Phone consultation

[gilox]

Hi everyone, after some advice, have a phone appointment with rheumy consultant in a couple of weeks, I’ve been flaring ever since the first heatwave we had in early Summer, although not quite as bad since it cooled down, but still having problems e.g taking stuff out of the oven, painful feet etc, had a course of prednisone from the gp but didn’t help much, so do I try to tell him all this? How is he going to test my joints over the phone? Thanks for reading.

[oldtimer]

Write it down, summarise it. Say that you have photos so you can refer to the joints being swollen on which dates. List which joints are affecting you right now. Try to be as concise as you can and, if you are interrupted, say something like "I'd just like to add...."

Sometimes it's decided that they can't make a decision without seeing you, but usually the history you give should be the main guide anyway.

[gilox in reply to oldtimer]

Thank you, must admit I’m a little apprehensive, also have osteo in hip & knee & had knee replacement last year & was told other knee needed replacement, phone consultation “ you have severe arthritis in your left knee, substantial arthritis in you left hip, I will see you in six months “ he then put the phone down! The x rays were taken in February! Again thank you for your help.

[Hidden]

Oldtimer has given some very good advice. I like putting things in an email so I don’t forget anything and I can also explain things better. Don’t know if it’s possible could you send an email prior to your appointment . Just a thought

[gilox in reply to Hidden]

Thank you worth a try!

[Bridgegoddess]

I am keeping a daily log which includes dosage, how long before the symptoms take to subside after taking my Prednisone , how I feel next day, Because I have had trouble with flares it is extremely helpful to check back and see how I felt at a certain point in my reduction of the prednisone I have a log dating back over 3 months

Perhaps a daily log of your symptoms would be helpful

Your rheumatologist can better decide if you are taking a high enough dose at this point to deal with your flares

[gilox in reply to Bridgegoddess]

Thankyou! X