This morning saw my Rheumatologist well a new one who is taking over some of ( previous Rheumy)his patients as he now only works 2 days a week as he is more involved with the research side now.
I like him he listened he explained things well. Upshot my Biologic is working a treat but he noticed my right wrist and fingers are showing joint and ligament thickening. I was referred to a hand clinic in September by a clinic nurse ( not my one) seems to have been lost in the ether so he is referring me himself. It looks like I’m going to need a steroid injection into the wrist and start wearing a splint 🥺and there’s a problem with my middle finger. He couldn’t believe that I’m still waiting for my orthotics. He made a phone call and low and behold my orthotics arrived and were fitted. 🤗🤗. He heard me cough and said when did that start , last night said I had a chest infection so no elerzi and methotrexate this week ( not what I want to hear) he’s not happy that my Gp is not issuing methotrexate injections on prescription said it was too time consuming to keep ringing up and posting out prescriptions 👍Then he said as I had an early menopause (36) he couldn’t believe I hadn’t had a bone density scan so that’s happening as well. The man is a saint 😇 did I also mention he young and rather easy on the eye 😜 . So happy with appointment and new Rheumy.. he’s a keeper
So pleased that what must feel like a fresh new pair of eyes has been proactive in your appointment and has taken and interest and concern in your health. You mentioned the memopause, I know my GP mentioned something called peri menopause which she explained a few years ago to me saying that some of the symptoms begin but you are not quite going through the menopause. Which I am now going through the menopause, she mentioned checking my calcium, vitamin D levels etc. So it sounds to me from your post this chap is a good one and is what things should be like. Makes you feel valued and respected when someone actually listens and does things. By the way being easy on the eye has to be a bonus!
Fantastic! Though it's sad to say this is the type of treatment we all should be expecting. I have but then I moved countries! A bit unfair as any issues were able to be dealt with promptly as I was seen every 3 months. I hope you keep hold of this new one & you continue to be better cared for. I'm in a similar position, my Rheumy has left to the hospital in the next city but to a lower position than she held. Her replacement is very good according to the new Nurse at the hospital in town. I saw a Registrar last time but he did go ask him about reducing my MTX & did so. Hoping he'll be a fresh pair of eyes on me & perform a review. Rheumy's from experience do have a tendency to prefer not to rely on their fellow Rheumy's notes. I really hope that's the case with my new Rheumy.
Really glad you're going to be referred for a bone density scan. I was diagnosed with osteoporosis in 1997 which was well before my RA was diagnosed. I had an early menopause in my 30s and so did my mum who also had RA. Unfortunately my mum didn't know she had osteoporosis and her spine collapsed after a long period of bed confinement when she was in flare. When my mum died I took myself to the Doc's and asked for a scan because I didn't want to be like my mum and not know till it was too late. He actually agreed to refer me for a scan and that showed significant reduction in bone density for my age (40 at the time). So I have been treated and reviewed regularly since. I am so glad because I think I probably avoided the same fate as my mum. Hope you are fine though xx
I haven’t seen my Rhem doc for a year had last appointment cancelled as she was ill . Going this week but she always seems to be rushing and sometimes does not even look at me ! I’m on the meds and seem ok , I once asked a nurse should I be in any pain ? The nurse said of course . So I just get on with it as I am at least 70%. Better than before I got treatment . Hopefully she looks at me on Friday 😬
Thanks all saw the assistant to my doctor he was fab got all under control hopefully . He said my hand pain is due to RSI not the RA . Good and bad I suppose !
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Methotrexate 15 mgs anyone ?
Finally Appt with Rheumy Next Wk
Wrist pain 
Breathing....................
As Etta James said " at last" 
