Consultants and thinking outside the box

jenzie06

I'm off to see my consultant today after my GP faxed him saying that to ask me to grin and bear the pain and discomfort of RA for another 4 months til my baby is born is unfair.
I know that he can't do a lot but he was pushing my hubbie and I for 2 yrs to get pregnant as it would solve a lot of the problems. I was not naieve enough to think that it would and we hung on til we were both ready and in the right place for a child.
Now I'm a bit worried about seeing him in case he thinks I'm making a fuss. The pain is pretty extreme on some days and I'm now needing help dressing and even just getting off the sofa.

I've decided that I'm going to challenge him to think outside the box in order to help me. He may be struggling a bit as he can't hand out drugs to solve the problem.

What do you think?

elnafinn

I do not know how the consultant said, what he said to you but if he was not at all sympathetic or reassuring and offered no help in that you could always call his secretary or whoever if you want to talk, ask questions etc then he would have upset anyone by his manner.

Yes, have a good chat with him. He needs to be aware this his "bedside manner" needs to be addressed, if he appeared to be dismissive, etc. Perhaps he should be asked how he would feel and what he may suggest, if for example, it was his daughter that was suffering like you are during this pregnancy .

I hope this appointment is much better for you than the last.

page35

Hi Jensie
sorry your still suffering, maybe you could have acupuncture or hydro therapy something along those lines if he can refer you. you shouldnt just be left to suffer its hard enough when your pregnant being extra tired and carring extra weight and feeling emotional (well i did).
i hope you can get some help xx

frogmorton

Hi Jenzie
All the best for you for today (maybe you are home?)
I hope he had some ideas (more prednis?)
Or i liked Page's idea about the hydryo???
Thinking of you
Love
Toni xx

dorcas

Hi jenzie,
just read your post so belated good luck from me. How'd it go with the consultant? Iris x

woodbon

Hello, I'm sorry that you are in so much pain, it much be horrible. I hav'nt got kids, or RA, so I'm no use for advice, just to wish you well and hope you soon feel better.
Lots of love Sue xxxxxx

jenzie06

Hiya
Sorry for the late reply. I've been staying at my parents as my husband was away for the week and didn't want to leave me in the house on my own in all the snow.
The appt with the consultant went ok. He's upped my steroid dose and gave me a steroid inj into my shoulder, which felt really good for a couple of days but it painful and achey again - its a bit rubbish. He also gave me stronger pain killers.
I've now got to see the OT tomorrow and see my maternity consultant to work out the effects of the steroids on labour and the baby.
Other than that its a wait and see situation. Lots of rest and being waited on hand and foot (I get terribly bossy and frustrated when I can't do stuff for myself - poor hubbie runs round like a headless chicken).
Keep your fingers crossed that it will sort itself out. Hope everyone else is having a good week.
Jen

joyful164

Hello Jen
You are being extremely brave. I cannot imagine how must be feeling and it is a shame that the steroid injection didn't help. I would also be interested to know what affect on your labour the preds will hve. It's a bit worrying when you have to take these thing when you are expecting.
How long do you have now before the due date?

Good Luck Jen and hope you can get some releasefrom the the pain soon.

Joy