Rheumy appointment and the result of it.!!!

[Titchyj]

Well here we go then, had my appointment yesterday with my rheumatologist, also took along my husband too. He was completely different from when I saw him in January. He said that there is some arthritis in my fingers, but all the swelling, inflammation and pain is not all down to it nor are the lumps appearing on the sides of my fingers, in his opinion he thinks the redness and possibly the rest I am suffering is due to my Disbetes and fibromyalgia.

I am now going to try methotrexate injections as I didn't tolerate the tablets last time, he thinks I should try and increase my Pregabalin as much as I can tolerate, I take 200mg a day, but can't go up to 300mg as it wipes me out. He is going to speak to the radiologist to find out which would be better for me to have eg, ultra sound scan of hands (had 2 already) or MRI, he will then make this appointment and will decide what else he can do for me, if anything, as I can't tolerate strong pain meds there's not much else. My foot pain and red hot soles are down to diabetes/Fibro/arthritis he says, the misshaped fingers are down to age!!!!!

I asked about referrals to Diabetic clinics, but he said they would treat me as he is, same goes for nerve tests he said they would not be of any use.

Waiting for Rheumy nurse to contact me now to start the methotrexate.

So still in limbo really, just another waiting game and still in pain.

Jan

[sandybrown]

Please ask for blood test for diabetic, if you have not had one already. The new diabetic blood testing is (HbA1c), this is a 90 day blood count.

[Titchyj in reply to sandybrown]

Hello there Bala, thanks for replying, I have had several HbA1c blood tests over the years my last one in December, which was 56. Due to have this repeated in the next week or so, as I am under the diabetes dietitian and he needs a reading before my next appointment at the end of the month. Have been Type 2 for the last 4 years or so now, but seems to be better controlled since I've been low carb dieting. Hope your ok.

Jan

[sandybrown in reply to Titchyj]

It has been four years since I started my life style change. As my GP says it is under control but regular monitoring is required. Blood tests every 6 months and I keep a record. NHS diabetes dietician, I am not sure as NHS food plate is very old and it needs changing. I follow my own after so much of research. It is the hidden sugar in food you have to count and watch I am afraid. I do regular exercise as well to maintain my weight. So far have not taken any medication for diabetes. The three blood numbers, GP, blood glucose and blood cholesterol needs to be checked regularly.

Good luck.

[Titchyj in reply to sandybrown]

Thanks Bala, still doing the low carb diet and lost a little weight so far, my blood test readings are good at the moment so will stick with it for now and see what happens.

Jan

[Azabat]

Hugs, Jan. Limbo sucks, and having such complex care issues means nothing is ever easy. I've found that I'm tolerating methotrexate injections much better than I did at the beginning, but it was pretty rough at the start. I take leucovorin 12 hours after my injection and it has made an enormous difference in how long (and how bad) the side effects are. I wish you had more concrete answers, and I feel for you.

xx

Bat

[Titchyj in reply to Azabat]

Thank you Bat, here's hoping I can tolerate it better than the pills. Just have to wait and see now what transpires from the scans, again. Best of luck with your health too.

Jan

[Azabat in reply to Titchyj]

I'm type 2 diabetic as well, for about 15 years now. We have a lab program where I get my bloods checked every three months. I'm insulin dependent now, but I've been able to cut the dose in half just by getting more active and eating a more plant-based diet. I start in the pool next week, and I'm looking forward to it. xx

Mary

[sandybrown in reply to Azabat]

Could you please explain to me on the lab programme. Is it NHS lab programme and what is involved. Do you do your HbA1C blood test every three months?

[Azabat in reply to sandybrown]

I'm in Canada, so it's probably not much help to you, but they test A1C, blood pressure, and lipid profile every 3 months. It has allowed me a much clearer picture of my diabetes control and risk factors.

[sandybrown in reply to Azabat]

Thank you, basic are the same but units of measurements are different.

Good luck in your management and control.