confused by doctor

chris7

Hello
After struggling for 5 years my unhelpful doc. eventually last year, sent me for an x-ray said I had a little bit of arthritis in my hip and sent me away with Ibrupofen and paracetamol.
Earlier this year she arranged for me to see a physio, who having looked at my x-rays says I have arthritis, ( I assume OA?) in both hips and knees. I had assumed the sore knees were down to the hip problem. He really didn't want to know, infering he couldn't help and sent me away with an exercise sheet which I have found impractical and too uncomfortable to do.
Having found this site and gained a bit of confidence to return to the doc. this morning, she now says she is surprised the physio only saw me once! and will refer me to another physio who deals with what she called muscular and skeletal issues. What does this mean please? She also says I will receive a letter with a password and that I should phone the number quoting the password to get an appointment! I didn't like to query it as I had already been granted my 10 minutes of her time and she was running half an hour late. Is this password thing usual. I am very confused by all this and not sure to whom she has referred me?
Any advise appreciated thanks.
Chris

helpline_team

Hi Chris,

I hope I can shed some light on the questions you've raised.
Osteoarthritis is one of the conditions which come under the umbrella of musculoskeletal pain. Any good physio should have a comprehensive knowledge of musculoskeletal conditions, so it's a plus that you're being referred to someone that hopefully has a better idea of what can help people with osteoarthritis.
I haven't heard of the password thing before, but the NHS is continually coming up with new ways to maximise the amount of time we spend on hold so it doesn't surprise me. I don't think there's anything sinister in it and I expect that if you call reception at your surgery someone will be able to explain this mystery.

Best wishes
Paul

elnafinn

Hi Chris

I know two people in different parts of the country (and now you ) that, on receipt of a letter, have to phone to receive a password before an appointment date and time is given.

This password is then used if you wish to call whoever it is, with any questions, cancel an appointment or whatever. As far as I can see it is just to verify that you are, who you say you are, hence the password. Sorry, I don't think I have explained this too well, but it is absolutely nothing to worry about.

Luv
Elna x

chris7

Thank you Paul and Elna

I am still trying to head my head round all this, you have both helped. I think I assumed when the first physio apparently dismissed me there would be no point seeing a second, but perhaps they do have specialist areas as you suggest. I'm not looking forward to a second visit as I know my job is making things worse and am terrified of losing it.
Trying to get through to the surgery to query this on the phone is a nightmare at the best of times, but in particular at the moment as four local GP surgeries (there are 5 doctors at mine alone) are currently being moved to one joint site within the next week or two. You have saved me from that trauma.
Glad it isn't just me getting the password letter Elna it did make me wonder if I was joining MI5 instead of getting an appointment!
Thanks again, I'm so glad I stumbled across this site.
Chris

chris7

Thanks Lynn

I feel ok about it all now. She did say I wouldn't have to wait long for the letter (post strikes permitting of course). I have to make appointments for my days off Thurs or Friday which means I may have to wait a bit longer.
take care
Chris

elnafinn

Hi again Chris

I feel you had a duff physio on that one visit - one who probably is not capable of doing their job at all. It appears to be quite common, unfortunately, it is pot luck, it seems to me whether you see a good, caring, knowledgeable, physio, consultant, rheumi, gp, whatever or not.

I am sure that this next visit will be much more fruitful. I hope this time you will feel that you are "looked after well" and feel able to confide any fears to the physio, that you may have.

Luv
Elna x

chris7

Thanks for the above Elna

I think you were right! Just to let you know I have now got a new appointment for 12th Nov. It does seem to be a clinic especially for arthritis and is thankfully with a different physio, so I am glad I have learned to take a bit more control and reluctantly pester my GP. Before I found this site, I would probably have thought I had to just live with it? Am hoping this visit will be more helpful.
Thank you all for the replies
Chris