hospital appt on Thurs feeling nervous - need advice plse

katie5

Hi all

sorry not been around much later but been feeling bit low. I've got my appt with the rhuemy on Thurs and i'm really nervous as i dont want to mess it up. i always end up playing down how i feel and dont know why i do it but i'm determined to mention every pain this time as i'm really suffering at moment with lots of new aches and pains.

can i ask the OA'ers what support they get - do you have exercise plans, pain management advice etc - just want to check what i'm entitled to ask for as i feel i have nothing in place to help me cope.

hope you're all ok.

Katie xx

madwestie

Katie, you do need to be honest with the rheumy and tell them how it really is.
I have OA and RA i have seen an Occupational Therapist who was able to show me lots of different aids i could use to help (although i have to buy them myself).
I have seen a Physio (people have mixed reactions about physio's some find them useful others don't)
Pain control is one of the most important area's and hopoefully they can sort out what will suit you best.

I will be in your pocket giving you support on thursday

woodbon

Hi, I have OA in multipule joints and I have seen the rhummy serveral times. They examined me, asked me lots of questions about what I could and could't do and yes, be honest even it makes you feel, as I did, that I was making a fuss, YOU'RE NOT and then sent me for bloods, the usual ones, and x-ray hands and feet. Try and take someone with you to help you remember and it may help you to write questions down. Ask about Pain Clinic referral, or how your pain is best treated and also physio and occupational therapy. Splints may help sometimes if you have hand problems, but don't buy them, ask the occupational therapist. To buy is expensive and you may not get the right ones. I've bought things like electric can openers and lots of stuff I need to help me, but a lot can be provided for you.
I wish you a good appoitment, try not to be nervous, but then I know most of us are! I hope this is a bit helpful, sorry it goes on a bit. Love Suexx

ironic

Hi Katie,
Can you take someone with you? Sometimes just having some else there can give you the confidence to ask questions. Failing that take your list of questions with you. I have been lucky that the consultants I have seen have been more than willing to go through my list. It can also help them in their assessment of how your arthritis is affecting you.
My rheumy referred me to the podiatrist so you could ask for a referral to the OT department.
Good luck for Thursday,
Lv, Ix

julie47

Hi Katie,
I have Ra so can not advise on OA....I would just repeat what the others have said, take someone with you,(if you can), write a list of questions and how you have been feeling, and most of all be honest. They can't treat you to your full advantage if they do not know exactly how you are.

Good luck with the appointment tomorrow
I will be thinking about you,

Juliepf x

bubbadog

I have Osteo-porosis and when I go and see my consultant I find it helpful to right bullet points on a piece of paper as my memory isn't very good. And it helps with what I want to ask at the appointment. And then at least I don't come away from appointment not feeling that I got the answers I wanted. So maybe try that? Hope it is helpful for you.:)

wannabewriter

Hi

I can't give advice I'm afraid, am actually just hopping on to tag along as I also have my first ever appt next week and have no idea what to expect!

I know they do xrays and stuff, but do you get them done at the same time you're at the hosp to see the consultant, or do you have to make several trips? Or if you get it done when your appt is, does the consultant look at them straight away and tell you or do you have to wait for results and go back again???

Really hope yours goes well this week xx

elnafinn

Hi Katie

Just wanted to wish you all the best for your Thursday appointment. I have been referred to physio in the past for OA problems, a pain clinic and also consultants. I have been referred for 6 sessions of acupuncture in the long distant past on my neck. I have made my own stretching exercising daily routine mainly learned from past physio exercises and yoga along with basic stretches. All this has been over a goodly number of years. I have had 2 TKRs, along with steroid injections in various parts of my anatomy! Just had 3 toes dealt with and get the bandages off the same day as your appointment.

It is fairly unusual for someone with OA to be seeing a rheumy so you are lucky. Usually we only have the gp as support for meds unless the gp offers or we press to get referred to other medics.

Do try not to underestimate your pain because that does not help you nor your rheumy. You should try to work together on your pain management etc. Please do not be afraid to ask him to repeat something if you do not quite understand. They do not mind or should not. That is their job.

If you feel you may not be able to be as strong as you would like, perhaps write down some questions and how your life is being affected and pass it over to him for a read. Keep it simple and to the point. Bullet points are often a good way to present your case!

I do wish you well, we shall both be at appointments tomorrow.

Do let us know how you go on,

Luv
Elna x

frogmorton

Hi Katie

I have inflamatory arthritis AND OA (greedy?!) and see the rheumatologist regularly.

I have received help, but nothing ongoing. Physio in 'courses' of 6 and have to be rereferred each time. Can see Ot or podiatrist etc, but they are usually one or two-offs! for specific issues.

Main thing l think is to get your pain under control...as someone else said and that means getting prepared...write your list NOW so you can add to it before you go.

and 110% take someone with you or you could come home feeling like you wished you had. They will do two things one is to say stuff as they see it and the second is to remember what the rheumy actually said.....you WILL forget half of it l always do!!!

Good luck and l will be right theer with you if it helps

Love

Toni xx

katie5

hi everyone

what can i say as always you are all there for me. honestly just reading all your advice and support has given me a boost - i've written down my list of ailments and my god it scared me.

i have seen this doctor before about 5 years ago and he took x-rays on the same day and i waited for the results and he went through it all with me. the only thing he kept saying was 'do not choose disability'.

My hubby has managed to change his shift at work so he's taking me tomorrow - my appointment is 5pm which to be honest is probably a good thing as i'll have been working all day and will be in pain so he can actually see how bad it is - not a pretty sight by all accounts.

thanks again for the support and will let you know how i get on.

Katie xx

elnafinn

That is great news, Katie that your hubby is able to accompany you. He will remember what you perhaps do not and vice versa and may well ask questions on your behalf.

Wishing you all the best. I hope it is a good appointment and look forward to hearing about it in due course.

Luv
Elna x

skezier

Hi Katie,

I really hope the appointment goes well and glad you OH is able to go with.

Will be up for pocket duties as well if you need.

I have a ton of oa, some was helped by surgery and some couldn't be. I have had it a very long time and from the era when they just told you to get on with it but now...

Oh katie I wish the help there now had been there years back.I have had physio, exercises and be honest I find the stretching helps when it goes to spasm.

Then the pain clinic and I have been lucky and got a very good and kind pain clinic doc.

The other support came from the rumo who gave me some decent pain relief, some xrays and mri.

There is a lot of support out there as the others have said, physio, ot etc. Se what he says on Thursday and take it from there flower cu he might well get you some referrals to physio ot. Will either be in your pocket if you wish or thinking of you. Good luck. Cris x

julie47

Morning katie

just popped in to say i will be thinking of you at 5 when you are at your appointment......will be just preparing tea.
I am glad your OH is going with you for support.
Please let us know how you get on
Juliepf x

katie5

hi all

just thought i'd let you know how i got on. Rhuemy confirmed that i have cervical spondylosis, hypermobility and lower lumbar degenerative disc disease.

because of the muscle pain he thinks i have fibromalgia but would like me to have some more blood tests as it could also be Lupus or an underactive thyroid or myositis.

thank you all for being there with me - it really helped knowing that you all understand what i'm going through.


katie xx

traluvie

Hi Katie..

Sorry i not been around for a while so sorry i was not able to send you best wishes..

I am glad you have some idea now what is going on and can hopefully start on the right road for treatment..

Did he discuss treatment plan with you??
How are you feeling now??

katie5

Did he discuss treatment plan with you??
How are you feeling now??[/quote]

thanks tracy

feel like i'm getting somewhere at last.

i asked about treatment plans but he said we should wait for blood results first then discuss pain relief etc. said i should consider swimming or using an exercise bike so looks like i have to buy new swimming cossie - my god hope the swimming attendants have strong stomachs

Katie xx

traluvie

I do hope ypur bloods come back soon then so you can start treatment..

If you are suffering too much though go and see your GP..

Shame your treating yourself to a new swimming cossy instead of something else eh? never mind..

Hopefully the swimming will help..Don't be worried by them pool attendants.. you may struggle to keep your eyes off them lol..
Do you see physio??

caterina57

Hi Katie
Sorry - Dont know How I missed the original thread.
Glad that you have some answers but possibly more to come after blood tests.
I have cervical and lumbar spondylosis and Oa in other places too so know what its like
Take care and good Luck
Cath

katie5

hi tracy & cath

thanks for replies - i'm feeling bit better today didn't sleep for few nights worrying about results but after thinking about it i'm glad i know its been acknowledged that there's more to it than OA - just keeping fingers crossed that its something than can be treated.

hope you are ok and had a good weekend.

Katie xx