Second rheumy appointment 2

scozzie
scozzie Member Posts: 333
edited 15. Nov 2011, 07:48 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi all,

Well, I saw the rheumy today, an hour later than it should've been, but hey ho that's how it goes.

Anyway, the appointment went well, although it was a different consultant this, but she listened to what I had to say - the new aches, and the old ones - and examined my joints, especially my newly sore ankles. She felt my ankles were most likely OA of the bones under my ankle, although she wouldn't rule out inflammatory Arthur. She also considers that some of my discomfort/pain could be due to nerve damage/problems and is referring me to a neurologist and the possibility of getting me onto a low dose of amytriptoline.

I've also been booked in to get cortisone injections in my ankles/heels, I've to get one ankle done first to see if it makes any difference, and if it does I've to get the other one done a week later. If they work I've to self refer myself for future jabs, under the usual conditions - no sooner than three months between jabs and no more than three a year to each foot. My first jab is on December 9th and I suppose I'm a bit nervous about it.

And I've to come back for a routine appointment in five months ... she also gave me the rheumatology's secretary's direct number although I didn't quite catch what that was about ... so help!!! Is that to do with going to the day clinic for the jabs, or if I have any rheumy questions?

Take care all
Scozzie

Comments

  • skezier
    skezier Member Posts: 11,333
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    hi Scozzie

    glad it went ok and hopefully the jab will help. i have had a fair few of em and they have always helped to greater or lesser degrees.

    hopefully the neurologist appointment will come through and they will help you. a lot do use the ampi for relaxing the muscles and the nerve pain in addition thee are gabapentin and pregabalin both can help with the nerve pain.

    fingers crossed that it will all come together and you will have less pain soon. Cris x
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Sounds like a good appointment, scozzie. I hope the jabs help. I've never had ankles done but knees and shoulders always did it for me.

    At a guess I'd say the sec's phone no is for if you want to book further injections.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • traluvie
    traluvie Member Posts: 2,579
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Sounds like a good appointment and she gave you a good going over lol..

    A few of us are on amitriptyline and it helps relax you before bedtime and helps with pain so you can sleep,,Many people find it a great help so i hope you do too..
    Good to see she is looking after you and hopefully it will all come together soon and you may feel a bit better..
    th_tn_TisFORTIGGER.jpgxxTracyxx
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I had my right ankle injected a while ago and compared to the knee ones it was a doddle. It helped for a while so I hope you gain benefit from it as well. At least she is keeping an eye on you and referring you for further investigation, mine is not the slightest bit bothered about the OA I now have. I guess that's understandable but it does grate somewhat - just like my joints! :lol: DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • julie47
    julie47 Member Posts: 6,041
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi scozzie

    Glad the appointment went well (eventually) and your rhummy is offering injections in your ankles. Hope the 1st one brings alot of relief so that you can have the other one done. The thought of injections can be scary but don't worry , your mind will be on us lot in your pocket, Wondering what on earth we are doing in there :grin:

    juliepf x
  • scozzie
    scozzie Member Posts: 333
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks all,

    I have had a cortisone injections before, in my lower back, when I was suffering with sciatica about 12 years ago, but due to the sensitive area around the spine it was done with a local and several xrays to see if their aim was any good.

    With regard to the secretary's phone number, I should've mentioned that I was also given the Day Ward's number in case I have to change the appointment.

    Scozzie