Hospital Appointment... for a whole day!

kellis

Morning
I know this may be difficult to answer as I live in France and things may be done differently here, but I have been called in to see the Rheumatology department at the hospital and told I will be there all day!

I need to arrive with an empty stomach at 8.30am, presumably for a blood test, I assume I will have a chat with the rheumatologist for a bit, but what on earth else are they going to do with me that lasts for a whole day!! I was told I would be there until approx 5pm!

I have RA and have been on MTX for 3 years but have recently been changed to leflunomide (Arava) following an x-ray which showed a bit of toe joint deterioration. Not sure why the sudden day long hospital trip - any ideas?!

Panicky slightly... :?

woodbon

Hi,
I think someone else on here had to go in for a review that lasted a day, but I'm not sure. Sounds as if they are just being through and are going to look at all the aspects of your treatment and condition. Try not to worry! Love Sue

elnafinn

Hi Kellis

I do not know why they wish you to attend all day, but I would take that as a bonus. You are being well looked after. I only hope they eventually give you breakfast.

Is there anyone you could phone at the hospital to provide you with more information as to what will be going on?

I am sure it will all be fine. Sounds as it if will be thorough and that can only be a good thing for you.

Luv
Elna x

woodbon

Maybe we should all move to France. I fancy the warm south.......Dream ON Sue

kellis

I'm in the almost warm middle/west! Funnily enough I don't normally suffer as much with the RA from spring through to pre-Christmas, so there must be some truth in the warmer weather theory!

I did try phoning the hospital to enquire further, but I'm not confident with the language over the phone (can't use hand signals!) although I did get that I will have a blood test first thing and then be served breakfast! She also mentioned something about 'not tolerating' the MTX, but I don't know what that will involve.

Hey-ho - take it as it comes!

hezmarie25

Hi Kellis

Oh you lucky person living in France, warmer and drier than here.
I have a friend who lives in France and she was shocked when we got talking one day about hospital appointments and I told her that in England we usually wait two hours after appointment time to get n the door, then we are usually booted out after 5 mins . She said it is very normal in France to have an all day appointment as they like to be very detailed and look after their patients.
I will keep my fingers crossed for you that breakfast is good
I have come out after a 5 min appointment and thought damn I should of said this, I should of said that, at least if you forget you have the rest of the day to remember it
Keep well and take care
Heather x

eckstardeluxe

When I had my MRI they kept me all day, they just came round asking lots of questions and taking blood, testing reflexes etc. They staff were great and I felt like they were being really thorough. good luck xx

kellis

Had my day at the hospital today - nothing to worry about really!
Lots of poking and prodding, blood test, wee sample, height, weight etc, consultation with senior rheumy and a bit more prodding by several student rheumies! Chest x-ray and TB check too.
I've now got to go back on Thurs for an injection into my everso swollen wrist (painful - been there with the other one!) and to start Anti-TNF treatment.
Frantically Googling Anti-TNF self injecting now to find out more as I was given a bundle of literature to read.... in French!
I have to choose between syringe and 'pen' ... not keen on syringe, but any advice welcome!

michelle22

If I had a choice of the two I would take the pen as the pen's are pre filled and you just turn them to the amount required I only know this as I had to inject myself while pregnant for diabeties

Glad that all went well today