Rheumatology update

[Chris1802p]

Just to update in case anyone is interested, following on from previous posts. I had my consultation at London Bridge yesterday with a new rheumatologist as my previous one had left. PM me if you want to know which rheumatologist.

He was very thorough, and has diagnosed me with Psoriatic Arthritis. My neck and spine are very stiff and he feels there are arthritic changes there contributing to my many headaches and migraines. I am already on 200mg hydroxychloroquine (can’t tolerate a higher dose) and that seems to be keeping my skin and joint flare ups under control, but my headaches and fatigue are unchanged.

Because I previously had a weakly positive LA, (followed by another weakly positive 7 weeks later and then just negatives subsequently) he said I should take low dose aspirin every day just in case. He has also added Mepacrin (?sp) 3 times a week to help with the fatigue, and gave me a rather undignified steroid injection in the bum. 😂.

He also said I should be receiving more treatment for my headaches/migraines (I get up to four a week) so he’s writing to my gp for referral to a specialist clinic in my area for that on the NHS.

He also gave advice about taking magnesium and doing Pilates for my stiffness.

A successful outcome I feel.

[MaryF Administrator]

Well done, I am glad you are pleased with the outcome, good you have been told to take Aspirin, and presumably you can stay in touch should things change in any direction? MaryF

[Chris1802p in reply to MaryF]

Yes, I’m seeing him again in 4 months

[Jillymo]

I also went to London Bridge some years ago now to see Professor Hughes who is now retired. It was the only time I felt somebody understood what I were going through. Consequently I was given a diagnosis after years of ill health.

I am thrilled to hear you feel as if you have achieved something, I hope your follow appointment will just as rewarding.

Good luck

[Chris1802p in reply to Jillymo]

Thank you so much

[Chris1802p]

PM’d you with specialist name. I do have psoriasis but not widespread, I’ve been on hydroxy a year with no flare ups so far. They’ve run LA test twice since my weak positives and I don’t think they’re keen to keep doing it as I haven’t had any clotting events. But he has put me on aspirin anyway, which is what they normally recommend for positive LA people who’ve not had miscarriages/clots

[chelb29]

Hi can you please also pm me who you saw, thanks

[HollyHeski Administrator in reply to chelb29]

Hi chelb29, been a while, how are you?

[chelb29 in reply to HollyHeski]

HI! Not great still trying to sort symptoms out years on, never ending issues and problems. U?

[HollyHeski Administrator in reply to chelb29]

I'm sorry your still having problems, happy to chat if you want to.

Take care xx

[Chris1802p in reply to chelb29]

Sure

[Louloubug]

I could not tolerate the med. It made me feel like I was crazy.

Humaria, will change your life.

[Chris1802p in reply to Louloubug]

Which couldn’t you tolerate? Hydroxy? I’m definitely not at the stage where I need Humira, and I believe that’s only used once other options have been exhausted due to potentially serious side effects?

[Honeymonster]

Hi Chris,

That sounds a very thorough and successful consultation.

I would love to know which rheumatologist it was, if you don't mind sharing.

Thanks,

Honey Monster.

[Chris1802p in reply to Honeymonster]

Of course, I’ll PM you