DAS in Wales?

[Embabe]

Hi just wondering does the Disease Activity Score apply in Wales? Am due to have first rheumatology appointment on Friday. Thanks

[helixhelix]

I believe that the Welsh government have agreed to use the same NICE guidance as England, and that includes using the DAS method. However, it is just guidance so it is up to individual rheumatology departments whether they use it or not. Ask.....

[Embabe in reply to helixhelix]

Thanks will do

[oldtimer]

It is used but it may not be used obviously or fed back to you - ask if you want to know your score.

[Embabe in reply to oldtimer]

Thanks

[nomoreheels]

I believe so. Unless you know though it's not obvious it's being performed. When your Rheumy palpates your joints, finger joints are the most obvious ones, asks you to score your pain level on a sliding scale (called the VAS, Visual Analogue Scale... either 1- 10, 1 being the least painful 10 being the most or 1 - 100). Your ESR (inflammation count) is also included but you won't be aware of that a because it's taken from your blood test. All these & others are then calculated to give your DAS 28 score.

You can ask to be told what your score is or even better request you're copied in on your diagnostic report & future reports sent to your GP.

I hope all goes well on Friday. Is anyone accompanying you? It's often helpful, particularly so at your diagnostic appointment, there'll be lots to take in.

[Embabe in reply to nomoreheels]

Thank you. Yes my mother is coming with me and has had rheumatoid arthritis for 20 years, so if I am diagnosed with it she has personal knowledge lol!

[Lorraine_NRAS]

Hi

I have just looked at the NHS Direct Wales website on RA and it states the following:

Regular reviews

As rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term condition, you'll be in contact with your healthcare team regularly so they can check to ensure your condition is under good control and your treatment is right for you.

You may have your disease activity score (DAS) measured regularly, which can help your healthcare team to decide on the best treatment.

Read more about the DAS score on the National Rheumatoid Arthritis website.

The more the team knows, the more they can help you, so discuss any concerns you have with them.

This is the statement on NICE guidance and its use in Wales wales.nhs.uk/governance-ema...

Hope all goes well on Friday. Don't hesitate to call the NRAS helpline on 0800 298 7650 if you have any questions or would like some support.

Best wishes

Lorraine

[Embabe]

Great! Thank you

[lornaisobel]

I am thinking of moving to Wales - North Wales - is that where you are ? I just would be interested in what the health care was like in Wales?

[Embabe in reply to lornaisobel]

No sorry I’m in south east Wales. I have found the NHS to be good. The consultant at the pain clinic ( I have CRPS) referred me to see rheumatologist mid January and I have an appointment Friday! I have no complaints.

[Pegatto in reply to lornaisobel]

I live in north Wales, and was previously under Bangor hospital, the care was good except that I decided not to take the RA medications because of concerns about their side effects!

[Embabe in reply to Pegatto]

Thanks. I’m worried about side effects too. How do you manage? If you don’t mind me asking!

[lornaisobel in reply to Pegatto]

If you dont take RA meds havent you limbs-hands-feet etc become deformed ?

[lornaisobel]

thanks for that DAS