After 8 months...

Slosh

After being referred at the start of the year I had a phone call today from Occupational therapy to arrange an appointment.
All booked for Monday morning, not quite sure what to expect.

dibdab

Not what you'd all speedy then........... hope it's a useful appointment.

We have a specific rheumy OT in Wolverhampton and appointment times aren't too bad, and after the initial referral it's possible to self refer which is useful. In my experience it was a useful appointment, she listened to what I find challenging when hands etc are sore, and was able to suggest aids that are available and web sites to use. She also supplied (free of charge) compression gloves for when the swelling is bad to protect my joints, a variety of splints for wrists and a troublesome thumb joint, and a blanket guard to lift the bedding when my ankles/feet are particularly troublesome and the bedding hurts. She talked me through ways of taking pressure off joints in everyday activities, and ways of easing things in the classroom .........some suggestions were useful , others less so, but all worth considering.

Maybe you could go with questions about specific tasks that are most difficult for you personally?

Hope the summer break is being kind to you and you're feeling relaxed.

Deb x

dreamdaisy

I've never had an OT appointment so I don't know what to expect either! I think it may be time to make another list (I know, I know) of what is particularly troublesome physically and they may be able to suggest some solutions. I really hope so, please let us know how it goes. DD

Slosh

Those are both really helpful. I was originally told I would be waiting a year! I have seen a private OT and thanks to her and advice here I have got quite a few things in place.

The idea of making a list is really good, again I presume it's based on me at my worst.

Any information on what they can provide /advise on would be really helpful.

stickywicket

I think all local authorities have their own rules. With Leeds, they will provide small things eg a grabber stick, rails, chair leg raisers etc but larger items are means tested which seems fair enough to me.