Rhemy Nurse..

Morning all, Hope you're all keeping warm on this cold winter morning...

I've noticed that a lot of you have a Nurse... I don't have one... what does she/he do? I only go to my consultant x

[Hidden]

In hospital Rheumatology Depts there is normally a designated rheumatology nurse specialist who runs their own clinic and is able to advise via the phone if you are having problems and speak to the consultant or get you an emergency appt etc. If you ring your hospital and ask for the rheumatology dept, then ask if they have a nurse specialist and if so is there a Helpline contact number for them. Sometimes you can find this information on the hospital's website.

Cece x

[Trulyfedup in reply to Hidden]

When are you going into hospital Cece? I hope I've got the right person I get very confused with this site sometimes. X

[Hidden in reply to Trulyfedup]

Tomorrow morning at the crack of dawn:-} x

[Trulyfedup in reply to Hidden]

I will be thinking of you..stay cool!x

[allanah in reply to Hidden]

Good luck Cece xx

[Trulyfedup]

That's what I have..they are very helpful and extremely handy..I have rung them in tears sometimes and they have been excellent so give them a try..it will certainly help you.x

[lab-lover]

I have a rheumy nurse. I see my rheumatologist for the main consultations, for example, I. Saw the consult 2 weeks ago, who said I would be going to have a new treatment. Yesterday, I saw my nurse, who went over the drug with me, answered questions, and is arranging delivery. I will see her again after I start the drug, for a check up. I also have a 24 helpline, I can call and leave a message, and my nurse will get back to me, advise, or decide ifI need to come in to see my consultant

[francherry]

Hi Lou, Cece's given a great answer. In my case, apart from advice, my rheumy nurse currently gives me the anti-TNF injections as I've had so many problems and reactions to previous medication. I hope to be able to self-inject once my health has stabilised.

[Hidden]

Hello

bloods for that

Yes I have one, She keeps me right with my medications, checks for contraindications, and takes bloods to make sure all blood counts are ok She also checks liver function and takes further bloods for that, Generally see her once every three months, in between six month reviews with Consultant, bloods are taken every two weeks when taking DMARD

They are taken just off ward

Every one should have one lol

BOB

[allanah]

Gosh, call the hospital and ask, I really hope they have a rheumatology nurse specialist. Mine is worth her weight in gold, well some days only silver lol!

[sparkle247]

I have had issues with my hospital getting hold of my consultant in an emergency because they don't have a rheumatology nurse. It is a very bad line of communication without one and I really wish I had chosen a hospital that had one, if I had only known when I made my decision through NHS choices, as I would certainly have chosen a hospital that had this service. Good luck x

[Dogrose]

Just to go off topic slightly, we are looking to move to another health authority area and I want to check out hospitals, I'm sure there was a hospital rating section on the NRAS site but I can't find it any more. Maybe I dreamed it? xxx