom :wave:

I also have two teenage kids. My daughter is 20 years old. When she turned 18 and had graduated high school, this was the time that she had left pediatric care. Her pediatric doctor had told us this is when to make the change to another doctor. Even at the age of 17 she started feeling uncomfortable going to her pediatric doctor as she felt that she was know longer a child especially with all the little children in the office. I am also experiencing this with my 17 year old son at this time.

I can only suggest that you call an adult Rheumatologist once again and explain to them that all Pediatric Rheumatologist Office's will not give your daughter an appointment because she has reached adult age. If they still will not give you an appointment then what are their recommendation's. If you still do not get any advice from them, then you can call your lousy insurance company....I have one of them too. They still will have to provide you and your daughter with a doctor and they will help. Best of luck to you both.

:angel: Jeanne :angel:
____________________
~LUMBAR~
Posterolateral Fusion & Infuse with Laminectomy & Discectomy on L4,L5,S1
June 2003
Instrumentation = 2 Rods, 6 Screws, 2 Disc Spacers
~CERVICAL~
Straightening of the Normal Cervical Lordosis.
Mild Congenital Narrowing of the Spinal Canal.
C4-5, C5-6, C6-7 Herniated Discs
C4-5 & C5-6 , Cord Flattening at these levels.
Bilateral Distal Peroneal Neuropathy
Bilateral Chronic L4 versus L5 Radiculopathy
Bilateral Frozen Shoulder
Fibromyalgia, Arthritis, Bursitis, Tendonitis,
Pre-Diabetic, Anemia, Asthma, Acid Reflux,
Migraine's, Sleep Apnea

PA mom,
Came to this discussion because I have a 8yr old that was diagnosed at 2.5 yr old and was curious how it carries into adulthood.
I only hit this problem when he was first diagnosed. Insurance only had an adult rheaumatologist on their list and made us go to him first - BIG MISTAKE. But another story.
Call your insurance and explain to them what is happening - they will be able to help you. And remember - if you are not getting the answers you need - ask for a manager. If they can't help - ask to speak to their manager. Go all the way up if you have to - but surely you won't have to.
Lots of luck!
hrtofluv