Visit to OH today

mrsshazbat

The reason for my OH visit was because I'm currently sighed off due to 'stress-related problem/joint pains' but I knew that they were going to mainly focus on the 'stress'. In some ways this is a pointless post, as I don't have a diagnosis for the joint pains - although some form of arthritis seems inevitable - so have nothing to bring to the table on that. I just feel I have to vent. I can't describe how deflated and defeated I feel. And the thing is, I did expect it where my aches and pains are concerned, because I don't have that diagnosis yet.

The stress thing was dealt with and yes, I feel that the situation has largely resolved itself - the straw that broke the camel's back was an incident at work, but other factors are still in play like my husband's ongoing cancer treatment. Whilst he is essentially "well" and it was caught early, it's not a lot of fun.

Irony of ironies, with the main focus of my work being PC-based, typing, using a mouse and using the phone haven't really been affected by the pain I'm experiencing in my hands in particular. So, because of this, the long list of things I can't do with my hands wasn't requested or taken into account. The OH nurse did note down my various painful joints and the nature of the pain, plus what medications I'm taking. I mentioned that driving the car with a cold steering wheel (such as this morning) does cause me discomfort, and the time I nearly crashed because I didn't have the dexterity to correct my steering in time in the car park (but the brakes work!), but that was essentially a one-off which taught me that I need to consider where I park in future. Being concerned about my absence record (bit of a pointless concern after nearly 3 months off) I asked "What if I wake up one morning and I'm just too stiff/in too much pain to get myself into work?" and she replied "Don't think like that, lots of people go through life pain-managing."

What kind of answer is that?

I can't pinpoint when my aches and pains started, but I've spent the best part of 9 months, certainly, living and working day-to-day with it, not complaining and just getting on with it. Now I just think that I haven't made enough of a meal of it.

I've just been prescribed Naproxen (after Diclofenac) but as a general rule, if I can manage with the ache/pain I don't take them. I don't want to have to eat painkillers every day. After I've been sat for a while, getting up and moving about is difficult, and I've had one episode so far where I very nearly had to ask my husband to help me out of bed. It's not necessarily painful, but I'm very stiff. "Well, get up and move every 5 minutes." was her response to that. Not always possible. I even had a fancy walking stick chosen because some days that's what I feel I need as I limp around the house. But then that seems daft to me so I don't go through with the order. I'm not concerned with appearances, but it feels a bit like play-acting because I don't "have" anything yet. The more I type, the more ridiculous I feel.

I guess it comes down to the "invisible illness" thing, doesn't it? I don't have any obvious outward signs, I can force myself not to limp (as I don't want to put my back out, which has happened before) and walk normally once the initial discomfort has worn off.

I'm sorry, this is a very disjointed rambling post. It's a month since my referral for a rheumatology appointment, can anyone advise on how long I can expect to wait? I had hoped it would come while I was off work, but that looks increasingly unlikely now ...

lizzieuk1

Hi, sorry ur having a rotten time I can't help with oh as am self employed but am sure someone else can. I would think ur rheumy appt should appear soon then hopefully you will at least have a diagnosis to help when talking to oh and get some meds that will hopefully make u more comfortable.

frogmorton

Oh dear you are having a dreadful time.

1) Husband's cancer
2) your joint pain
3) stess ???related to either or both of the above and possibly the Occ Health visit???.

I read your post an totally understand why it 'rambles' as you put it. You have so much going on and must be feeling terrified and confused by all of it. Well I remember the powerless feeling when you KNOW there is something wrong and yet you can't 'prove' it....yet

Can I suggest 2 things which might help a bit?

The first is to contact the secretary of the rheumatologist you are going to see and ask for a cancellation (If you can go at short notice?). I did this once ad it certainly paid off.

The second is to BUY the stick - it sounds as though you need it. We all feel a 'bit silly/odd' at first, but if it helps it will be worth it. They are not terribly expensive and if you can afford it. I am sure you are not play acting.

I am so sorry you are feeling like this at the moment.

We are here so keep posting

love

Toni xxx

stickywicket

First of all don’t apologise for ‘rambling’. You have a lot on your mind right now and, in such situations, stuff gets all muddled up together. Sometimes getting it down on paper can help sort it out but other times it doesn’t.

Mainly you seem to be upset that the OH appointment went as you’d feared, rather than as you’d hoped. You say you expected them to concentrate on your stress (which must be high given your husband’s illness and your own lack of diagnosis) and that’s just what happened. I guess, from their point of view, that’s the logical thing to do.

However, just because you don’t have an official diagnosis yet, doesn’t mean to say you’re ‘play acting’. The problems you’re having driving, and with morning stiffness, show that. (You can buy steering wheel covers which might help, though.)

I don’t know how you’ve been advised to take your pain relief. I doubt there are many on here who pop pills without a thought but sometimes pills are the only solution and, if it turns out that you do have an auto-immune version of arthritis, you'll have no option. If your GP has told you to take them only when necessary then that’s what you must do until he says otherwise but it sounds as if you need them regularly. If that’s the case then regular usage might well solve some of your problems and it might be worth going back to the GP for a talk about this. Meanwhile, if you’re stiff in the morning, try a few stretching exercises before getting out of bed.

I don’t know how long you’ll have to wait for a rheumatology appointment. I think it varies from one trust to another but your doc might be able to tell you. While you’re waiting use anything that helps and don’t be afraid of what you look like. Most people will be so wrapped up in themselves they won’t notice a thing :roll:

mrsshazbat

I daren't even read my original post back, it probably wouldn't make sense even to me! But thank you for your kind responses, I guess it all just hit again.

Ironically, my letter from the hospital arrived today. My appointment is on 29TH APRIL! At least hopefully by then, hubby's latest biopsy will be out of the way and the two won't clash. That would be awkward!

I've been doing quite a bit of walking since I've been off, admittedly none this week (apart from around town yesterday, in the snow/slush) as I didn't want to take root on the sofa in front of the TV, PC or laptop. Hubby and I have done some longer walks, mostly I've walked around the estate we live on and tried to do an hour or so. Once I get moving I'm fine, it's just when I first get up out of the chair, etc., although I do stiffen up afterwards.

In terms of the pain, even if that goes away I still have no strength in my hands. Sometimes I feel like I even have to justify it to myself, as if I have to feel pain myself to know that there's still something wrong. God I'm weird!

stickywicket

You're NOT weird. I know exactly what you mean. This is a steep learning curve.

Keep a pain diary until your appt.

I hope your husband's biopsy goes well.

Keep us in the loop, please.

mrsshazbat

Well hubby's biopsy is tomorrow - the hospital called today with a cancellation. I also rang the other hospital about MY appointment and asked about cancellations; they don't keep a list but I can keep ringing them to ask. Anyway, they brought my appointment forward to 16th April at 9am, so it's a start.

Other than that, I'm not too bad at the moment. The aches/pain is manageable although after a bout of walking and then housework yesterday I was struggling.

It'll be interesting to see now if worrying about hubby makes it any worse - in theory it's just routine, he's had no symptoms so it would seem all continues to be ok, but you never know.

Meanwhile, my funky stick is ordered and on its way.

dreamdaisy

Meds such as naproxen and diclofenac work better if taken consistently - do you have a stomach protector too? When we have arthritis our 'choice' about taking meds or not tends to disappear and although the OH sounded harsh with some of her words she was on the right track. We have to adjust to the demands this dross makes upon us and our bodies, we have to find our limits and learn not to exceed them and eventually we have to get the gadgets and gizmos to help us with everyday things. I am pleased to hear you have ordered your stick, this should be held on the opposite side to the affected joint and your hand should be at just above hip height. I now routinely cook, iron and clean sitting down (I can stand for about two minutes before all hell breaks loose) and it can take me all day to change the bed but hey, I get it done and that's what counts. I'm shortly starting my seventeenth year of living with arthritis and I still make mistakes about my limits but fewer than in the past. It's not easy. DD