Specialist nurses

Melly
Melly Member Posts: 8
in Living with arthritis

hi, I have been taking methotrexate for 13 months. The pain has largely subsided but I still have ‘thickenings’ which when massaged for 3or 4 nights sort of disappear.
I have explained this to the specialist nurse who has increased methotrexate to 12.5 a week.
I feel I need to talk more about my condition as the nurses have little time as there are such a lot of patients. I literally go into the appointment, asked if I need a prescription and that’s it I then go to get my bloods done.
I have no discussions.
I just feel sidelined somewhat and they aren’t interested? Can anyone relate to this. Should I go private.

Comments

  • Ellen
    Ellen Moderator Posts: 1,794

    I can relate to this the Rheumatology nurses these days do seem to be very very busy.

    A not insignificant number of our members do end up seeking private medical help. The problem is your condition is long-term so you'd need to look into the financial implications carefully. Do you have insurance for instance and if so have you got life-time cover for your condition?

    Is there a really helpful nurse you've met at the clinic who you could share this with? Or perhaps book a double face to face appointment with your GP, if they are supportive, then at least you might feel 'heard'.

    Hopefully some of our members might have some ideas for you and of course you are always welcome to ring the helpline here: tel:0800 5200 520 Monday to Friday 9am till 6pm.

    Best wishes

    Ellen.

  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 29,880

    Nightmare isn't it?

    Honestly @Melly it's the same with so many areas my daughter who has epilepsy often sees the neurologist once in 2 years or longer. Her appt from march was put of till sept and is currently Dec! She had 3 seizures last week one after the other and ended up in A&E bless her.

    One option we are considering is changing consultant (probably via the GP) or even a complaint with PALS. Problem is you don't want them to dislike you do you it's natural to worry about that, but loads of people have changed their consultant on here. For the better.

    Take care

    Toni x

Categories