Two things, talking to consultant and blog.

katherine810

Firstly.. i was wondering if anyone had any tips from personal experience of how to get a point across to a consultant down the phone?

I'm only sixteen so i'm new to having to talk to my consultant myself, my mum used to talk to him for me on the phone. I really want to see if there is anymore tests that can be done to find out why my knee is so painful, the MRI scan came back normal, and my blood test results are okay but I need to stress to him the pain i'm getting isn't normal for me so any tips would be amazing:)

Secondly, i've been inspired by some people who have written blogs online about thier person experiences dealing with arthritis and thought it might be a good idea to do the same.. In all honestly i've had a blog on a website called livejournal for about three years now (when i found writting in a normal book diary too painful) but all my posts were set to private... Do you think having a blogspot is a good idea? I thought maybe it might help someone not feel so alone.. i'm not sure really i've just been inspired

Any help or comments on these two things would really cheer me up!

Thankyou,
Katherine xxx

valval

think it sounds a great idea it must be so scary to have arthritis when young, to be able to read how well some one else copes and there ups and downs will be of great help to others. when u go back and read it u will find things u had forgotten go for it . we all need help and advice even if we dont take it we can then make choices for our selves.
as for consultent not much help there but i would write a list of what u want to know and ask .dont let them rush u our taxes pay there wages so take all the time u need ,if they r ang good they will understand how hard it is for u to make the call and listen to u .remember when u used to ask teachers things it will be no harder, they r there to help u so take a deep breath let it out slowly and go for it good luck

frogmorton

Hi Katherine
I reckon the best way to go about getting your point across is to write it down first and be clear and to the point. When it started, how severe(scale 1-10), how it affects you (lack of sleep, etc - was going to say driving :oops: ) what helps if anything (tabs,heat etc.
Then you just have to say this is SO different a pain for you and that you are desperately worried about it.
If you end up crying - don't feel silly - we all do it no matter how old we are and , do you know?, sometimes it HELPS 'em get your point.
The blog idea...might just be a good one....would you need to run it by the mods?
You look after yourself and I wish you all the luck.
Toni x

Wonkylegs

HI,

I would suggest you talk to the AC helplines people (number at top of this page) about tips to help you talk to your consultant - they are really helpful and have helped others do just what you are trying to do.

As tothe blog idea - did you know that on the NHS Choices web site there are a number of blogs, one being arthritis? People with arthritis share their thoughts and experiences about living with the disease, treatment, experiences with different medications & all that.

I have posted on there in the past, and will be doing so in the future - just an idea if you want to share with others having experience of arthritis.

you can find outmore at:

http://talk.nhs.uk/ & see the rules on posting etc to see if it is for you.

& it is for over 16's so I think you would be ok if you wanted to join.

katherine810

Aww thankyou so much for your comments and help everyone:)
I will be using these ideas!

The list sounds like a really good idea, makes sure I don't miss anything out..

All I can say is thankyou thankyou thankyou:)

I'll check out the websites!

Katherine xx

valval

hope u get the help u need good luck dont put off phoning u need help sooner rather than later