Rheumatology clinic appt tomorrow

Starburst

I was seeing my rheumy privately but I was referred to his NHS clinic and I'm going tomorrow. Can anyone tell me a bit what to expect please? I've had a scan of my whole body but not had any x-rays yet and I haven't had a blood test since I was first diagnosed in November. I'm struggling a lot, especially at work (I work in a nursery school and it's quite physically demanding) and I don't know what to ask for. I was going to make a list before I go, otherwise I get in there and my mind goes blank!

Any help would be much appreciated. Thank you.
Sophie x

skezier

Hi Sophie,

My first one was a mixture of bloods, x-rays and history as well as an examination. My oa was diagnosed through x ray and the pa didn't show up in bloods (a lot of the types don't) so was done by examination and obvious swelling and shape. I think scans can only show what they are targeted at so the complete scan ma not be enough and they could send for xrays or specific mri's etc.

Its a good idea to a list cus that way you got them and don't need to remember them all I forgot to ask everything so wish I'd done that.

Struggling as in at work or with it all just now? I seem to do both from time to time but it might be possible to get work to see if they can help you at all with making it less demanding on your joints. Anyway good luck and could you let us know how you got on please? Take care Cris

elnafinn

Hi Sophie

Sent you a PM.

Luv
Elna x

woodbon

Hi, Good luck with the appointment. No words of wisdom I'm afraid!
Love Sue

valval

good luck only been twice so not very good lol. take someone with you second time i went did not take any one and could not remember what he said lol got meds and had to read what it said as had forgotten

elnafinn

All the very best today, with your appointment, Sophie. It might be a good idea to mention your fears about your work from the physical point of view, along with other questions.

Do let us know how you go on today.

Luv
Elna x

Starburst

Hi everyone, thank you for the support.

I had my appt this morning. It was ok, except I was kept waiting for ages! I saw the rheumy nurse who did my blood pressure, weight, height and I did a urine sample. I was happy to find out I've grown taller at the ripe old age of 21! I saw my rheumy consultant afterwards. He listened patiently to all my questions and concerns. I have to get another blood test and I'm having a cortisone injection in my worst ankle. I'm also being referred to a hand specialist. I did bring up the query of psoriatic arthritis because of my nails. He looked at them and is referring me to a dermatologist but he doesn't think it's psoriasis. Due to the joint involvement, he says it's most likely RA. We still need to rule out inflammatory bowel related arthritis - I'm having more tests in a few weeks but the other specialist doesn't think there are any serious bowel issues. So, yeah, it's probably RA. I don't know why but I feel really down about it. I have another appt in 2 months.

Thank you again for the support and for reading.
love Sophie x

elnafinn

Hi Sophie

I can see why you are feeling down about it all but at least the department appear to have taken you under their wing. You have a couple of referrals and more tests are going to be done so they do care about you and quite rightly so. The cortizone injection may well help, if only for a short time but let's think positive and hope it lasts for ever! You were seen by a rheumi nurse and no doubt you can call her with any queries you may have inbetween now and and your appointment in two months. So in some ways, it does not sound too bad, although you have this blasted arthur you now have a network of people looking out for you in the medical world and us lot here to support you too.

Chin up,

Luv
Elna x

kirsty123

Hi sophie I have sent you a private msg xxx