By Dr Irwin Lim, Rheumatologist
This year, I've written about stuff which interests me & about conditions I feel need more attention. I've also written as reaction to comments. I thought it useful to end my blogging year by highlighting a few of these posts.
GOUT: the most curable joint disease is the worst treated
I don't think many patients with gout bother with social media. I may be wrong but this group of mainly males, who typically are among the most non-compliant, are less likely to be actively searching for information on this disease. Undeterred, I plan to continue to write about this. It's a really common cause of arthritis, and appropriate treatment ie urate lowering, is extremely effective in preventing further attacks. Maybe, my target audience are wives, girlfriends, sisters, daughters, friends, GPs....
Doctors should stay clear of social media?
This is the only post I wrote in anger. A previous post on lupus triggered multiple comments, many of which were much longer than the actual post. From my point of view, the original post was quite benign and the ensuing reaction made me very aware of the "dangers" of expressing an opinion on social media.
If your rheumatoid arthritis is not in remission?
The comments to this post reminded me of the high level of knowledge that patients with rheumatoid arthritis who participate in social media have. Keeps me on my toes!
In my hands, Methotrexate is NOT chemotherapy
I've been meaning to write this post for a while and finally got to it. Of course, we have to take care when using this very useful medication but the fear generated by misinformation can be damaging.
With so many biologics for Rheumatoid, how do you choose?
This post managed to draw out comments from a number of my rheumatology colleagues! I'm hoping more rheumatologists get involved. I'm aware a number are observing & reading, but haven't yet made the move to participating.
I was happy when I wrote this. My new year's resolution was being actioned. Since then, I haven't been so good with the usual excuses of a busy life but I've managed to retain some good habits. And, I'm using this public reminder to spur me & the rest of our BJC Health team along our own personal health challenges in 2013.
This is my last post for 2012. Thank you for reading.
Dr Irwin Lim is a rheumatologist and a director of BJC Health. You should follow him on twitter here. Arthritis requires an integrated approach. We call this, Connected Care. Contact us.