What should my Dr be doing?

vwaddingham

I was "finally" told a few months ago that my serious joint pains where osteoarthritis, the rhemotoligist said he didn't need to see me again, sent me for some X-Rays and that was it!! I went back to my GP who said the X-Rays have not been sent through to the GP and again that was it! Every time I go I just get given painkillers and thats it.
I am in so much more pain now, I can hardly walk any where and when I go I get extremly tired and ache all over. The pain and joint problems seem to be spreading across my whole body, and it's agony.
I am currently 13 weeks pregnant so I know medication is proberly a no no and I am trying to limit the pain killers I take anyway. But I just wish my Dr would do some thing to help me. It's really affecting my mobilty and my "moods".
Just wondering if you can tell me what if anything my Dr should be doing to help me

emmarose33

awwww poor you.
Have you spoken to your midwife about it? I know they are not there to deal with these types of problems, but you could explain the trouble you are having with your GP and they might be able to give you advise, or contact the GP on your behalf and explain the stress and pain this is causing is not good for bubs.
I was lucky because my hospital offered accupuncture in pregnancy (on the NHS). I didn't take it, but you can have it for any problem, preg. related or not, just as long as you are pregnant. It might be worth asking if your hospital do something similar, just for some pain relief.
But you really do need to get to the doctor and kick up a bit more of a fuss, water works will help
Also call the rheumatology dept. and ask where your x-rays are and ask to have them sent to your GP.
I know what it's like being restricted on meds. I am still breastfeeding and it's restricting me quite a bit on what I can take.
If you are still having problems with your GP ask to see a different doctor next time.
Good luck, I hope you feel better. I really can't see why your RHeumatologist discharged you if you are still having pain. I have been diagnosed with RA, although it hasn't shown up on blood tests or x-rays, it's clear from my symptoms that is what I have, and it's common for it not to show up on blood tests. If you are still in pain they should be doing what they can to get this sorted!!
Emma xx

woodbon

Hello, Sounds as if you'r having a tough old time! I have OA in quite a few joints involoved, including my neck and spine, but I'm not pregnent :shock: which isn't surprising, as I'm 54!

Your doctor dosn't seem very sympathetic, if possible can you see another doc in the same practice? I suppose that the medics are limited in what mediction you can have, and I've not had children, but I have heard from friends that pregnency can cause a lot of quite serious aches and pains and fatigue, as strains are put on the back and joints, add arthritis too this and its no wonder you feel as achy as you do. The person I wuold think who can help you most at the moment would be your midwife, if you can talk to her, she may point you in the right direction. Good luck with pregnecy and everything, I really hope you can get some relief. Love Sue

elnafinn

Hi there!

First of all congratulations!

I am sorry to hear that you are in so much pain though and the medical profession appear to be being dismissive. This is very upsetting, after all we are not a number, we are human and have feelings.

Asyou are pregnant there will not be much medication that can be prescribed for you. I think you will have to make enquiries as to where your xrays have got to. It usually takes 2 weeks for the gp to see them. Goodness knows why it takes that long. We do sometimes have to fight for what is our right and we should not have to do this.

Do you find the aches and pains lessen once you get going or not? A hot shower or bath often helps to loosen ones joint up.

I wish you well,

Luv
Elna x

elnafinn

Hello again!

You may find physio helpful if you have a sympathetic physiotherapist who knows and understands osteoarthritis. Your gp can refer you as he can for acupuncture as well. Usually 6 sessions are offered for each.

When resting using heat or ice packs wherever the pain is ie shoulder, hands, knees, feet, ankles.

I hope you get help soon,

Luv
Elna x

frogmorton

Hi from me
So so sorry that you are in such pain when you should be so happy
The advice from the gang is good so I just want to say - feel free to come on here and moan if you need to.
Take care
Toni x

denpen

Hiya Hun
Your results say OA. Who told you its OA? if not the GP? and if they did where are the results from the X Ray?? Rheumy is for RA so probs that why they dont need to see you again. Ask your GP practice if there are any Doctors there who have a special interest in Arthritis-good luck with that one!! As for your Pregnancy -Congratulations..... thats great..... Painkillers are not a no no, my daughter in law has a displaced coccyx and was on prescribed painkillers throughout her pregnancy, she also had accupuncture for her pain which she said helped her no end. and by the way She had a beautiful very healthy baby boy. So ask for all the help and relief you can, you deserve it.
Good Luck with everything
Denise

mash65

denpen wrote:

Hiya Hun
Your results say OA. Who told you its OA? if not the GP? and if they did where are the results from the X Ray?? Rheumy is for RA so probs that why they dont need to see you again. Ask your GP practice if there are any Doctors there who have a special interest in Arthritis-good luck with that one!! As for your Pregnancy -Congratulations..... thats great..... Painkillers are not a no no, my daughter in law has a displaced coccyx and was on prescribed painkillers throughout her pregnancy, she also had accupuncture for her pain which she said helped her no end. and by the way She had a beautiful very healthy baby boy. So ask for all the help and relief you can, you deserve it.
Good Luck with everything
Denise

hi, i have oa & have my 3rd rhymy appointment in dec. :?: he has done my bloods again,today i had mri scan & he's arranging pain clinic & joint injections. perhaps see some1 else. cant just be left to get on with it that ridicous.(sp) good luck with the baby.debsx