Got an Appointment

[TheBoys]

Well.. i now have got a referral through and its been a while.

I m going to have to go to Newham in East London in mid november...its to see the MSK Triage Service

I do despair if i will ever see a rheumatologist... i see posters for Early Arthritis Clinics and the need to get treatment started and the reality is months of pain and waiting going through hoops to ger care. Meanwhile my knee is knackered, elbows in pain and i dont sleep at night. Not much to look forward to in life if this is it. I am so totally fed up.

[Gigi71]

Hopefully they will refer you to see a rheumatogist. They have a Practise in my health authority of referring you to a physio before seeing an orthopaedic consultant, If the referral comes from the GP. I live in Essex and my rheumy is based at King George's so a different Heath authority. They do however have a clinic in our local community hospital. Like all rheumatology depts are extremely busy, and waiting times are very long. Not helpful when you are in pain and needing answers. All the best. X

[Gnarli]

I'm not suprised you are fed up. Unfortunately, this sort of delay is all too common which is no comfort to you I'm sure. If you aren't already keeping a diary, taking photos of afflicted joints and taking painkillers now would be a good time to start. At your appointment they will want to weigh and measure you, possibly take bloods and organise xrays so they can get a baseline. Remembering to wear something easily rolled up/down or removed with no fiddly fastenings and best pants will help. Wishing you well

J

[alexask]

Diet wise have you changed anything? Have you tried Boswellia, or any other supplements?

[TheBoys in reply to alexask]

Hi

I ve got resvatrol...as a supplement and have cut out red meat so far

[nomoreheels]

Good news! Though I bet it seems an age away. They will be able to assess you properly & then with a bit of luck you should have joined the club & start some meds.

If you're taking anything now, pain relief or anti inflammatory (NSAID) or any supplements that could interfere with your symptoms, prescribed or otc, try your best to stop them a few days before the appointment, that way they'll see you unmedicated, inflammation & pain at it's worst.

Hopefully you're that one step nearer to diagnosis & starting treatment, try to focus on that. I know it's hard when you're in such pain, it's all consuming. We understand as we've all been there, some like I was were diagnosed promptly, others within the recommended guidelines, ideally within 3 months of the onset of persistent symptoms. The ones I particularly feel for are those who have seen their GP a number of times, their GP not understanding what synovitis is, or even the need to check for it & take the necessary blood tests in order to refer to Rheumatology. Anyway mid November is only a short while away & you should by then be well on your way to starting your treatment. Meanwhile keep warm, apply hot or cold, whichever you respond to best, & maybe try topical diclofenac (Voltarol) on your joints, see if that helps.

[TheBoys in reply to nomoreheels]

Thanks for that..its a great help