Who do i ask

[Ladyfairfax]

I'm new here as I was only diagnosed with RA last year after having suffered for almost a year while waiting to see a consultant.I was put on Prednisone by the consultant without her even seeing me as I had an appt.with Physio MSK.and she spoke with the consultant.When I did get to see the consultant she put me on methotrexate which did irreparable damage to my lungs and me ending up in hospital.I have since been put on Azathiopine50mgs and am worried that this isnt working for me as my body appears to be swelling up and the 'hump'at the back of my neck is causing me great discomfort.I really dont know who to ask advice from.

[allanah]

Does your rheumatology have a helpline number. Mine does, call and they generally call you back and give you advice. Otherwise if they donf you can call your rheumatologist admin and ask them how to proceed, they are usually helpful.

Otherwise it's a case of going to the GP and asking them to intervene for you to ask rheumatology.

The helpline at hospitals are usually the quickest way. Good luck xx

[nomoreheels]

Hiya Ladyfairfax, welcome. Sorry to hear you’re struggling at the mo. You do sound as though you need to be checked over. I take it you're not in the UK? If so I’m not sure if where you are have a Rheumatology helpline? If so that would be the first thing I’d suggest. If you don't then call your Rheumy's secretary, the phone number should be on any correspondence you've had from him, reports or confirmation of when you were diagnosed. Failing that go onto the hospital's website, search for the Consultant Directory, they’re usually in alphabetical order or by Department.

I hope you're seen soon & also you enjoy being here.

[Ladyfairfax in reply to nomoreheels]

Thank you for your advice,I am in UK!

[Leither8]

Very sorry to here about your problems and although I have been on different Meds over the years Methotrexate in my eyes is a definite no no because of the breathing problems,

prednisolone on the other hand works wonders and if you could get an injection to give you a boost this would help a great deal, by injection I mean steroid injection which you can get three times a year and I have found it makes me feel normal when I get an injection. This could probably depend on your Doctor. regards the damage you say has been done by Methotrexate well don't worry to much about that your breathing will improve , I hope your problems improve soon.

[medway-lady]

The Pred. can cause a hump on the back of the neck I had one due to high dose steriod's. Its normal now along with the face but took a while to go down.

I now take Benapli and been on Azaa since last July. Aza had improved the RA a bit but not enough so I'd advise you to talk to the RA doctor because we are not medically qualified so can only offer suggestions. I think k the hump is down to the Pred more than the MTX and very unlikely to be the Aza but it is a known side effect of steroid use. But do not stop taking the stuff straight away as it might take a while to come off it.

I wish you well. x