Fed up

[Cydney96]

Hi guys, I've had a really bad flare up, been taken off methotrexate by my GP about a week and a half ago, still haven't heard from my consultant, can't get through to anyone.

So so so ready to give up!!

[nomoreheels]

You do sound fed up Cydney I'm sorry. I take it you've have an irregular blood test result? If so I'd ask if you could have follow up bloods to determine if you can restart your MTX, or, if anyone at your Surgery is qualified to do them, a steroid injection to help try contain your flare or oral steroids if not. Keep trying to get hold of your Rheumy, you're ringing the helpline are you? Meantime do everything you can not to worsen your flare. Take care.

[Cydney96 in reply to nomoreheels]

I was taken off MTX due to not being able to breathe and having migraines for 3 days in a row. I can't get through to the helpline, the specialist nurse or the consultant. I am not a happy bunny at all!

Last time I had a blood test, the nurse pushed down on my vein to get the blood out, and then left the room leaving me there with the needle still in my arm!

my partners mum is a nurse consultant and she was definitely not pleased when I told her what had happened in my blood test. Just a shame she doesn't work in the same hospital as my consultant.

I'm trying to keep my flare up as low as possible but it is incredibly tiring and upsetting 😔

[nomoreheels in reply to Cydney96]

Ok if it's breathing you really need to speak to your Consultant. Have you got the phone number for his Secretary? You should have it on any letters you've received from him, reports & such. Has your breathing eased since stopping it, migraines too? You've no sign of a cold or virus or anything that could be related to breathing problems have you?

[Cydney96 in reply to nomoreheels]

No one answers, my GP and physio are trying to sort it for me and get someone to ring ASAP, it's just turning into a joke now. It's eased a little bit, but still tight and out of breath quickly, migraines aren't as bad but still there

[nomoreheels in reply to Cydney96]

Not even his Secretary? Mornings are when you're more likely to get them, afternoons tend to be short! Any sign of a cold? You really need to be seen this side of Christmas so I hope either your GP or Physio manage to sort it for you.

[Cydney96 in reply to nomoreheels]

Nope!, I have tried all times of the day!, feel like just going to the hospital and asking to speak to my consultant that way. Just worried about Christmas as I don't want to be in pain over Christmas Day.

I have a cold, and an ear infection

[nomoreheels in reply to Cydney96]

Right, then if you have an ear infection it could be it's bacterial. I'd see your GP again, he can check your breathing & examine inside your ears, he may want to start you on antibiotics. Just to ease your mind your breathing may not be due to the MTX, which was my concern, it's something we need to report, but really you need to rule out either viral or bacterial infection which could be affecting your lungs. GP for you I would say.

[Cydney96 in reply to nomoreheels]

I hope so!!😳, I'm phoning my GP tonight to see if he has got anywhere. So will discuss then!! Thank you for your advice. I will update you all later!

[nomoreheels in reply to Cydney96]

Yes do.

[Sharonbernt]

It's so hard but keep going it will get better. I too have been in a bad flare just coming down off the steroids and dreading it I just hope it stays away so I can enjoy Christmas I hope you get some relief soon.

[Cydney96 in reply to Sharonbernt]

It is hard!, even harder when people don't understand. I hope you get better soon, I am currently using tiny heatpacks for my hands in the morning, they are a huge huge help!!

I hope you have a wonderful Christmas, without pain

[Kazwilks in reply to Cydney96]

Aw bless you these flare ups are the pitts. Keep going darling hopefully it will get better hoping you have a pain free Christmas x

[Sharonbernt]

Cydney96 thank you, have a wonderful Christmas.