Asking for a rheumatologist appointment?

Megrose489
Megrose489 Member Posts: 776
edited 12. Jan 2015, 14:33 in Living with Arthritis archive
We can choose between two hospitals in our area and I prefer one over the other. My GP sent me to see the Orthopaedic Consultant at a local clinic and he is connected to the hospital I usually don't choose to go to. So, I'm being seen by the physiotherapist at this hospital. If I don't get back in touch with the Consultant to try another steroid injection in the next two months he will discharge me. As I've had two injections, neither of which have worked, I don't see the point. I go back to see the physiotherapist at the end of next week and have had to wait two months to see her again since my initial appointment. They're very busy.

I'm feeling a bit sorry for myself at the moment. Had a bad night two nights ago with pain and was awake from about 3am. I've raised the dosage of the Nortriptyline, as my GP advised, to 50mg. Last night I slept better, but I'm still uncomfortable and in pain. As you may know, I'm to have a blood test next week to check out Polymalgia Rheumatica and my GP thinks I may have Fibromyalgia as well as the bursitis and OA.

When I see the GP again on 23 January I've decided I would like to see a Rheumatologist at the hospital I prefer. I've had this bursitis for a year now and, although the GP is good, I would just like to see a specialist who can give me an overall examination taking into account the bursitis, the OA and maybe the Fibromyalgia. Of course, I don't yet know what the blood tests will show.

So, firstly does this seem reasonable? Secondly, is it OK to ask to see somebody at another hospital, even though I won't be discharged from the Orthopaedic Consultant's care until the end of February. Not really sure how this works, so any advice would be appreciated.

Meg

Comments

  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I'm not sure how this works either, Megrose, but I would wait for the blood test results to come through: if your GP then decides that a rheumatologist appointment is required then ask to go to the hospital of your choice.

    I hope the increase of meds helps and that you soon start to feel a little better in yourself. Take care and keep warm. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • theresak
    theresak Member Posts: 1,998
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I changed hospitals several years ago, as I wasn't happy with the standard of care at my local one. Fortunately, my GP wasn't happy with them either, so was glad to refer me to the hospital of my choice.

    It's a decision I've never regretted, as my current rheumy team are fantastic.

    Hope it works out for you.
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,697
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    The only thing I'd add to what's been said is that, generally speaking, a teaching hospital is better than a local district one. That's not an infallible guide but it's one I'd always use.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • jules5
    jules5 Member Posts: 15
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi talking but rhumy I saw my specialist last November and should have been seen in October but as per not heard as yet ..looks like I may have to ring them .my specialist didn't like it when I wouldn't take methotrexate anymore.isnt it my choice .it just didn't suite me at all .xx
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,697
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    jules5 wrote:
    .isnt it my choice .

    Not entirely, Jules. The consultant rheumatologist is the expert, methotrexate is probably the most common starting medication as it is tried and tested and not too problematic for most people.

    How did it not suit you? There are often teething problems with it and sometimes people do have side-effects which just don't resolve in time.

    It sounds as if your rheumatologist might have decided that you have opted out. Your GP should be able to tell you what the report was on your last consultation. I know rheumatology departments are enormously busy now and mine have just asked me if I'd be happy with annual visits given I can ring for a quicker one if required.

    Please don't leave yourself with a DMARD. That gives the disease free rein.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • barbara12
    barbara12 Member Posts: 21,280
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello Meg I would wait for the blood test results then take it from there,of course you ask for a second opinion or to be seen at the other hospital.. I really hope you can get some answers soon..I'm afraid I'm still in the process..good luck x
    Love
    Barbara
  • Megrose489
    Megrose489 Member Posts: 776
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thank you all. When I saw the physiotherapist last week I told her that I was thinking of asking to see a rheumatologist at another hospital and she was fine about it. It didn't seem to impact on my attendance for physiotherapy at hospital number one. Presumably I'm under her care now. Very nice woman who kept calling me 'sweetheart'.

    Just been for my blood tests at the surgery. I thought the doctor was just testing for inflammation, but he has asked for a battery of tests covering just about everything! So much so, that the nurse added my annual cholesterol test to the list and that will be me done for my yearly MOT!

    So, I've now got an appointment with the GP for Tuesday 20th and I'll take it from there. I hope that you get some answers soon, Barbara. x
  • jules5
    jules5 Member Posts: 15
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    jules5 wrote:
    .isnt it my choice .
    Hi again stickywicket,thank u once again for your advice it's much appreciated .when you mentioned the sturnemand ,shoulder please don't think me ignorant but about 27 years ago was abused phisicaly.and was stood on with steal toecap ed boots on my right side of chest and shoulder I am begging to think this is the cause of my problem I would appreciate any advice from you .thank u so much jules
    Not entirely, Jules. The consultant rheumatologist is the expert, methotrexate is probably the most common starting medication as it is tried and tested and not too problematic for most people.

    How did it not suit you? There are often teething problems with it and sometimes people do have side-effects which just don't resolve in time.

    It sounds as if your rheumatologist might have decided that you have opted out. Your GP should be able to tell you what the report was on your last consultation. I know rheumatology departments are enormously busy now and mine have just asked me if I'd be happy with annual visits given I can ring for a quicker one if required.

    Please don't leave yourself with a DMARD. That gives the disease free rein.
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,697
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Why on earth would I think you ignorant, jules? Of course not but we are not medically trained and can't diagnose things. That was a dreadful thing that happened to you but only a doc can say whether it is the cause of your current problems. In your position I'd see my GP for some pain relief but also chase up an appointment with the rheumatologist.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright