Thanks for the tips-I've got a referral!

tj66 · 4. Aug 2011, 15:17

Hi Everyone,

Following the posts I recieved and the strength I gained from them, I had an appointment with my GP and got the result I'd hoped for.

I've had another blood test for RA and areferral to see a rhuematologist. Not sure how it came about but mentioned pain and swelling in left knuckles and hips, shoulders, ankles and knees - was then sent for Xray on left knee! Bit puzzled why the left knee was chosen over all others but there you go!

Thanks for all the responses I recieved - It did make it easier to stand up for myself. Sending you all a big hug and best wishes.

Fingers crossed I'll get some answers-any tips on how to get the best from the appointment would be appreciated.

Kindest regards

Tracey
xx

valval · 4. Aug 2011, 16:17

great news well done val

weejean · 4. Aug 2011, 16:55

Thats great news and I hope you dont have to wait too long for your appointment. My advice to you is to take your time and talk things through with the doctor, if you have a lot of questions going through your mind, write them down as often when I get to appointments I forget what I wanted to ask/discuss. I always take someone with me as well as sometimes when you get a lot of information its hard to take it all in and the person with you usually remembers what you dont. Hope everything goes well

Ankyspond · 4. Aug 2011, 18:38

Hi,

Thats great news I hope you get the answers and can soon start getting the help you need.

When I go to the hospital I always take a pain map with me which I have done, it indicates three areas always, often and sometiems and is colour coded. The consultant and nurses say it is really useful as sometimes when you there they asking you things and you forget everything, it is also a very visual thing and something you can refer to in future apppointments.

I am happy to share it with you if you would like a copy, send me a email with your address and will send you one.

Also write down any questions you have, take someone with you and talk to them beforehand about what you want to know as they may remember if you forget. Don't be afraid to ask questions or interupt them if you are not quite sure about something.

Good luck, hope this helps. xx

skezier · 4. Aug 2011, 19:04

Hi Tracey,

So glad you have a referral! Its well over due.

Hope the bloods will be ok and for the appointment as well as Anky's pain map i think it might be an idea to do a pain diary between now and then so you can tell them how its effecting you each day.

Some of the diagnosis is made on history and the pain diary can help that part.

Let us know when your date is cus we do do half decent pocket duties if needed.

Hey well done as well, we sometimes need to fight our corner. ((( ))) and a bucket of hopes Cris x

hileena111 · 5. Aug 2011, 02:23

Hi Tracey
Glad all the info was a help to you......and yes....THE LIST

You must do a list before you go......my mind goes blank {what new

}

Love
Hileena

dreamdaisy · 5. Aug 2011, 03:53

Well done to you, I am glad we were able to help. Let us know when thre rheumatologist appointment comes thro so we can be with you in spirit on the day. I wish you well. DD

barbara12 · 5. Aug 2011, 05:34

Hi Tracy
Good for you, I was the same when I came on here, it really does make a difference having everyone's input .
I do wish you well with it all
And please let us know how you get on.

tj66 · 5. Aug 2011, 07:49

Hi Everyone,

Thanks again for all the replies - very usefull. The idea of a body map is really good - I never would have thought of that idea. I always feel awkward giving a whole list and end up just selecting the top three aches for that particular day! Thank for the offer of the body map, I don't have a printer so can't take you up on your very kind offer to send me one. I use a body map when working with my young clients so I could adapt it!

Why did I not think of such a thing! I hate listing my various aches of pain - it makes me feel like a hypacondriac!

thank you once again - I'm so greatful! xxx

Better get back to work!

xxxxx

tillytop · 5. Aug 2011, 07:57

Hello Tracey

I am so glad that things are moving forward for you and hope you don't have to wait too long for your rheumatology appointment.

The only thing I can think of to add to the advice the others have given you about your appointment is to ask your GP for a copy of your blood test results so you can take them with you to your rheumatology appointment. I have lost count of the number of times I have been to appointments and found that the consultant hadn't received/didn't have access to my results.

Also, do make sure that you tell them everything that's going on - not just the "edited highlights". I have done that so often but the consultant needs to have the full picture to help him to make a diagnosis.
Well done for going to the appointment and ending up with the outcome you hoped for!

Love Tillyxxx

julie47 · 5. Aug 2011, 12:13

Hi Tracey

I am pleased you were feeling more confident when you saw your gp and that you are getting the referal. I hope that appointment goes well too.

Just remember to tell us all when it is and we will be waiting to jump in your pockets.

Take care
Juliepf x

Ankyspond · 5. Aug 2011, 18:16

Tracey,

If you would like a copy of the pain map I did if you emIl me your address I will post you the example and blank one it's up to you. Xx

tj66 · 7. Aug 2011, 16:12

Thank you - that's kind - - I'll forward it to my work email and print it off there. many many thanks! xx

Ankyspond · 7. Aug 2011, 16:34

Hi,

Will do it in few minutes just waiting for my son topick my son to come out of work. I have your email address now, be careful putting your address on a public forum you will get loads of rubbish. I tend to use the email on this forum then swap with the person I am talking too privately. If you want to take it off I have it now, sorry I am an ICT teacher and am quite cautious and find it hard to switch off, he he. Xx

Ankyspond · 7. Aug 2011, 17:06

Hi,

Just sent it to your email address, if you have any problems following it or don't get it let me know. Good luck. xx

tj66 · 15. Aug 2011, 17:29

Thank you so much for the pain map - I've coloured it just like the example you sent - I'm carrying it around and adding symptoms as I go through the day.

Thanks again for all the brilliant ideas. One week to go!

Tracey xxx

bubbadog · 16. Aug 2011, 06:59

Hi Tracey, Glad you got everything sorted with the Doc and awaiting appointment everyone's advice is the best that can be said tip wise for the big day! All I can add to it is When your name is called to go in, take a deep breath try and relax (not very easy as we all know!) and remind yourself you got this far!
Hope you haven't got to wait to long. Big Hugs, Amanda/bubbadog.

Thanks for the tips-I've got a referral!

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