Delayed care vent

samozoa

I’ve had an appointment today with my rheumatologist and been shown my knee xray from a few months ago. My left knee has hardly any space left between the bones, I’ve been told I Will get early onset osteoarthritis in at least that knee. I’m only just 20 and I’ve had joint pains for 5 years and I only started on hydroxychloroquine last summer. I can’t help feel like if they’d taken me more seriously it might not be this bad. I have to start methotrexate soon and I don’t really know what to expect. I don’t know if it’ll work, or if it’ll make me ill. I’m scared because my doctor doesn’t explain things fully and I can’t think to ask while I’m there. I don’t know when long term damage starts so I just keep thinking I’m gonna be dying in the next 10 years which I do know is probably dramatic. I am sorry if anyone reads this, I’m just sad and scared and don’t know where to go for help :(

Anna

Hello @samozoa,

Like you, I was diagnosed with arthritis ( rheumatoid) in my late teens, and I can understand how scary that can feel. But many years have passed since that diagnosis and I’m still here, and still enjoying life with all it’s ups and downs, and I’m sure you will be too. Hydroxychloroquine and Methotrexate are treatments that have proved really successful and if you have a search for posts from other members you’ll see that for many of our members it has changed their lives for the better, and hopefully this will be the same for you.

It’s always nerve-wracking going to see the medical professionals- what we want to say often goes out of our heads completely ! Is there anybody who can come to your appointment with you, to ask questions that you might forget or just to give you moral support? I find that jotting down what I want to say before I go helps me to focus and acts as a reminder.

Arthritis doesn’t only affect us physically, but emotionally too. Have a look at the link I’ve posted - just some suggestions for looking after your emotional health:

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

Don’t worry about being dramatic or venting on here - it’s what this community is here for.

Anna ( Moderator)

anneka87

Hi Samoza,

I understand your frustration, there seems to be so many delays in accessing diagnosis and treatment. It's so frightening when you consider the implications of delays in treatment.

I took feel like I have not been taken seriously and I have questioned my sanity.

I find it helps to write down any questions or concerns before the appointment so I don't forget and maybe taking someone with you will be helpful?

Anneka