Worried about going to appointments.

I am keeping at home now as I am in several high risk groups. Obviously I have RD and I am on Mtx, Leflunomide, Hydroxy and Prednisolone which will lower my immune system, but I also have asthma, high blood pressure (among many other conditions) and am nearly 70.

What bothers me is what to do about going for doctor's and hospital appointments. I have to have blood tests every two weeks and have to go to a crowded blood clinic to have that done. I have an appointment with the podiatrist in two weeks time and am having some toenails removed at the end of May.

Now to add to all that, I have had an MRI scan and it has been found that I have spinal problems (a misaligned area of my spine and several slipped disks) and I have been given an appointment to see a spinal surgeon in May.

I wonder what to do about going to them, the pain in my back is very bad so I just want to get a specialist to see what he can do for me and I really need the toenail removal to go ahead. If we are told to isolate ourselves, what will happen about our blood tests and other necessary appointments?

It is all of great concern as I am sure it is to lots of you out there.

[Sue4983]

I know how you feel holly willow I am not as old as you but I’m on methotrexate for RA and currently have high blood pressure and thyroid problems which need to be investigated .I am due to have my blood pressure checked tomorrow at my surgery but Im very reluctant to go . I don’t whether to ask for a telephone appointment instead and buy a machine to check my own pressure It’s so difficult and there’s not much guidance out there

[Hidden in reply to Sue4983]

I know Sue, there is no advice regarding going for doctor's and hospital appointments. I rang up the rheumatology dept this morning to ask what I should do about my blood tests and they just said to carry on as normal and keep washing my hands, so to be honest, I don't think they really know much either.

[Sue4983 in reply to Hidden]

I think to say carry on as normal is a big ask at the moment! Hope we all stay safe Fingers crossed 🤞

[Kerensa21]

Hi holly, I had respiratory & rheumatology appts coming up over next 2 weeks & self isolating as much as possible. Both were lovely & offered telephone consultations instead at same time. I’m on different drugs to you so no help there. Maybe ring them, put your mind at rest. You’re right so little info for us, take care xxx sorry just read your reply, doh 🙄

[springcross]

Hi holly-willow. I also have high BP (meds doing nothing to reduce it), RA, COPD and wet amd in my right eye. I have to have bloods taken every two weeks for six weeks as my Rheumy has upped my MTX to 20 mg and I am still on Pred although down to 1 mg per day now. I also have to have an eye injection on 2 April and I really do not want that to be cancelled and I am 71. I am really worried about it.

[Hidden]

I know how you feel springcross as I am also worried. I wish you all the best that everything goes well for you. xxx

[springcross in reply to Hidden]

I wish you all the best and hope that all goes well for you too. Thank you. x