waiting for blood test result - need hugs

katie5
katie5 Member Posts: 242
edited 29. Mar 2011, 15:07 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi all

I go to a large Medical Practice and I haven't seen my registered Dr for about 6 years (always end up with the locum) any way I saw him today and explained how my OA is spreading - he was annoyed that none of his colleagues had referred me back to hospital - i just started crying (so embarrassed). he's taken blood tests and when the results come back he's going to send me back to Rheumy. He mentioned RA and carpel Tunnel Syndrome and Fibromalgia (sorry spelling not my strong point) so now I'm worried that I've got all of them!!

i dont usually over react but not been this scared for years. got to go back to dr's in 3 weeks for test results. feel like every part of my body is hurting.

thanks for listening.

Katie x
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Comments

  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Blasted bloody docs. They don't stop to think, do they? They blithely spout what it all might be, instead of saying 'I will do some tests, see what the results are, rule out what it ISN'T and THEN speculate about what it is.' Rheumatologists don't normally get invoved with OAers - however if RA does prove to be a factor then yes, you will be referred. Let's wait and see, yes? Bridges are far more easily crossed when one knows they are there. Oddly enough, I agree with you about the scared thing as he has put so much doubt and uncertainty into your mind. I have no doubt you will be fretting like mad for the next couple of days or so but then, hopefully, your rational head will reappear. He is a Twerp. I will go and let all his tyres down, that'll make his getting home hard.

    I rarely do this, so brace yourself: ((())). It will be OK, you have us behind you and we will see you through whatever the future brings - just as you do for us. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • caterina57
    caterina57 Member Posts: 1,424
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Katie.
    Sorry about your bad GP experience, you are bound to feel frightened - I suppose that its partly due to the fear of the unknown!
    Anyway try not to worry too much - I know easier said than done, and whatever the outcome you know we will all always be here to support you.
    Sending a sackful of hugs
    Cath
  • tjt6768
    tjt6768 Member Posts: 12,170
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    While DD lets his tyres down I will duff him up, I don't do subtle :shock: :lol:
    Again, try not to worry, yep, easy for me to say too, but I am also waiting to find out what is going on with my hands and wrists, maybe carpal, had tests for it but results will be with rheumy nurse on the 18th.. I am worried not a jot mi dear... No point, it is what it is..
    I sincerely hope that you are ok, and well, you will be, you got the rarest of the rarest commodities on this forum...
    Hugs from DD :grin::grin:
    Now I know you will be ok

    :grin:
    e050.gifMe-Tony
    n035.gifRa-1996 -2013 RIP...
    k040.gif
    Cleo - 1996 to 2011. RIP
  • barbara12
    barbara12 Member Posts: 21,281
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Katie
    The very same happened to me , I changed GPs and they sent me for test, the trouble is they are not always clear, mine came back showing something was high, so they were repeated and it had gone down, so I have to go back now and then just to check.
    So dont panic if they come back high.
    Sending you some hugs to be going on with (((((((())))))
    Love
    Barbara x
    Love
    Barbara
  • katie5
    katie5 Member Posts: 242
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    thanks all for the support and especially the hugs!! i've pulled myself together now and am trying to relax about things - family just arrived home so feeling better :smile:

    thanks again i really appreciate it

    Katie xx
  • Poppyg1rl
    Poppyg1rl Member Posts: 1,245
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Katie,
    Totally sympathise, bloomin doctors eh? the main thing is, that things are in motion now and you will see someone that can help whatever the diagnosis.
    Thinking of you, hang in there Poppy X
    'grá agus solas'
    'Love and Light' translated from Irish. X
  • julie47
    julie47 Member Posts: 6,041
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    awe katie5 ((((((((((()))))))))))) a big hug.

    no wonder you burst into tears.
    Hope wen the results come back ,that they are not as bad as what you are expecting.
    I will keep my fingers crossed.

    Glad your family have turned up now.....they will take your mind off things.
    Have a good weekend and take care
    juliepf x
  • spacey
    spacey Member Posts: 126
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Katie, I am sorry you are having a scarey day, please try not to worry too much about what your gp has said although I know this is easier said than done. I am one of lifes worriers! I too am sending hugs and glad you are feeling a little better, take care x
  • katie5
    katie5 Member Posts: 242
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    thanks everyone for kind messages.

    DD mentioned Rhuemy not usually involved with OAer's so bit confused who is the best person to see to pain manage OA. my doctor said he would refer me to whoever i want but not sure who would be the best, physio or rhuemy?

    I'm not usually this confused but i dont want to get it wrong and end up wasting everyone's time.

    Katie x
  • magenta
    magenta Member Posts: 1,604
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Katie,
    Where is your OA? Hope you don't mind me asking?
    I actually felt, from your initial post, that your GP was doing the right thing. Taking bloods to see what is going on is a positive. The whole process of what dr do you see can be confusing, I know it confuses me :smile:

    I answered a post from someone a wee while back and I had mentioned getting referred to a specialist. I had obviously meant a specialist for the particular area of OA ie. jaw-maxilliofacial surgeon, knee-knee specialist etc...
    I seen a rhuemy 12yrs ago when I had diagnosis of sero-neg arthritis, then they discharged me. 10 yrs later, referred back to rhuemys who then also diagnosed fibro. I have OA in jaw and was referred back to rhuemys to see if I had RA and if OA was a secondary thing. I'm currently still being seen by rhuemys but also have seen a physio.
    You can ask to be referred to both a rhuematologist and a physiotherapist. If rhuemy can't help you, they can refer you to a specialist in the area where your OA is. You can also see if your GP will refer you to a pain specialist, he sounds like he's concerned enough to want to help you.
    Please try not to be scared about your test results. You might not have Carpel Tunnel or fibro but if anything shows up, it's better to know now rather than years down the line, then you can start to get your head round it all.
    Hope I've not confused you further, please let us know how you get on,
    Take care,
    Magenta x
  • valval
    valval Member Posts: 14,911
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    it is upsetting, but to be honest all they will be doing is giving you a name for what you are already coping with and hopefully some medication that will help it a releafe when they find something as it meens it not all in your head (well i always feel it must be in mine) but real good luck so glad your gp ruleing stuff out as well as in sounds worth making app for him in future even if you have to wait couple of weeks good luck hugs val
    val
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    GPs are the ones who usually deal with pain management for OA, physios can certainly help re beneficial exercises and/or exercise (isn't hydrotherapy supposed to be good for OA?) and of course you will be referred to to a rheumatologist shoud the blood test come back with either a high RF factor or perhaps elevated CRP and ESR figures (they measure inflammation). An orthopaedic chappie may also be involved at some point but, as I said, let's cross the bridges when we know what they are - you are not on your own with this, OK? I hope you are feeling much better today (but I'll settle for slightly better if necessary). DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 29,826
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Katie

    ((((((((((((((((((((())))))))))))))))))))))

    Hope they help you.The hugs that is :wink:

    Dont be worrying about the rresults if you have any of those as well as your OA then you have probably had them for a good while all it means is you will actually KNOW what is wrong and get some treatment.

    I am so glad one GP has actually not put a sticking plaster on and has helped you.

    Love

    Toni xx
  • katie5
    katie5 Member Posts: 242
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    hi all

    sorry not been around for few days been really sore and tired - can't believe how tired i feel.

    thanks for the comments i'm so overwhelmed your kind thoughts and although I'm still hurting at moment I do actually feel better emotionally - god I feel so stupid crying in front of GP.

    Magenta - i have cervical spondylosis, OA in feet, sclerosis of the sacro-illiac joint. i was also diagnosed with hypermobility syndrome.

    Katie xx
  • Florence500
    Florence500 Member Posts: 46
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    The last twice I have seen my GP I have cried, I am sure she has ordered in extra tissues for my next appointment.

    It's a very emotional business this Arthritis, and not knowing what is wrong is worse, I was slightly relieved once diagnosed (only last Thursday) but yet again spent the day in tears.

    Don't be embarrassed Dr's are used to it and it also makes them pay attention, I was rushed up the Rheumy waiting list after my first outburst :smile:
    187552_622678175_7857000_n.jpg
  • magenta
    magenta Member Posts: 1,604
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Katie,
    Sorry to hear you're still not feeling great. No wonder you're so tired-you've got alot going on there! Did I tell you that I go to a drs practice where there are 6 docs? After 7yrs of going down there, I've eventually found one that is very good. Funny thing is, I've never cried in front of him-I always cry with other drs/rhuemys but that's usually because they're useless! I wouldn't worry about crying, sometimes you need to let it out.
    I do hope you feel better soon ((((()))))
    Magenta x
  • katie5
    katie5 Member Posts: 242
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    thanks florence and magenta

    its good to know im not the only emotional girlie around. dont know whats wrong with me i'm usually the smiley one :grin:

    tomorrow another day so onwards and upwards.

    Katie xx
  • roses1
    roses1 Member Posts: 1,850
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Katie,

    Just want to offer some support and ((((hugs))))
    It is an emotional turmoil this arthur stuff , i have always been strong and not let things get to me and then just found myself in floods of tears with all this pain infront of drs etc, dont worry i think it helps them realise we do need help.

    I too have hypermobility, cervical spondi, OA hands, bottom spine, hips,knees,big toes , fibromyalgia. pain everywhere and all it brings with it!
    It is kinda strange but once you have the diagnosis it does help, so look on it as 'well at least i will know whats causing all this ' rather than you worry or think your going mad!

    Take care and hope you feeling abit better :smile:

    Rose x
  • valval
    valval Member Posts: 14,911
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    hi am hoping today sees the smile back on your face but do not worry we all get down with arther from time to time hugs val
    val
  • katie5
    katie5 Member Posts: 242
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    thanks rose and val

    feeling bit better today - smiling again, gosh rose where like two peas in a pod with our aches and pains :lol: my hubby is having terrible pain with his jaw at mo - he's been to dentist who said teeth perfectly fine so off to doctor tomorrow to see if its jaw problem - its awful watching him in pain he says thats how he feels about me. both need putting in a bag and shaking up :grin:

    katie x
  • skezier
    skezier Member Posts: 11,333
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Katie,

    The waiting is hell flower but getting a diagnosis as the others says does somehow help.

    Leaving you a (((((((((( )))))))))) and a hope you will soon not be in the limbo before diagnosis. What ever it comes up with flower this lot will be there for you and your not on your own. Cris x
  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 29,826
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Katie

    Just popping into to let you know I haven't forgotten you and I hope the results come in soon and then you might have an idea where you want to be referred.

    Be guided by your GP I think....so long as this one is prepared to help. It's a process finding what helps for you, but you are doing fine.

    Love

    toni xx
  • julie47
    julie47 Member Posts: 6,041
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Katie
    Just typed this once then flippin internet went awol.

    It was just to say I am still thinkking of you and I hope the results are not too far away now,

    Glad you felt a little better yesterday, Keep smiling.

    Sending a hug ((((())))
    Take care
    Juliepf x
  • traluvie
    traluvie Member Posts: 2,579
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Katie,

    How are you today??
    Just read your post.. i not been on much lately as i not been greta myself.. so sorry for late reply..
    I know what it is like waiting for results.. a nightmare.. at least you know when you are getting them.. i was waiting for a letter in the post .. was stalking the post lady lol...
    Hopefuly when you get your results they can move forward to help you wiith appropiate treatment..
    I have started on Hydroxy am still waiting for the benefits to work, but this can take 12 weeks to take effect..
    Wish you well.. each day is different and we are all hear to listen and support you..
    (((((x)))))
    th_tn_TisFORTIGGER.jpgxxTracyxx
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I know it's only been five days since you began the thread but still no news? I hope you hear soon so that you have some idea of where you are now and can formulate a plan for what to do next. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben