Help with terminology please?!

Sharon2960

Only recently been seeing my specialist who is very helpful. I've had a copy of the letter he's sent to my gp, which I was going to talk to him about at my next appointment at the end of the week but that appointments now been rearranged by a week! As I'm not a very patient patient(!), I'd like to know what some of the stuff means! Eg: positive ANA; systemic examination; negative Doppler activity;

He finishes by saying the changes are in keeping with inflammatory arthritis.

I've had a steroid injection and am on Prednisole 7.5mg, calcium and bisposphonate. These all rattle along with the pills for underactive thyroid!!!

If anyone can explain this to me, it would help me fend off the questions from significant others and boss etc til I see my specialist again!

Sorry it's so flipping long winded!

dreamdaisy

Hello. I've never asked to be copied in to letters purely for the reason that I don't speak 'doc'. I don't expect my rheumatologist etc to speak my professional language and I know I won't understand hers. One phrase in your letter stands out to me, viz. 'the changes are in keeping with inflammatory arthritis'. This is a good thing because it has been recognised.

You have had a steroid injection and I presume are taking pred as a back-up (both of which are par for the course for some rheumatologists when an auto-immune inflammatory arthritis is in the process of diagnosis). There are many forms of this type and it can take a while for a firm decision to be made; on the other hand the meds (when prescribed) don't vary too much.

You can be as impatient as you want - the disease (and it's diagnosis) won't take any notice. It's not an easy time for you, I realise that, and I wish I could do more to help. DD

Sharon2960

Thankyou, seems to me you're one helpful lady on here! I didn't ask for a copy, I think his sec sent it as a routine! I know this will take its time etc, he also went thru most of the terminology when I saw him, but think a lot of it went in one ear and out the other! Think I'll just have to get used to telling people that as and when I get info, then I will share it with them!! Must say I'm finding these forums v helpful - everyone seems so supportive.

dreamdaisy

I have to go and do domestic stuff - I will reply properly tomorrow but trying to help is what the forum is about. Stick with us girl, we'll see you right. Take care. DD

salamander

Hi Sharon, I always get copied in to letters, it's hospital policy where I go. If I don't understand something I generally google it.

Ana is the autoimmune antibody and it confirms whether you have autoimmune disease or not.

Doppler effect is something they use by ultrasound to measure inflammation and synovitis. I had a very confusing letter from my ultrasound doctor recently which neither my consultant or gp understood. It basically said I had synovitis and erosion of joints but negative Doppler effect. She said I didn't have any active disease despite swollen joints and evidence to the contrary. My GP said to ignore it! So, as DD says, don't get too hung up on the detail!

stickywicket

DD’s right. Significant others and bosses will have to wait for a ‘proper’ interpreter but the salient phrase is ‘the changes are in keeping with inflammatory arthritis’ ie even he doesn’t know which kind of inflammatory arthritis at this point. As DD says, there are many kinds and some people go for years with a simple diagnosis of ‘inflammatory arthritis’ which doesn’t matter much as the meds are more or less the same for all.

frogmorton

Hi Sharon

I was about to help but see that the others have given you the answers pretty well. I am glad you have at least a 'sort of' label to go on for now and hope the rheumy is able to narrow it down sooner rather than later for you.

I don't get copied into letters though I suspect I could ask to be :? To be honest I think we should be - after all it is about us and we can always ask for 'interpretation' can't we?

Take care

love

Toni xx

hileena111

Hi
Yes I'm copied into all letters from various departments.
I google what I cant figure out for myself of ask on here

Love
Hileena

Sharon2960

Must be the pills - I'm just so flipping hungry all the time!! Eating like a horse (unlike me - been going to ww for some time and am quite happy with my weight, and usually in control of what I eat!), But now, it's a whole new ball game!!! Hey ho!,,

dreamdaisy

That is one side effect of oral steroids - it's fake hunger but very difficult to ignore. Stick to healthy snacks such as almonds or raw veg but don't be too surprised if the weight piles on - it's how steroids affect some. DD