Rheumatology appointment changed

Megrose489

Hi all. When I got my first rheumatology appointment on 24th March, I also told the appointments person that I would be happy to accept a cancellation. She's just phoned and my appointment is now next Tuesday! I don't know if others do this, but it's well worth it.

So, if possible, I'd love to have people in my pocket. I've spent some time on my medical history etc to take with me and also my symptoms - mainly the hip bursitis (over a year) and the OA (foot, knees and hands). I would really like them to offer suggestions about the bursitis and also my thumb joints. When holding the phone for any length of time my right thumb and first two finger go numb - also have it at night - so maybe there's carpel tunnel syndrome there as well. So, we'll see.

Knowing I'm going to be seeing somebody next week has really cheered me up. I'm either very strange, or a bit sad! Probably both!

stickywicket

Neither strange nor sad, megrose. You want answers and help and now it looks to be coming sooner than expected. That is good. I'm pleased for you and I shall be there

theresak

Hope it goes well for you - I`ll be thinking of you.

villier

I can understand how it has cheered you it is closer to you getting answers than you thought. Count me in Meg I will be there hope you get the answers you are looking for xx

As5567

I hope the appointment goes well for you.

I almost always say to the booking team I can take a cancellation at any time, and 75% of the time I get seen faster. Doing this also helps others on the waiting list to be seen sooner

dreamdaisy

I always say I can take a cancellation - the quickest was 'Can you get here in ten minutes?' around thirty minutes after telling them I could!

I am pleased that you are being seen but I don't think I can make it due to that day being The Spouse's birthday and I am unlikely to be around. I will endeavour to log in at some point though, in case you are able to post an update. Good luck and I hope it goes well. DD

barbara12

Hello meg
I will be in your pocket..dont forget your list, one with questions and one with any pains, swellings rashes and anything else you can think of.. ..I had mine yesterday and produce my list and she read through them so saved me from forgetting things ...very easy these days..good luck..x

Megrose489

Hi all.

Thank you all for being in my pocket this morning. Well I'm quite pleased about the way it went. She was a lovely woman, Polish I think and very sympathetic. I did give her my list, but she didn't really look at it - except the medications - but I remembered most of it, anyway.

The upshot is that the main pain is due to the hip bursitis and OA, with some fibromyalgia as well, which my GP had suspected. She pressed on a few areas, which were very tender.

So, I'm off to Doncaster Royal Infirmary next week to have four injections - two in my hips and two in my thumbs. She felt the steroid injections I've had so far in my hips haven't been strong enough so she wants to inject another drug - didn't catch it all, something beginning with m I think. I've just been googling - Methylprednisolone perhaps? Anyway, she said they didn't have it at the small hospital I went to, which is why I've got to go to Doncaster. I think the thumb injections will be the ordinary steroid ones. I gave another armful of blood as well!

She's also put me down for physio at that hospital. I told her about going to the other hospital, but she just said, go with them until you get an appointment here and then you can cancel the other ones.

If the bloods come back OK and I've had the injections, then she's going to discharge me, I think. It will be nice to go upstairs without clinging onto the bannisters and pulling myself up! Fingers crossed, anyway.

villier

Sounds like a positive appointment Meg, I am afraid I cant help you out with the name for the hip injections as I only ever had normal steroid ones in my joints. That is good you are getting them done next week lets hope between them and the physio they will help your pain, I will keep my fingers crossed for you xx

Megrose489

Thank you very much, Villier.

You know, I sometimes wonder if I expect too much. I know I've got OA and maybe expect the doctors to give me a magic pill which will get rid of all pain. Perhaps I should realise that, at 68, there is going to be wear and tear that doctors can't cure! Who was it said that old age ain't for wimps!

barbara12

Hello meg
Glad to see the rheumy looked after you, only she should have looked at your list.. :roll: anyhow at least she is organizing some injections for you, I have had the ones in my thumbs and they worked brilliant, but my hip ones didnt.. so hope these stronger ones work for you..x

stickywicket

Yes, it does sound like a good appointment and I hope much good comes of it.

Old age not for wimps, eh? I like it, megrose