Strange question from GP!

Nicchick

Hi!

You know when you think back about a conversation and interpret it in a completely different way? Well, at the time of my appointment with my GP who has been incredibly supportive all the way through since referral, I didn't really process this question properly.

I was so pleased (not really the right word!) about getting the high anti-ccp result as up till now there have never been any markers and just recently with all the rubbish at the hospital I've begun to feel that people think I'm imagining it all! I'm also really enjoying the feeling of less pain with the celebrex and tramadol AND getting properly looked at finally at the hospital by the new consultant....so am pretty cheerful about things generally.

My GP asked me how I will feel if the MRI doesn't show anything?

Does this mean that she now also thinks that I am imagining it all? I replied that I hadn't really thought about that and would just wait and see what results I did get. I tend to only worry about things when I need to and if there is something I can do to change the situation.

She did tell me she was cross that I didn't try the sitraline for longer but I didn't like the feeling I had when I took it with tramadol. I haven't ruled it out for the future but at present I'm so much happier even with my dodgy old hip problems this week!

Added to this my lovely boyfriend is worried that because I have complained about my treatment at the hospital they will refuse to treat me....I'm confused because everyone tells me you need to fight to get treatment and yet not rock the boat.

We went out last night and I used my stick for the first time in the local pub, he didn't take his and guess who needed to *borrow* my sparkly one on the way home!

It's sunny today and I have a natural dyeing workshop this afternoon for which I made peanut butter fudge! A really easy, non-cook recipe that is quick! No standing at the hob stirring away....

I hope everyone gets a chance to enjoy the good weather this weekend! Nx

vwkamper

Hi,

That was a strange question!

But my way of thinking is that if the MRI shows nothing then there is something else out the way prossess of elimination.

I gave up with the doctor's for 5 years but then i got so bad i had no choice
i will only speak to my female G.P and i won't settle for excuses anymore.
And because i did speak up and not settle for less i have been diagnosed propally with multiple problem's.

If you don't fight you will get on where so good luck.

lexy.

dreamdaisy

I think she was preparing you for the fact that the MRI might not show what's going on, not hinting that she wasn't believing you. I was lucky in that my MRIs (all done after 2003) have shown what's been going on - but even when my left knee was 24" in circumference (all above the knee cap) I was being told by my GP at the time (and a rheumatologist) that there was nothing wrong and it would sort itself out. Twerps. DD

barbara12

My consultant said to me if the MRI doesn't show anything up,we will do bla bla...but it did show things up....I honestly wish it hadn't...maybe your consultant is thinking ahead...who knows what goes on in there minds...I do hope you get some answers very soon.x

stickywicket

I've noticed, on this forum, that people are often advised to get an MRI or X-rays as if all will then be revealed, problem solved, correct meds regime can be started. It won't necessarily be like that. My guess is that your consultant was just trying to prepare you for the fact that the MRI might show nothing particularly helpful. It won't mean you're malingering, only that what you have can't be picked up - at least currently - by a scanner.

7worlds

Peanut butter fudge..... yum.

Nicchick

Yeah, I'm at work now and a good friend came in and we share the two GPs who job share and she kind of said the same. I felt awful telling her how pleased I was to finally have some kind of result that people can see with the anti-ccp but she's having fertility tests done so feels much the same in as much as you don't necessarily want to have something wrong with you but desperately want some action taken.

One jar of peanut butter (crunchy), one pack of butter melted in the microwave add 450g icing sugar and a splodge of vanilla extract, mix and then stick in a lined tin! Easy, quick and not much stirring or standing around - genius!

My GP has been incredible and I must admit that if I thought she didn't believe me I would be devastated as I have really fought to keep cheerful and positive despite what this dreadful disease has thrown at me. I've relied and confided in her when things have been really rotten and only recently broke down and cried in front of my parents and TBH not many people have taken it on board. The reactions I'm getting using the stick have highlighted this...if only you could let them try it on for just a day!

I am finding the people on here very inspiring I must say! We just all keep going....

Nx

7worlds

Thanks for the recipe Nicchick


7Worlds

valval

if we did not keep going what else would we do give up at 51 i am not ready for the scrap heap yet so we do what we must and then grin and bear it. also have the odd hissy fit, does us good as stress makes things worse.
i know what you meen about results you feel if nothing shows they will think it all in our head you even dought your self from time to time but pain and exhaustion awfull think all gps and consultants should spend a week in a arther suit would make the realise how awfull life can get val

frogmorton

I think she DOES believe you Nicchick, but that sometimes even MRIs don't show damage at an early stage???? :?

Your markers ARE a real help - I know exactly how it is when your pain is invisible because your bloods are 'normal' :roll:

That recipe looks rather tasty - I think I might just try it

Love

Toni xxx

Nicchick

Fudge went down well and the workshop was a great success but my feet are throbbing today...I get so caught up in my work that I forget to pace myself! I am getting better at delegating though and as the workshops are very hands on I just boss people around! One of the younger ladies got a bit upset to see me using the stick but I told them all to just do as I say and not to treat me like a cripple or there would be trouble

It is strangely reassuring to have the markers show up and I did ask GP why she thought I hadn't had that test before and she just said that I would have to take it up with the hospital. I did ask about that in my letter as I feel that it should have been done a little sooner than three years in, especially as I have had swollen bits during most of that time but (as OH is fond of saying) ho hum...

Do try out the fudge Toni, it's superb! I have to make more for tomorrow's workshop as I had hoped to have leftovers and there are none!

Nic x

PS The OH laughed at the Arthur suit suggestion Val, he always says that there should be a DR who actually has RA or PsA to know how to treat people properly for it!

elnafinn

Hi Nic

Are you having a full body MRI scan?

I was interested so googled what an MRI scan may not show and this is what I found:

The MRI scan provides clear and detailed images of soft tissue. However, it can’t ‘visualise’ bone very well, since bone tissue doesn’t contain much water. That is why bone injury or disease is usually investigated with regular x-ray examinations rather than MRI scanning.

The gp does believe you but like others have mentioned she does not wish you to think that an MRI shows everything.

I wish you well with the MRI.

Elna x

julie47

Nicchic that was a funny question really. I would have thought it would have been one for you to ask really, with the add on , what would the next step be.

I really wish my mri scans came back ok but it always finds something for me. :roll:

As for the fudge, well I think I may also give that a try too. I love fudge

Take care
Love Juliepf x

Nicchick

I think so Elna as I have it everywhere!

He's expressed an interest in what might be happening in my hands as x-rays show nothing but they are so painful, stiff and swollen. X-rays on my feet show soft tissue changes and some erosion, this fits in with where I have a lot of pain!

I do find I can cope with pain but the fatigue gets to me! When I explain the effect of this on my life, work and everything I'm just told that people like me are a 'nightmare' and I should take four weeks off work to rest!

I hope to get date for scan soon and then I suppose I'll know! Nx