Go a date to see Rheumatology nurse, what to expect?

[Gymbabe]

Just rang the Rheumatology secretary and the got a reply from eye clinic yesterday! Any how they have no objects to me going on Hydroxy.

I now have a date to see a Rheumatology nurse to start on it on 6th Aug, so need to know now what happens at the appointment?

Excited and worried now!

[KathinAyrshire]

Not all rheuemy nurses work in the same way but with mine, they are there to help with any questions and any concerns you may have whilst you are under treatment which is very useful if you find yourself with an unexpected side effect from the hydroxy. My initial appointment was really just a chat about my symptoms and how to cope with them. They were very understanding, much more so than normal nurses as this is their speciality. I have their phone number and any concerns I have I can just ring them.

Best of luck with your appointment.

[willowwag]

I was the same, its just a chat to see how you are, or if you have already started hydroxy and how you are on it, they will take your blood etc. If its your first ever visit dont be worried they are very nice and have alot more time to talk through anything you may want to ask. Ask them for a emergancy contact team number. Mine gave me one just incase i need A&E attension and they said if you feel im having my turn for the worst ring them on the way and they would meet me in the hospital. Good luck let us know how you go. Hugs

[Gymbabe]

Thank you for your replies.

Will she be able to prescripe the Hydroxy or will she write to my Gp? If its via Gp then an even longer wait before I get this drug! Only been waiting since April.

Will be nice to have someone to talk to about all this.

Somedays I think I'm not too bad been then I look at things and see that its just that I have change my life to deal with it all.

[JacquieCD]

I have just had my first meeting with my Lupus nurse at Addenbrookes. She says I can ring her with any questions or concerns I have. If she doesnt have an answer she can point me in the right direction. I have just started a drug called Azathioprine and it was her job to explain it to me and help with how I manage the blood tests etc...she also wanted to check I have a sympathetic GP (which I do).. It is her job to be an extra link in the care of each person as she will have more time to spend with you than your consultant.

I hope this is helpful to you.