Saw Rheumy Today

petmad

WELL!! What a difference from the last one. I went all prepared this time, I had typed my history so I could give dates etc. I also was prepared with the what do you want etc.
She was lovely, she took lots of notes and a good history, is happy that I have gone ahead and started physio. Full exam and she was very gentle...no rushing, I had bloods done for another form of arthritis given I have dry eyes and mouth. Don't ask me the name lol, she did find signs of OA and my deterioration given I was young when it started (29 years ago)
We discussed work, she was wary of giving her opinion, however following our discussion she advised that I should make the decision that I can't work. I made her aware of the issues in trying to get early pension and she will support me with occy health when they contact her.
I have to continue with the medication I am taking as it is working for me. We discussed the issues regarding driving and if this continues she will get a driving assessment done to help me find ways round the difficulty.
I am sad to not be returning to work, however so relieved that the decision has now been taken and shared with someone lol I am sure you can all appreciate what I mean when I say I am afraid folk will think I am a fraud.
I am also very thankful that I have met a Rheumy who is human, I know I wont see much of her in the future as will be seen by the nurse etc, but it is nice to know there is someone who I can communicate with rather than the negative feelings I was left with following my last experience. Linda

ninakang

That's great news, Linda, sounds like things have taken a real turn for you.

I hope my consultant is as efficient as yours - I have my first appointment this Thursday. I'm 32.

Nx

mistywillow

ninakang wrote:

That's great news, Linda, sounds like things have taken a real turn for you.

I hope my consultant is as efficient as yours - I have my first appointment this Thursday. I'm 32.

Nx

Hi Linda
Great to hear you had a good experience at the clinic
No one likes going to these appointments but it is so much more bearable if you are treated like a human being!! I guess you have mixed feelings about giving up work, but the stress of pushing yourself won't help old arthur. So really pleased for you
Take care of yourself
Gillx

petmad

ninakang I am now 53, its unusual for someone to have OA as early as I did unless it is hereditory, mine does not seem to be.

Gill you are right, I have very mixed feelings and have to say was quite tearful but felt we had to have the discussion. Linda

vonski

Hi Linda

Glad everything went so well, nice to hear good news for a change Good to know there are still consultants that care too.

Love
Vonski x

woodbon

Hello Linda, I'm really glad you've got someone so nice. It makes a bit difference, I think. You feel trust and security in their treatment.

As for giving up work, I do know a bit about that, as I'm going through all the motions at the moment. You will feel sad, its natural, and need time to ajust to it. I'm still feeling a bit strange now. I do feel some relief though, as I hated letting them down, when I had a bad day or patch. Also the worry of coping has gone. It is a change of life though and one we don't expect to make for years :!: I'm sure you'll cope and feel better for it in the end, you just need time and to get over the blooming paper work!!! :x Take care Love Sue

petmad

Hi Vonsky and Sue, your right it makes such a difference to have someone you can talk to. She was a very calm person and seemed to have all the time in the world so it was a good experience.
Sue your right about the work thing, I have been off since Nov 07 and was trying to convince myself that I could go back. I think the problem will be getting my pension as I am only 53. However the Rheumy is clear that I will be unable to undertake any employment. So will discuss this with my GP who will hopefully be of the same opinion, but considering it is she who has insisted I stay off work, it should be ok. Linda

woodbon

Hi Linda,
I'm the same age as you, in the local gov pension scheme and the occy health doc has written that his opinion is that I can't go back to work. He has to pass this to another occy health doctor, and they have sent for another report from my GP. The will then have report back to the council and they should release my pension! I hope in all goes smoothly, they seem to think it will, but I'll be pleased when its all over and done with. I've got a book explaining it from my union, but, honestly, its so full of jargon and strange maths I gave up on it! :?

I expect you'll feel better when you sort yours out. Are you in a Union? Mines Unison - they are quite helpful but its a complicated system to someone with my maths skills!!! :roll: Hope you get it sorted easily and with little stress as possible. Love Sue

petmad

Hi Sue, yes I am in UNISON and also work for a local authority so hope I get through easily. I just feel I want it over. Linda