Doctor Visit This Week

Pansy4
Pansy4 Member Posts: 11
edited 25. Apr 2014, 07:03 in Say Hello Archive
Thank you everyone for your welcome. I am at the moment getting a lot of pain from my arthritis. Seeing doctor this week - but what can they do?

Comments

  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hello Pansy4 and welcome from me too. What will your doc do? I guess that will depend on what sort of doc you are seeing. It sounds as if it's a GP. They deal with osteoarthritis but can refer you to a rheumatologist if they think you might have an auto-immune form. (If you are new to the wonderful world of arthritis :wink: and are already a grandmother I think yours is more likely to be osteo.

    The GP will probably prescribe pain meds and/or anti-inflammatories. (S)he might refer you for physio. That might depend on where your arthritis lies. Unfortunately a GP can't do much more until you need surgery. However, you can do quite a lot for yourself. Have a look here http://www.arthritiscare.org.uk/AboutArthritis/Conditions/Osteoarthritis
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • barbara12
    barbara12 Member Posts: 21,281
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hello pansy if you have any questions post them in living with arthritis..someone usually comes along with an answer or two.I do wish you well at the GPs...he might get more xrays or prescribe pain dullers..or refer you to a specialist..good luck
    Love
    Barbara
  • Pansy4
    Pansy4 Member Posts: 11
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Thank you for your response. So nice to hear from you. I have already seen rheumatologist and been diagnosed with osteoarthritis. I did have physiotherapy at hospital a few years ago, and have not had much pain for a few years. This visit has referred me for phsiotherapy again. Could take up to 3 months on NHS. So I am having sessions privately with an osteopath, and hopes that helps.
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    I hope so too :)
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • Francie7532
    Francie7532 Member Posts: 40
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Sorry to have to welcome you to our forum Pansy4,
    Sounds like your on the right path already. The osteopath should be able to help as well as the physio. Your GP will probably help you with pain and anti inflammatories. I believe that exercise and activity are the fountain of youth, having said that with OA that can be difficult. Do what you can and don't worry about the stuff that you can't. On a good day, do more on a bad day, do less. Sounds simple, but that is how I live with my OA. Good Luck!
  • Pansy4
    Pansy4 Member Posts: 11
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Well I could not believe I have been given an appointment with physiotherapist at my local hospital so soon - 3 weeks. Last time it took 3 months!! Osteopath has eased the pain but as I also have depression, and now have a cold, I am feeling pretty low.
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Three weeks is good news :D I hope the physio helps. I've no idea how I'd cope without my daily exercises. You may well find it helps with the depression, too, if you can be more active. Do ensure the physio knows you're seeing an osteopath, though, and vice versa.

    I'm sorry about the cold and I hope it soon goes. Plenty of soothing drinks, fresh air and keep warm is my remedy. (Actually, gallons of soothing drinks :lol: )
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright