First appointment with specialist- what to ask?

LolaCrayola · 21. Oct 2011, 04:17

My referral to the orthapaedic clinic is next week. Not sure what I should ask. Wanted to ask mainly about pain management as I am in pain all the time. Any other suggestions? I have arthritis in my cervical spine.

dreamdaisy · 21. Oct 2011, 04:36

I honestly don't know, Lola, as my arthritis is a different beast to yours. We usually advise taking some notes along with you listing symptoms, things that help and things that don't, tiredness levels, pain levels and how they fluctuate etc. As for pain management, well there is not a lot to be done: the dullers only remove a certain limit, I think the management has to come from us in learning to cope with a certain amount of daily discomfort. Pain clinics can be very helpful, and I was able to help myself a deal more after doing an AC course in coping with pain and arthritis. AC produce some useful leaflets on this topic, I am not tecchy enough to do the blue stuff that provides links, hopefully someone else who can will be along soon! Good luck and let us know how you get on, please. DD

julie47 · 21. Oct 2011, 05:02

Lola I have Ra so don't quite know what questions you could ask.
DD has given you some Ideas, perhaps you could add Physio or hydro pool to your list :?:

Good luck with your appointment.
Juliepf x

bubbadog · 21. Oct 2011, 05:39

Lola, Because all our Arthers are different it's hard to say what to ask, but all I can suggest is sit somewhere quietly and think what you want answered and right those questions on a pad. That's what I do. Also ask your partner if he has any questions for the consultant. I know mine always has loads!! And they may ask something you didn't think of. But my only suggestion is write all the questions on a pad and take it to the appt so you don't forget anything. That's what I do. Hope that helped. bubbadog/Amanda.

hileena111 · 21. Oct 2011, 06:40

Hi Lola
Yes thats a good idea ...ask your partner....I know mine remembers things i have said {pain in certain place or whatever} that I dont..... so I ask him before i go as well as writing my own notes.
They aren't necessarily questions to ask, they are just things that make the pain worse/better, any efffects that might be the medication? Where the pain is worse, when it is worse etc etc.
I think if you ask your GP about a referral to a pain clinic afterwards...it migh be a help...I know OA is just painkillers [which dont completely kill it}
or surgery.....but a pain clinic could be a better place once you are completely diagnosed to manage your pain....rather than your GP.
I'm waiting for my GP to send me to one so dont actually know the ins and outs of one. She was going to send me then I fractured my pelvis and sacro illiac joint and they started doing investigations ...so she said the pain clinic was on hold until we got this sorted then she would refer me for the OA pain
Sorry for the ramble.
Love
Hileena

First appointment with specialist- what to ask?

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