First Rheumy appoitment

Nanad

Well after a couple of years of pain and tests I now have been forwarded to the rheunatolgy department to see a specialist. My doctor thinks not only do I have a form of RA but also a connective tissue disorder. My biggest problem is my liver does not like painkillers but it is now down to 40 (it was 150 due to overprescription of painkillers not alcohol ) after a year of healthy living (well most of the time) he feels I can now take the step forward in a diagnoses. My question is whether it is worth telling the specialist about the other things that is the matter - dry eye syndrome IBS carpal tunnel sweats etc or will I just be wasting their time? I kmow they are busy people and will have my medical records. A lot of this has been delayed as I had breast cancer last year and after a lumpectomy I was given the all clear last month. I have my OA under control with muscle relaxants and cocodamals.I did make a list but it is so long I think I would be embarrassed to hand it over :oops:

Thanks

dibdab

Hello there,

I'd suggest give them a clear list, it will help them to have a complete picture of all that's going on ....things like dry eyes could be a part of the disease, also they may see ways of relieving a variety of symptoms without adding in too many extra drugs, sometimes one drug can trigger another side effect that we struggle with. Inflammatory arthritis of all kinds is a complex beast and manifests itself in all kinds of ways.

Hope you get to see a rheumy very quickly and get some clear advice.

Deb x

Nanad

I have my appointment in for 4 weeks time April 20th so not long to go. I will make a list and see what happens Thanks Diane

dreamdaisy

Hello again Nanad, long time no hear and I am so sorry to read of your breast cancer. I concur with dibdab, rheumatologists need as full a picture as they can gain with us because it's more than likely that all of your conditions are linked: I haven't had the dry eyes but my PsA and OA led to carpal tunnel in both wrists, I constantly sweat which may be a side effect of all the meds, my fibromyalgia or being in constant pain (that makes one hot, well it does this one!) and your IBS, the majority of these come on the auto-immune problem spectrum. Please let us know how you get on and what he / she has to say. I wish you well. DD

Nanad

Thanks DD fibromyalgia has been mentioned as well as inflamatory arthritis and I developed psorisis with the treatment for the cancer but I am on long term steroids and they seem to be helping that. I will feel better knowing what I have. I will post when I have been to the appoitment Diane

dreamdaisy

Oh no, really? I have psoriatic arthritis but mostly without the skin trouble; having said that my skin is becoming increasingly unhappy because I am dealing with a vile tummy bug. Tell them everything, please, it's a far more complicated life than some would have us believe. DD

Nanad

webmanager wrote:

Hi Nanad
as others have mentioned it is a good idea to tell your rheumatologist as much as possible. We have a booklet called "My plan for life" which you can download here
https://www.arthritiscare.org.uk/about-us/news/607-my-plan-for-life-book-launches
There is a bit where you can write all your questions and important points, I hope the appointment goes well
Best Wishes
Sharon

Thank you Sharon - that is exactly what I was looking for I will download and print it

Again thanks

Diane

dreamdaisy

Hello, we're a few days on now and I hope you are as well as possible. Have you made your list? DD