Just seen the Dr.

desjumeaux

Some time ago I saw my Dr with a painful shoulder and what appeared to be a lump on the collar bone. My Dr sent me to see a physio, and a muscular skeletal specialist. I have had a scan and xray.

They considered it was a form of arthritis.

Last week I visited my GP practice again (seeing a different Dr) he gave me tablets which did nothing but give me heartburn and nausea.

Today I went back to my GP following two weeks of real pain in both shoulders, neck, leg and back. Some days I can hardly lift a cup or open a door. It is so frustrating and annoying I am normally very fit and active.

Anyway I wrote down the pains I was having, and how it was affecting me and gave my Dr (the original Dr I saw) the notes.

He immediately said that a ten min. appointment slot is not sufficient to make a real diagnosis and plan. he would print off my notes and the notes from my physio etc and he would examine them thoroughly and meet me again on Thursday morning where he will formulate a plan of action.

I feel so much better just with the thought that at last someone is listening and I will hopefully get somewhere now.

CJHunter

Hiya, am glad your doc is taking you seriously, it makes a nice change.Hope all goes ok Thurs, not long to wait.

Take care.xx

pinkbritishstars

Hi

Really glad your doctor is listening to you.

Good Luck for Thursday

Pink x

barbara12

Hi
That is such a big step forward, so many of us have had battles to be taken seriously, so good for you, now you can relax a little , and wait and see what they say
I really do wish you well with it all, and please let us know how you get on.

stickywicket

I’m so pleased you had a good appointment with the prospect of another to come.

One thing – the tablets that made you nauseous. If these were an anti-inflammatory, they often do and, if taking them long term, you should have another one also which will protect your stomach. Don’t be afraid to ask as it is important. We have enough aches and pains without taking on any inessential ones.

desjumeaux

Thank you everyone. I am so pleased I wasn't just fobbed off with another kind of tablet.

Its good when the Dr. is prepared to listen and try to work with you to help.

bubbles

It makes the world of difference, when your Dr has the time, or makes the time, to sit and make a plan of action with you. I have been fortunate with Drs, but I know some people have a real battle with Dr's who have lost their bedside manner a long time back. I hope things can be worked out for you, hugs, XX Bubbles

desjumeaux

Been back to see the Dr after having blood tests. I have been told I have a positive antibody nuclear result. He said not to worry --- but you cant help it.

I got more tablets and told I should probably invest in a pre-paid certificate for the prescriptions. So this is the start of my pain management which Dr says he is going to work through with me, and I go back in 4 weeks.

Another 4 weeks it just seems to go on and on .........

stickywicket

Unfortunately this is quite normal. The good thing is that you are being taken seriously and will get there in the end though it must seem like a long wait. The pre-payment certificate is a good move.

MrDJ

it certainly is an uphill struggle but glad to hear you are slowly getting there.

if i were you i would get a pre pay prescription before 1st april as they are going up in price again > https://apps.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/ppcwebsales/

bubbadog

I know at the moment you feel it's an uphill struggle but the fact your doctor has started you on Pain management drugs is a big step forward. And knowing he's looking at your results of the blood tests and sorting a plan is positive news. I know 4 weeks seems along way off but it isn't. Hope the pain management meds make a difference to the pain, and I hope you see a difference in the future.

woodbon

Hi, Yes, getting taken seriously is a big step and when you have some pain relief life seems easier. I know we all want a diagnosis and cure but, arthritis isn't like that, it likes to play hide and seek! :shock:
Hope all goes well for you and the 4 weeks go quickly!
Love Sue xx

barbara12

Im glad you are getting there, but sorry you are so worried, I have done alot of that in the last few years so I do understand.
What you need to do is distraction, anything you enjoy doing ....just to take you mind off things .
I do wish you well with everything xx

babytiger

Its great to hear you've got a doctor that listens to you and helps.... fingers crossed everything goes well with you x

desjumeaux

thank you to everyone, its so very supportive.

I have given the Dr a pain map which I think helps (downloaded from the internet) and am starting the new tablets today. I got that suggestion from this site.

I am trying to keep busy to take my mind off it all, and haven't read the side effects list on the tablet box in case it makes me imagine things.

I think the positive blood test is a bit scary, Dr says he is going to talk to someone to make a decision on what to do.

Thanks for the support. Mind this lovely weather does help to make you feel better.

frogmorton

Hi dejunmeaux

I think that l am very pleased the doc is helping you and taking it all so serioulsy.

You are doing your part by doing the pain map and also by taking your medication.

For now l really would be kind to yourself and keep coming on here chatting to us lot while things get sorted for you

The weather is lovely and does help cheer you up l agree

Love and HUGs

Toni xx

desjumeaux

I bought my pre-paid prescription yesterday £104 for one year. The chemist says the pre-paid certificates aren't going up in the raise. Only the individual prescriptions are going up (to £7.65 I think).

started taking my new tablets yesterday Gabapentin, I feel a little light headed but so far so good. I decided not to read the information in case it made me imagine any side effects, (my husband says he will watch to see I don't grow a second head or something).

Trying to keep busy and distracted so I am off to see my mother who has dementia,

This getting old thing can be a bit of a challenge

stickywicket

I hope the gabapentin works and that's good news about pre-payment certifs.

Now, this husband of yours - are you sure you can rely on him to let you know when the 2nd head emerges? (Seriously, it's a good tactic. It's all too easy to think oneself into side effects.)

dreamdaisy

Hello desjumeaux (I love the name!) I hope you are feeling as well as you can. I know that to receive a positive result for anything is a little daunting but I think it's a good thing as it will give the medicos further clues about what is going on with you, and that means that the treatmend can be properly targeted. New tablets etc can be un-nerving but I take the view that if they are designed to help then it's worth trying them and if they don't work at least you know you tried. I wish you well and please, come and talk to us, we will do what we can to support you. I wish you well. DD