please help

[Islander]

Not sue to see rheumy for 6 weeks, pain getting worse every day, so effing itchy but finger joints are now too sore to scratch...keep getting numb/dead fingers (but no discolouration) and my back feels broken... going to see my gp but what can she do realistically?what should i ask for...how can i make her help me?

so down as ive just been doing some reading/research on pa at the library and it was all very doom and gloom, no cure, meds have bad side effects etc...

just feeling a little "why me?"

any help or advice on what to say to gp would be gr8!
Also, diclofenac/ibrufen(sp) don't work - i might as well take smarties...and the few tramadol i have left (from previous migraines) dont really touch it either...

[PippaT]

We all feel like this sometimes, mostly when we're going through a bad patch.

I was feeling just like this a few weeks ago and saw my GP. He phoned the Rheumatology nurse and she saw me that afternoon for a good chat. I just needed a few questions answered about what the future holds. I would strongly recommend going to see your nurse as mine was fab, she sat with me for 80 mins and was really, really helpful. I have been feeling much more positive since.

You aren't alone, but unfortunately I have found that you have to search out the help yourself so go and see you GP or nurse.

All the best, Pippa

[Islander]

theres a rheumy nurse?

none of this has been explained to me!i saw the gp, then i saw the rheumy quickly, then he gave me the injection and said hed send me an appt... so confused...think ill just spill my heart to the gp...and hopefully mine will be as nice as yours was.

[Sueyorkshire]

I was given a helpline number and was able to speak to them straight away, then appointment usually given next couple of days.  Ring your Nurse and ask to see them earlier

[elliejay]

Hi
I don't have a helpline number or a rheumy nurse either
Am seen by gp or consultant (when you can beg for an appt) and my bloods are done by phlebotomy nurse who doesn't know anything about PA or MTX
Ellie

[mustang]

Hi MrsT

Make sure you keep calling the rheumy department to see if you can get in earlier if someone else cancels.  Where I go, there is also a rheumy nurse who covers the department - I can get an appointment to see her much more quickly than the rheumy.  In my case, she is just as experienced as the consultant and can really help (even if she needs to get sign off from the rheumy - he is normally only in the next room!).

Give the department a call and see if there is a nurse who can see you.

Best of luck
Angela

[Sue S]

Hi there Mrs T, yes we have all felt like you are doing now at some time or another.  You will  have to haunt the powers that be and really fight your corner - not easy to do when you are so overwhelmed with pain.

I once sat in floods of tears at my GP and she referred me to a pain management clinic.  I was still sobbing that I wanted the pain to go away not to bloody well manage it.  Even so, I went and they were very very helpful and sympathetic and have quite a few weapons in their arsenal against pain whilst you are waiting for better medication.

All the best.

[Islander]

hi...thanks for all the advice...i'll give it all a shot!but we dont have a rheumy dept so much...tiny island hospital so its a clinic every few months, hence the long waiting times...

[Islander]

well, we have no rheumy dept, no rheumy nurse and no way of contacting rheumy. so i saw my GP and shes gonna speak to him to either see me asap or allow her to start me on DMARDs good times...just want it to be faster!ho hum... in your opinion what one should i be asking for, or is there anything you would avoid?advice needed please. cheers

[Sue S]

Hey there Mrs T, its good someone is at least trying to speed things up for you.   Hard to give advice on DMARDs as they affect everyone differently.  What has been really good for one person has almost poisoned another.  We all just have to go down the usual route of trial and error.  They will probably start you off on Methotrexate - I used to take that, before that Sulfazaline but I couldn't have Leflunormide cos of my blood pressure.   All the best anyway.

Sue S