Hi. New member

Karen19
Karen19 Member Posts: 5
edited 28. Nov 2023, 14:07 in Living with arthritis

Hi all. I am looking forward to hearing from others who understand. I am getting nowhere with the nhs and feeling a bit sorry for myself. Didn't realise that the only advice I would get from my gp was to just take more and more pain killers, stop doing everything I enjoy and just put up with it. She wouldn't even give me a face to face appointment.

Comments

  • Tom
    Tom Member Posts: 522

    Welcome to the forum, @Karen19 .

    You do not say what conditions you have, Osteo or Rheumatoid and it is therefore difficult to give you relevant information. Is the problem recent? If so the initial phase can be daunting, especially without appropriate care.

    Here are some links that may help:

    https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/managing-symptoms/managing-your-pain/


    https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/managing-symptoms/emotional-wellbeing/


    You could also talk to out Helpline about the options open to you if you are dissatisfied with the care you are getting: 0800 5200 520

    The best of luck. Let us know how you get on.

    Tom, Moderator.

  • Karen19
    Karen19 Member Posts: 5

    Thank you. I have osteoarthritis in my neck/spine, hands and feet. Have had it for several years. It has got to the point where the pain is now pretty constant. I will have a good look through the suggested material.

  • Lilymary
    Lilymary Member Posts: 1,750

    Have you asked to be referred to a pain clinic? That may be a good way forward for you.

  • Karen19
    Karen19 Member Posts: 5

    I don't seem to be able to get anyone to refer me anywhere. I have neen waiting for a physiotherapy appointment for five and a half months. Since coronovirus nobody seems to be prepared to do anything. I will ask about pain clinic. Thank you.

  • Fran54
    Fran54 Member Posts: 271

    Hi Karen19

    I was referred for a physiotherapy appointment in June last year and managed to start my physio in November. I can understand your frustration in the long wait. Is it worth chasing this up with your Doctor?

    I hope that you manage to get some help soon. Take care.

  • nicholaj
    nicholaj Member Posts: 64

    Agree with others. You should try and press your GP to be more active. I’ve found the best way is to actually write a letter explaining how things are and taking it into the practice.

  • Karen19
    Karen19 Member Posts: 5

    Thanks for the advice. Talking to the doctor was futile. I think writing a letter is a great idea. At least that way i get a chance to explain what is happening. I am an articulate person yet I felt totally belittled by the doctor during our phone call.

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