Now I’ve done it, rheum appointment tonight!

[TeaandToast94]

Hi everyone, hope we’re all well. My daughter had her birthday on Friday so we had a few days out to celebrate (queue massive pain from the heat outside, the distance we walked and the overwhelming anxiety of getting on a train!). And work has been equally busy on the ward.

One of the doctors at work examined me about a week ago after we were discussing my symptoms and the fact that my rheum has said likely fibro and gabapentin isn’t working for me. Doctor at work was quite concerned at my symptoms and how my grip has decreased, swollen joints etc and levels of pain I’ve been reporting plus the fact I’m deteriorating and people are noticing it now.

I also had my first GU ulcer in over a year the other week when I was in a bad flare. Anyway I digress, all in all he told me to write to my rheum (as my next appointment wasn’t until October when he wants to discharge me anyway) and document everything and my concerns.

As I’ve said before, I don’t care what my diagnosis is so long as the medications I’m on are effective.. so I wrote a letter to my cons and pinged it off to his secretary the night before last. I get an email today from his secretary saying he wants to see me and asks if I can do 5.30 tonight. Needless to say I am now petrified! Which is ridiculous as I work medically but hate it when it’s about myself.. and I don’t want to be seen as a time waster etc. So am now thinking “now I’ve gone and done it!” By sending that letter 😂😂

Thank you all for the wonderful support (and chit chat!) on here. I will keep you updated with how it goes but needed to get it off my chest that I’m now very nervous etc and will now spend all day thinking about tonight! I know you all on here will understand!

All best wishes and hugs x

[Hidden]

Don’t worry, all information and interest from Drs is worth having and be thankful you have such a responsive team taking care of you. 😉

[TeaandToast94 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you! That’s what I’m telling myself that it’s excellent he wants to see me so soon! Although his receptionist apologised she was looking at the wrong clinic list and the soonest slot is next week instead - but still amazing that he wants to discuss things so promptly, hopefully I can now get somewhere to get effective help! I am a worrier at heart about things like this, so taking deep breaths! Thank you for your reply!

[Hidden in reply to TeaandToast94]

Take notes, pause and ask questions. It will be fine 😉

[TeaandToast94 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much! Definitely think notes are the way to go so brain fog doesn’t detract from what I want to say

[baba]

Make a list of symptoms, what has got worse or new symptoms since last appointment.

What has helped, if anything,

what is not helping e.g. gabapentin.

Mention that colleagues have noticed deterioration.

Forget about time wasters, - that's not you.

Good luck

[MEGS53]

Please let us know how you get on.

🤗🤗🤗

[StriatedCaracara]

Well done on turning things around and getting the appt. Make sure you have space to chill now as you have been through a lot. The fact that your doctor at work / colleagues are worried should help your appt.

[TeaandToast94]

Thank you so much everyone, really appreciate your support. It’s been moved to next Wednesday at the same time as the secretary was looking at the wrong clinic list but apparently the dr wanted to see me at the next available slot. I’m taking that to mean that hopefully he thinks my concerns are worth discussing and managing a bit better, as surely I’d have got just a short letter in response or an appointment ages away if he wasn’t that bothered.My elbow and hand was hurting so badly today that a short drive back from the supermarket was so painful with the swelling and tenderness. I always tell myself that things are nothing to worry about but now I’m saying no, things like that aren’t normal and I need to get it sorted now before it worsens.

Thankfully with it being a telephone consult next week (my choice as I’m between night shifts and appointment time means I can’t go in person) I can have my husband there and have the dr on loudspeaker so that makes me feel like I have a support person at the appointment.

Thank you again everyone, once again this forum has proven itself to be so supportive x

[daisydayz]

Good luck for your appointment next Wednesday. I have my fingers crossed for you🤞Xx

[svfarmer]

Just to wish you good luck for next Wednesday xx

[CecilyParsley]

Well done you. You have provided your Consultant with the information he needs to understand your situation fully. You have achieved getting his attention and making him listen. The biggest part has been successful so now when you turn up for your appointment the rest is down to him. Good luck and please keep us updated as to how it went xx

[misty14]

Well done tea and toast for being bold and writing that letter. It made your Consultant act and will so help your appt next week. All the very best for it and i look forward to seeing how it went. Hopefully it will be good and really help you. Keeping 🤞for you. Xx🤞❤🤞❤🤞

[Spotty-ewe]

I’m so pleased for you that you’ve got such a quick response to your letter. Make notes of your symptoms, when they started and how long they last etc as they ask these sorts of questions. If you know any triggers to the symptoms that is also helpful. I always go in with my list and quite often I’ve been asked if they can keep my list for their own records. Good luck and let us know how it goes. Hugs 🤗 xx