Need advice concerning my sick twin sister

[Frankiefocus]

Hi everyone I just need some advice or pointers about my twin sister who has also like me got RA and both in our early 50s. I am very worried about her as lately she has been depressed with the lock down and never goes out know and stays in her bedroom a lot. Her doctor prescribes her anti depressants and strong Tramadol for her RA. I asked if she ever tried NSAIDs and she said they made her sick. Why I am am really worried is because she has had 3 suicide attempts about 5 years back so this has me worried as she is on Tramadol. She never gets out as fluid builds up on her knee and then she gets it drained every 3 months with a steroid shot. Walking is very hard for her and to do just 100 metres is enough to get her in pain. Should I call her doctor and get her referred some were better or advice to try her on methotrexate pen injection as I take this and its helping me a lot. Even the social service has let her down by lowering her PIP money....need help please.

[Hidden]

Personally yes speak to your GP. Yet due to patient confidentiality there might be nothing they can down . Is there a way you can support your sister by getting her to call But you saying you will be there with her to help and support her too?

Maybe call NRAS to see if they have some ideas as well.

[Marionfromhappydays]

I know it's not the same but my dad is very similar to your sister and I rang his GP and told them I was concerned and they took action and he is on the road to feeling better. He opened up to the GP and is on new medication.

I never told my dad I phoned them because he would have hated me doing that and his GP just said she was making an annual check on him .

You know your sister well if you are concerned I would ring the GP, this lockdown has had detrimental affect to peoples mental well being and i would reach out for her . How would she react to you contacting her GP do you think ?

It's lovely she has you to help, hope things turn a corner x

[Frankiefocus in reply to Marionfromhappydays]

Thank you for your reply, my sister wants me to contact her GP as she is not confident enough to sort this out herself. So a few phone calls will be done asap. I was just shocked to learn of her state to be honest and how doctors could treat someone like this by just giving them tramadol and antidepressants when they know of her past suicide attempts.

[Marionfromhappydays in reply to Frankiefocus]

I think that with GPs and Drs if things aren't working out for someone ie drugs etc people have to speak up and tell them; It's so easy not to for lots of reasons, some Drs are better than others etc.

It's great she doesn't mind you speaking to the Dr, go for it x

Hope things change for your sister, take care

[sylvi]

If you want to speak to her gp you will need her to ring and for her to agree to you speaking to them, which i think is going to be difficult in her position. Give it a shot as they won't speak to you without her consent darling. You must convey to her how worried you are about her darling. Then if she agrees be there when she rings so you know she has contacted them and give them your contact number so if you have t have a ring back then instead of ringing her they can ring you.xxxx

[Frankiefocus in reply to sylvi]

Thank you sylvi that sounds like a good approach.

[helixhelix]

Is she on no drugs to control the RA? If so that’s awful! No wonder she’s in a state of misery. Does she not have a rheumatologist that could advise as well? I do hope you manage to find a way through for her.

[KittyJ]

I’d speak to her doctor and tell them what you’ve told us. I had to do this for my daughter as the GP had no idea of the real way she was, just what she was telling them. If they know how it is then they can help her. I hope you get her some help soon.

[Lyneal]

Hi I am so sorry to hear about your sister, she sounds like she needs help now. Phone her RA practitioner nurse and tell them about her problems, am sure they will help. Look on RA website about RA & depression. Methotrexate injections really helped me with my knees & hands, I had to come off it a year ago because of repeated infections. My knees get very swollen now & I have a Baker’s cyst behind my knee joint. The thing is to keep mobile & Talk to friends & family. I haven't seen my Daughters or Grandchildren since Christmas lockdown can be so Miserable. Let’s hope you can get her sorted, it’s such a dreadful disease when it takes a hold. Good luck with it all.