Questions (some probably stupid)

angie45 · 7. Oct 2011, 07:56

Sorry to be so dense but despite having had arther for nigh on 25 years I have never asked for help. I've basically been plodding on taking painkillers while the pain etc got worse. I tended not to go to my GP because I knew that it was what I classed as 'just my knees again'.
So here goes:
What is an OT?
What are pain clinics?
Where can I go to get help with things like managing stairs, getting in and out the bath, being able to stand at the cooker long enough to make a meal etc?
Finally I've noticed a few posts concerning pocket duties. What is this and what do I have to do to join in?

elnafinn · 7. Oct 2011, 08:10

Dear Angie

An OT is an Occupational Therapist. It is an OT that helps with gadgets around the home ie bath aids, perching stools, rails etc.

Most pain clinics are located in hospitals and have teams of staff from different medical areas, including occupational therapists, psychologists, doctors, nurses and physiotherapists. They all work together to help people with pain.

Pain clinics vary but usually offer a variety of treatments aimed at relieving long-term pain, such as painkilling drugs, injections, hypnotherapy and acupuncture.

You will need to be referred to a pain clinic by your GP or hospital consultant.

Aw, bless you Angie, pocket duties are when someone is going into hospital, GP appt or having stitches out etc., is a little nervous and wants support from the forum. Someone started this good idea some time ago, and anyone can join in and support others by going with them, in their pockets and perhaps taking their pet cat/dog, a picnic, choccies, along too. Just join in where and when you like.

Elna x

traluvie · 7. Oct 2011, 08:16

Angi i did reply but my post has vanished... :eek:

I see Elna has replied so no need for me to write again..

Don't ever aplogise for asking questions luvie.. it's better to ask than not know..

vonski · 7. Oct 2011, 08:20

Hi Angie, not stupid questions I think we've all done similar

OT Occupational Therapist
Pain Clinic will check your pain out and advise you what meds are best for your condition,sometimes give steroid injections.
The stairs etc. get your Dr. to reffer you to OT,cooking might be made easier with a perching stool and various seats can help you with bath. OT or dare I say Help the aged which are good and have good things in stock.
Pocket duties is really just letting people know you are supporting them when they are having a worrying/bad time. It does help to know that people that are suffering too are there for you no matter what.
Hope this helps and makes sense.
Love
Yvonne
I see Elna bet me to it whilst I was writing so 2 for the price of one

elnafinn · 7. Oct 2011, 08:35

Hello dear, Vonski, hope you are okish today.You have explained it all very well and added bits I did not. Bit grey, the weather here today but dry (again) but I have my collar on to keep me nice and warm around the neck area. Ian has threatened to put a lead through the largest air vent on this collar and take me for a walk. Cheek of him

Love
Elna x

stickywicket · 7. Oct 2011, 09:08

I've nothing to add to Elna's very comprehensive reply except that I do remember a thread on which some kind soul listed all the abbreviations we use and what they stood for. I'd try to find it if I had a clue what it was called and when it appeared. I think it was about 8 months ago, possibly more. Maybe someone else will see this, remember when and bump it up for you, Angie.

vonski · 7. Oct 2011, 09:21

Hi Elna, I think you were more thorough, Ian would never do that!!!!!

Just sun for me
Angie we are twins both 25yrs. A good age to be

I hope you get everything sorted, perching stools really help.

dreamdaisy · 7. Oct 2011, 09:45

I remember that thread too. I think the contents included:

OH = other half or occupational health (context usually indicates which)
cocos = co-codamols
trammies = tramadol
meth = methotrexate
jabs/jags = injections
RA/PA = rheumatoid/psoriatic arthritis
RctA = reactive arthritis
OA = osteo arthritis
PR = palendromic rheumatism
HR = human resources
FA = NO, not that, folic acid.

DD = me. DD

dreamdaisy · 7. Oct 2011, 10:11

AS = ankylosing spondylitis.

DD (still equals me!)

traluvie · 7. Oct 2011, 10:17

IA = Inflammatory Arthritis

mig · 7. Oct 2011, 10:24

Welcome,took me a while to sort out what it all meant.Somebodies always hear to answer a question,so ask away any time.Mig

elnafinn · 7. Oct 2011, 10:33

Thanks, Sticky, I have just bumped up an old thread I found when I did a Search: Medical Abbreviations.
Happy reading!

Elna x

liesa · 7. Oct 2011, 10:57

Hi Angie
dont go out buying stuff to help get around... one afternoon i sent an email to my local social services and asked if there was any help available to me... a guy phoned me within 10 minutes of sending the email and made an appointment for an OT to come to see me the next day... hows that for service, a lovely lady came and i showed her around... she got me a showerboard so i can sit on the board over the bath to shower as its to risky standing, also she got me a mangar bath cushion, oh my goodness... how wonderful was that, i hadnt had a bath in months many months.... (had been in a crash with my car/bus a month earlier and altho wasnt seriously hurt, wrote my car off but hurt my back) anyway the bath was amazing so soothing for my muscles that were 'stone' lol
she also had a new stair handrail put up so to walk upstairs with 2 rails was much better for me, i also had 2 hand grips put up around the bath/shower (we did that) and also had an extended handrail put round the corner of the stairs as theyre a bit awkward also had a man out to size hallway its so tiny and wouldnt have enough room now they are having a downstairs toilet/wet room put in theyre really helpful, good luck xxx

frogmorton · 7. Oct 2011, 11:05

In our area it is a call to Social services for aids and adaptations for those with disabilities.

Some stuff you do have to pay for yourself, but some (larger things like stairlifts) are still means-tested.

Oh yes also methotrexate can be shortened to mtx.

Love

Toni xx

angie45 · 7. Oct 2011, 18:50

Wow, thanks everyone. That's a lot to remember. It seems like I'll need to stop being an ostrich with my head in the sand and start asking for help, if I'm going to be able do some of the things I like doing like baking etc.Hey maybe I could take some homemade cake on pocket duty.
Pocket duties sounds such a brilliant idea. Something I could've been doing with when the consultant told me I needed knee surgery but couldn't get it because I was too young and too heavy but I could maybe qualify for gastric band surgery. I was too stunned to say anything at the time.

hileena111 · 8. Oct 2011, 02:28

Hi, Dont know if authorities are different but in Northumberland you can self refer to an OT....dont have to wait for a GP to do it. They are usually in the physio dept of the hospital....at least our are.
No question is stupid.....I bet if you were thinking it someone else was as well

Love
Hileena

valval · 8. Oct 2011, 02:43

do not forget ((())) cyber hugs to help people through tough times
welcome sorry it took so long for you to find us but it never to late join in and become one of the family we are a mottled crew but with hearts of gold val

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