Waiting for 1st Rhuematologist appt.

Vickeli

New to this but will try to be brief!
Went to doctors with rash and severe joint paint at end of March - saw a Rhuematologist in acute admissions unit. She ordered bloods and an X-ray - not got results yet. She also gave me a steroid injection - depo medrol. Suspected early ra. injection Calmed most of the pain down, hands and wrists still hurt though.
Got appt for 1st real Rhuematologist appt in outpatients but not till July! Steroid shot wore off last week - serious pain in all joints has returned. Going to doctor on Monday to try to get or pain relief/another steroid shot! Calling daily for cancellation with specialist. What should I be asking him/her when I see them? Any suggestions for coping with pain until July?
Thanks for reading.

Rowantree

Hi vickeli, that's hard. It's so hard to wait. I'm waiting for a referral toa surgeon. Try anti inflammatory medication? Speak to GP for some good pain relief advice, or pharmacists are sometimes even better.

Vickeli

Thanks Rowantree,
Nurofen doesn't really touch the sides so will ask doctor for stronger anti inflammatory med.
Hope you get to see a surgeon soon!

frogmorton

Hi Vicki

Lovely to meet you and welcome you to our forums.

YOur GP should be able to help you will some pain relief staright away. If you can take ibuprofen don't dismiss kit (gives me the runs :oops: ) being anti-inflammatory it is very useful, but alongside analgesics - pain relief.

Good on you trying for a cancellation - you WILL get on I am sure.

I suggest you start a list for rheumatologist who will ahve notes from the other rheumatologist which will help.

1. what happened where was the pain.

2. how severe out of ten was the pain.

3. was there stiffness? For how long?

4. What can you no longer do? (drive get in bath etc)

5. other symptoms (rash/high temp etc)

6. does anything help? heat/icepacks (I like ICE wrapped in teatowel)

and my top ten tip is - take someone with you, family or friend because they can speak for you if you get upset and also two memories are better than one

Love

Toni xxx

Vickeli

Thank you Toni,
That's all really helpful.
It's been a bit of a shocking couple of months but I see I'm in it for the long run! It's reassuring to know that others on here are coping, albeit on a day to day basis and there is light at the end of the tunnel with the right medication/diet etc.
I've been keeping a diary since the first injection so that will help, my memory is usually bad but recently it's gotten worse - does anyone else have this problem?
Will definitely get someone to come with me to the specialist, thanks for that!
It's great to chat to people who know what I'm going through as no-one I speak to really understands the daily pain and growing feeling of self pity that stems from it.
I was reading another thread talking about acceptance and was so inspired by all the comments on there - I hope that when I have a firm diagnosis, that I will be able to deal with as positively as many you already have.
Vicki

frogmorton

Ah Vicki

Glad to help. At your first apt they usually have stuff to do too. An examination so wear trousers/joggers

Xrays often of chest and hands (to give them a baseline for the future).

I was precsribed my medication too at that appointment. After that went back 3 monthly till things were under control then 6 or even 12 monthly. Also you should be given a rheumatology helpline number to ring if you ever need to.

I am certain you'll get your head around it all. It really is not in any way doom and gloom - I initially thought it would be, but it's fine - different yes but fine

Love

Toni xx