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nanasue
nanasue Member Posts: 465
edited 12. Jul 2010, 19:50 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi there everyone, my name is Sue and despite having RA for 5 years I've never had the need to go on here before, although I was aware of it. I've just had an awful appointment with the consultant today. I was barely in there 2 minutes and he didn't even examine me. I told him I was in a lot of pain all over, but the look he gave me gave me the impression he didn't believe me. Fortunately I'm seeing my GP on thursday for an unrelated matter and I'm going to ask her to refer me to someone else, I've had enough of him. I prefer to see either of the junior doctors who are both lovely. This afternoon though I'msitting here with a raging headache and feeling sick, I don't know if it's to do with my treatment or cos my ESR is high, do other people feel sick when they get a high ESR ? He just said to increase my mtx and come back in 9 months despite knowing I'm worse in the winter, so there's no way I'll make it through to next April without needing to see someone. I'm sorry if this is a bit jumbled but I'm so upset I just want to cry. I can't talk to my family as none of them really understand and aren't very sympathetic,even after all this time.

Comments

  • lindalegs
    lindalegs Member Posts: 5,398
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Sue,

    Welcome to the Forum though I'm sorry that you've had to join us :(

    I can't answer you about feeling sick because when my ESR is raised I've not noticed it and at the moment my arthritis is under control (touch wood) and you're inclined to forget how grim you feel when you're not well.

    You're doing the right thing in seeing if you can be referred to another consultant - your rheumy does sound a bit useless - you've waited all that time for your appointment and then he hardly gives you the time of day :roll:

    I hope things settle down for you very soon.

    Luv Legs :)
    Love, Legs x
    'Make a life out of what you have, not what you're missing'
  • marion1952
    marion1952 Member Posts: 963
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Sue

    That was a disgraceful appointment! You definitely need a new Rheumy and that old one needs to be put out to pasture, pretty damn quick I think...

    My ESR is high at the moment but I'm not aware of it making me feel sick ..

    What dose of methotrexate are you on at the moment? and what did the rheumy increase it to?

    If you've had RA for 5 years and the methotrex is not controlling the inflammation would you be eligible for an anti-tnf drug?

    I hope your GP can give you some help this week.

    Please keep posting and let us know how you get on

    Marion x
  • speedalong
    speedalong Member Posts: 3,315
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Sue,

    welcome to the forum. Though I'm sorry for the reason you have had to join us.

    It sounds a horrid appointment and a real waste of time. Really hope the GP is able to refer you to a different and more interested rheumy.

    I have OA, but other peeps with RA will be along to answer your post.

    This forum is great, because families and friends have limited understanding of arthritis and we often feel we can't talk to them too much about it and it can be isolating. On here you realise you are not alone in your experiences and challenges.

    Speedy
    I have had OA since mid twenties. It affects my hips and knees. I had a THR on the left aged 30 and now have a resurface-replacement on the right - done May 2010.
  • jordan7j
    jordan7j Bots Posts: 346
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    What a terrible way to treat a patient!! no matter if they are having a bad day, dont take it out on the patients chum!! Definitely get a second opinion and someone who actually cares about the job they do. As for next April, is he a comedian on the side!!?? Not sure about feeling sick though, cant say i have noticed that when ESR and CRP high. Are you just on mtx? have you tried oother DMARDs? 5 years is a long time to still be having the mtx upped. Good luck with new rheumy, oh sorry, welcome to the boards too!!! Jay x
  • dorcas
    dorcas Member Posts: 3,516
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi sue and welcome to the forum :D

    I agree that you need to see another rheummy...2minutes? for a consultation...ridiculous. :x

    I have not had the symptoms you've mentioned from having high ESR or CRP but don't know if others have. Mtx does sometimes cause nausea though.

    It must be stressful for you with having such a poor response from rheummy and your RA not being properly addressed....that is enough to give you a headache!

    I'm sorry you are having a bad time and that your family are not being as supportive as they could be......as others have said sometimes it is easier to speak to folks on the forum as we know what living with arther is like and do understand and will support you...

    iris x
  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 30,086
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Oh Sue :(

    I am so so sorry your doctor is such a meanie :x

    Why do they make you feel a wimp or a shirker?

    So dal you are going to see your GP and have to say I 100% support your decision to ask for a referral to a new Rheumy - has to be better.

    In the meantime I am glad you have found us and have sought our support - anything we can do to help we will.

    Please take care

    OH Sorry!!! welcome from me too :)

    Love

    Toni xx
  • hileena111
    hileena111 Member Posts: 7,099
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Sue
    Just to say welcome to the forum.......sorry I cant help I've got OA but that was a dreadful appointment and you are right asking for a different doc
    Love
    Hileena
  • dolittle
    dolittle Member Posts: 240
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello Sue,
    Sorry you've had to join us, but glad you have being you're obviously feeling so fed up. I know how you feel, I had a rheumy like that until I couldn't put up with him any long.

    Don't know about the ESR thing. Guess I've just got used to feeling rotten. Think if I got out of bed one morning feeling bright and cheeful and not in pain I'd think there was something wrong. It's awful when you wait so long, hoping that help is is just on the other side of the door when you get to the clinic, and then you get the brush off. It's like someone sticking a pin in your balloon.

    Hope you get some decent support very quickly and will then begin to feel better. By the way, I cry a lot. Some of it is rage.
  • snowball
    snowball Member Posts: 3,465
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Sue and welcome to the forum, I've had r/a for 5years, are you on any other meds :?: I was on leflunomide and Anti-tnf too.
    I do hope your gp will refer you to another rheumy, as for feeling sick with high crp I've not noticed it but the mtx does. Please let us know how you get on.

    Julie x
    ((((hugs)))) n xxxxx to ya all
  • skezier
    skezier Member Posts: 11,333
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Sue,

    That is a bad appointment and I really hope your gp will send you to another rumo. Its not fair to wait for an appointment and then get 2 minutes and that's all.

    I often feel sick after the folic acid or mtx delayed but higher levels have not done hat to me. Its possibly the meds your on and hopefully the gp can sort that out for you as well. Nice to meet you. Cris x

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