OT appointment - really postive experience!!

Wonkylegs

HI all,

well I survived this morning's appointment with the hospital OT and have come away feeling really really positive.

I managed to get the early train so could take my time getting to the hospital .... enjoyed the walk ...... and had time for a coffee .... got there ok & then was offered a coffee! what a surprise free coffee on the NHS

I was referred to this hospital OT by my rheumatology nurse .... and the OT is a specialist in rheumatology. WOw! she knows about RA which is such a relief!

The OT was fantastic, and a lot of what she said tied in really closely with what I am also doing at the moment in the Cognitive Behavioural Therapy sessions I'm having ...... so that was positive too

the big surprise for me was that this appointment was the START of things and not a one-off session and then the end ..... It seems that after our talk today we have a plan of action .... and maybe as many as 8 sessions .... doing a bit at a time .... starting next session with me learning how my hands work & getting some resting splints made AND some working splints I have come away today with what she calls 'magic gloves' which are oedema (sp?) gloves to reduce the swelling. They are really comfy .... not very sexy though :roll: and I can wear them as much or as little as I like, even at night.

The OT is also going to come to the house and have a look at the bathroom and help me with some ways to help reduce the impact on my joints. I can't say that I really want a raised toilet seat :oops: :oops: but if it will help with making the pain less then I will give it a go!

then we are going to work on things around the house - and I am getting some kind of lever think to help reduce the impact on my shoulders, elbows and hands when trying to get into and out of bed. It sounds a bit too good to be true but I am game for giving anything a go!!!! Apparently everyone who has had one has raved about it .... so that is positive!

And then .... (I know :shock: can you believe it? ... there's more! :shock: ) we're going to look at seating for my computer workstation, and talk about driving, and she is also going to do a makeover on my clothes-wise (she promises not to be like Gok ) & help me find stuff that I can feel comfy in and still manage ...... phew!

I am sorry this is so long but I just wanted you all to know that if you get the chance to be referred to the OT then it is REALLY REALLY worth it

hugs from a very very smiley Wonky

Wonkylegs

collywobble wrote:

Just curious though - what exactly does NHS coffe taste like?????????? :shock: :shock: :shock:

I can't speak for all NHS coffee you understand but this was very palatable & I have been promised a second cup next time :shock:

cloud nine is a great place to be .... not visited for a while

wish I could take everyone on here with me too

hugs
WOnky

skezier

Hi Wonky,

Really glad it went well for you I found a raise seat actually really helpful when I had the drip..... If it helps go for it girl Slurp and ((( ))) xx

Hi Lynn,

The coffee is ok but the tea................ :? xx

hileena111

Hi Wonky
Its great to hear such a positive report......everything is going well.
The raised toilet seat is fantastic.....I had one last year when I smashed my ankle and wasnt allowed to put my foot on the group. I've got 2 in the garage at the minute read for post op on the 12th...One for downstairs and one for upstairs.

Love
hileena

annie_mial

Wonky, so glad it was a good one! It makes all the difference when you find just one time you don't have to fight! It seems so rarely that these appointments have positive outcomes....good for you!

Annie

angel1

I was SO pleased to read about your hospital visit, and the impact it has had on you Wonks.

It`s a great feeling to be treated as a person, and not a disease isn`t it?

Grab everything you`re offered with both hands - and feet! Ask her to do your hair whilst she`s at it.....Much love.......Ange.

joyful164

I'm glad your appt went well. Sounds like you had the same kind of treatment that I had (except for the coffee that is)
You will love the resting splint at night. Bit of a laugh getting yourself comfortable, but it does so make a difference. My splints are nearly falling apart now but they do help protect your joints at night.
I had a visit from the OT and my OH still has tofit the hand bars in the shower.

Iwould like to have a walk in shower eventually but OH is not too keen.
I am glad that you are happy.

Joy

bertyboy

its nice to hear good things realy pleased for you xx

salamander

hi,Glad you got so much out of your appt. Just want to reassure you that the raised loo seat thing is not as bad as you think. The stuff they lend you isn't very nice but, if you can persuade your local council to help, or can afford it yourself, you can just put in a taller toilet - if you get what I mean. It's just a normal loo with a higher pedestal. My mother had one put in and you can't tell the difference. She had a grab rail on the wall in front. See if they can do it for you.
Sally x

trisher

Hi Wonky

So pleased that your OT appointment went so well.

You will have to tell me about the lever to help you get out of bed, as I do struggle, although my bed is good. So would like to hear that one.

Wonky, the raised toilet seat, try it, you may find it helps you so much. I could not manage without mine.

As you get older you might really need it. You can always hide it if you have people visit. Give it a go, you might be pleasantly surprised.

Well, keep us informed Wonky, might be able to help many peeps on here.

love Trish xxx

chris7

Hello smiley Wonky

So glad you got there ok and had a really positive visit today. She sounds a wonderful lady and knows exactly what sort of things should benefit you. Nice to know she is following things through with the home visit and looking at other things you didn't expect like the car. Wow.
Am so pleased for you, let us know how in goes on future visits.
take care
Chris xx

minky67

Hi Wonky, wow im so happy for you.
Its nice to hear a possive result for a change.
I will be reading with interest how your getting on, as you know im waiting for the same appointment for some help.
thanks for letting us know how you got on.
luv debs

Wonkylegs

thanks everyone ...... I'm still smiling!

hubby couldn't believe it ..... and my minister was impressed when I told her tonight ... she used to be a nurse so knows the NHS well

so ....... I am still wearing my magic gloves & I can't believe how much I miss them when I take them off. Only bad thing so far is that they attract dog hairs like anything ... and the fine hairs littlelegs lends me seem to be sewing themselves into the fabric :shock: :roll: :roll: :roll:

but it is great to have got such a lot to look forward to, even if I do have two sets of homework to do now :roll:

thanks for all your messages - I'll keep you posted!

off to do my hand exercises in warm water now ........

hugs
wonky