Hospital visit

woodbon

Hello, I went to see the Plastic Surgeon today and told her about surgery for cts she, asked about the pain and I told her that the carpel tunnel pain has gone from the left hand but I had pain and tingling in my upper arm neck and shoulder. She seemed quite concerned and asked me about the pain and when it had come.

Then she went and got the consultant, a rather nice Italian chap, who looked at my hands and stroked them and said ah yes, you have RA don't you. I explained that the rheumatologist said wear and tear oa and I explained that I had MRI. He and the junior doctor went right back to the original notes and said that the look of the joints and pain pattern was typical of RA but that the RF was normal, but that didn't mean anything much, I told him my doc had done bloods on Friday and we are waiting for the results so he said I should have had hand x-rays and sent me up for them. I also have Cubital Tunnel Syndrome in my elbows and the neck impingment that would possibly need surgery, but hes sending me to a neurophysiolgist to give an opinion on the neck.

He said if he did all the surgery needed it would be quite a few operations, which he was willing to do, but he wanted an opinion on the neck and he thinks from the shape of my hands I have RA which, if confirmed, will need treating.

It was such a lot to take in at once, quite a few ops, possible ra, with the drug treatment that goes with that and all the things the rheummy didn't tell me. He says a neuro doc is better than referring me back the rheummy dept, and have them send me back to him.

When I got home I felt tearful and shocked that their was so much left out of the consultation with the rheummy. Also, I Know that ra, to me, seems a bigger thing to take on. I suppose I'm just confused really and a bit lost. So many of you cope with ra so well, I think I might not manage thaat. Still, the plastic sergeon may be wrong. Even if he is easy on the eye!!! :oops:

kathbee

Hi Sue
Oh what a lot to take in from your appointment this morning.
Not surprised you feel upset and in shock.

Sounds like the rheumy dept hasnt beeen keeping up with things, very much like the one I have actually.

You are going to be seeing many different specialists and departments but hopefully everything will be sorted soon and you can get confirmation about the RA.

Try not to worry too much, I have both RA and OA, you will manage.
It just feels better when you know about everything.

Keep us informed wont you and in the meantime
take care.
Love Kath xx

Wonkylegs

HI Sue,

I am not surprised that you are a bit whacked after all that to take in. Take a bit of time to think it all over, and maybe even call the helpline peeps to talk it through with them if you fancy - they are sure to have had similar calls from confused people

As for the RA potential 'diagnosis' I would urge you not to make it into a bigger deal than it may be. These days they are treating the disease much more proactively than in the past, which means that a lot of people are taking the meds safely , and they know how to deal with any unwanted effects of the meds. I know that it is a shock, but it is just another face of arthur, and you might just need to put him in his place with a few well-aimed meds

I find that sometimes it is good to see a different person, as they sometimes pick up something that my regular GP, RHeumy or nurse have missed/forgotten/taken for granted.

As the saying goes 'DOn't Panic!' and just give yourself a bit of time to come to accept that something may be a bit different.

sending you calming hugs (((((()))))))))))))))))

frogmorton

Oh Sue!
Poor old you!
You HAVE been through the mill.
I know you are struggling to get your head round it all - I would be too.
I think you should give yourself time and then you will be able to think more clearly
LOve and v best wishes
Toni xx

wibberley

Hi Sue,

Lucky you getting your hands stroked by a dishy Italian!

I can understand your getting emotional - there was a lot to take in but how great to be treated by someone so pro-active. I think you are in good(looking) hands there.

I've only ever had one Rheummy - he first saw me when I was 15 which was............a while ago! Great, I don't have to explain my story to someone new but not so great, in that he has his own ways of doing things and I sometimes wish for another opinion...and knowing me so well, he can be rather blunt at times.

Am sure things will seem less daunting once you have all the info in front of you, and RA treatment is very closely monitored these days, so very little room for error.

Lois x

dorcas

Wonkylegs wrote:

HI Sue,

I am not surprised that you are a bit whacked after all that to take in. Take a bit of time to think it all over, and maybe even call the helpline peeps to talk it through with them if you fancy - they are sure to have had similar calls from confused people

As for the RA potential 'diagnosis' I would urge you not to make it into a bigger deal than it may be. These days they are treating the disease much more proactively than in the past, which means that a lot of people are taking the meds safely , and they know how to deal with any unwanted effects of the meds. I know that it is a shock, but it is just another face of arthur, and you might just need to put him in his place with a few well-aimed meds

I find that sometimes it is good to see a different person, as they sometimes pick up something that my regular GP, RHeumy or nurse have missed/forgotten/taken for granted.

As the saying goes 'DOn't Panic!' and just give yourself a bit of time to come to accept that something may be a bit different.

sending you calming hugs (((((()))))))))))))))))

Ditto to all that wonky has said Sue,

it can all feel overwhelming so take time to think about what you have been told and don't panic!

rheummy will discuss all the ins and outs of meds etc... and you are guaranteed our support here.

Iris x

debatat

Sue, that is a lot to take in. You have been feeling unwell though and wondering whether there was more to your arthur than OA. It sounds as though you are in good hands and that things are being taken seriously.

One step at a time. Maybe take someone with you to your next appt. I hope you don't have to wait too long.

Take care

Deb x

dachshund

Hi Sue.
I'm so sorry for you its as if you are starting from the beginning again.
i hope it wont take to long for them to sort it all out for you. dont worry.
joan xx

woodbon

Thank you all very much, its great to 'talk' to people who understand, and I know everyone on hear has a story, similar to mine that they've been through. Nothing is certain yet, as these things go it means more trips to the hospital.

We did the rounds a bit this morning walking from one department to another! I was glad I had my husband with me, as he is much better at remebering things.

It surprised me just how much time they took over sorting it out and reading back, then sending me straight for an X-ray. Its the first time anyone has but the pieces together and looked at the whole thing. I can't fault the treatment. I have to go to see them at plastics in 3 months to see about the ops they may need to do. I'm glad that its all being properly looked at and they can then make a really informed diagnosis, not just the bits and bobs. It has been a tiring day though! I've also had quite a bit of pain these last few days.

Thanks for the advice I think I will talk to the helpline people, in a day or two, when I've got my head around it! I've been told so much that I feel its like a merry-go-rounf in my mind, and I can't concetrate. Thank you for supporting me!
Love Sue

annie_mial

Sue, I'm going through something similar at the moment, so I know just how you feel!
It took me about a week to get it all straight in my mind, and then other bits and pieces kept coming back to me, so take your time over it. I found writing it down helped.

I'm due for my second session at the hospital in a fortnight's time - at least that bit will be over by Christmas!

Love ((((())))

Annie

woodbon

annie_mial wrote:

Sue, I'm going through something similar at the moment, so I know just how you feel!
It took me about a week to get it all straight in my mind, and then other bits and pieces kept coming back to me, so take your time over it. I found writing it down helped.

I'm due for my second session at the hospital in a fortnight's time - at least that bit will be over by Christmas!

Love ((((())))

Annie

Thank you very much, I am going to mull things over and I do admit that I sort of had a feeling that things might go this way, I've not been too special and when my wrists and ankles became swollen and painful well, anyway it may all be for nothing and if its RA, the sooner they start treatment the better. I hope you are feeling well for Christmas! Not long now :shock: Love Sue

vonski

Hi Sue

No wonder you are in shock with all this going on. Hopefully things will start to improve for you now and hope you don't have to have all those ops. I agree with Kath that your Rheumy hasn't kept on top of things but sounds like this new one is. Please keep us in the picture as to what happens and try not to worry too much.

Love
Vonski x

skezier

Hi Sue,

I am late again, sorry. I can only echo what everyone else has said and hope that very soon you get it all sorted. Its sometimes easier to know than be worried and scared it might be. As Deb said I also have been thinking there is more than oa going on for you and at least they are really giving you the once over now. Try not to worry too much and I really hope they wont keep you waiting too long before they see you. Luv and a ((( ))) Cris x

woodbon

Hi, I feel a bit better, I hope that things can be sorted out soon. I'm trying not to worry too much, a really positive dignosis would help, otherwise I wonder all sorts of things! I hope the neurophsiologist will not be too long in seeing me. In a way, if i've got ra, it can be treated and the treatment is really positive for a lot of people but, OA just sits there, getting worse. I'm not saying people with ra are better, as I don't think its true, but I know that especially new paitents have a bit more hope than they used to. Also, I think of a friends Mum who is over 80 and still doing well although RA has been stopped her walking much and she's never been able to walk without a stick for way over 30 years! She has 2 new knees!!

I also need to get the neck probs sorted out and hopefully, they will do some surgery. The consultant does't want to go in without consulting the neuro guy to see what he might be able to do.
Sorry, I'm just whittering now! Must do some ironing!
Lots of love Sue