Wish the doctors would listen

[Pam-51]

So a month ago I started limping, pain in my right lower leg. A few days later pain in my right hip, due to walking badly due to pain in lower leg I thought. Straight away I suspected a stress fracture of my fibula as the pain was identical to that I had experienced in 2008. Back on crutches and using my wheelchair again, which is not an unusual occurrence for me. Briefly, had severe RA since 1973, numerous surgeries including R ankle replacement, L ankle fusion, knuckle joints replacedx2, L knee replacement and R hip replacement.

Saw my GP who requested an X-ray which I had a few days later. However, also booked a private appointment with my orthopaedic surgeon for the following week, as back up knowing Xmas was looming. X-ray not conclusive. Saw consultant diagnosed bursitis in my hip requiring a steroid injection and an MRI of my leg which I had last Friday, 21/2 weeks after symptoms started. Today he rang to confirm a stress fracture of my right fibula. Need to be fitted for a boot in the new year and have my hip injected on 18th. Jan. That will be almost 6 weeks after the problem began when I presented with classic symptoms of a stress fracture.

This is not the first time this has happened when the doctor listens but does not hear. Several times I have consulted regarding backache which always indicates a UTI for me and been fobbed off only to be recalled when the MSU is positive for infection or I end up as an emergency admission. Treated with Rituximab, Methotrexate and Prednisolone routinely and have developed Hypogammaglobulinaemia induced by the Rituximab so am susceptible to infections.

My argument is that we know our own bodies and we should be listened to and heard. As a result of all the delays in treatment I now need to endure more weeks in considerable discomfort, unable to mobilise and have very limited exposure to fresh air when this is our only freedom in these difficult times. I remain positive knowing the problem might have been more serious for example a failure of my right ankle joint, knee or hip. Missing my short walks though as we are shielding. Roll on the vaccine.

Wishing you all a Happy Christmas and a healthier and happier 2021.

Love Pam

[Niao]

Oh Pam, I feel for you! You are so very right, we do know our own bodies and we most certainly should be listened to and heard! This makes me very angry! Especially more so in your case, having had to live with all the 'delights that RD has thrown at you for such a long time, unfortunately you would for sure have had to become an expert in your own field!

You have an amazing positive attitude and I admire you greatly.

I really hope that after being seen in January, the stress fracture will start to heal and the injection help, and that you'll be able to get back to walks in the fresh air, out of that wheelchair and off those crutches as soon as possible!!

Wishing you too, and everyone on the forum, a Happy Christmas and a very Healthy, Happy , Peaceful New Year .Xxx

[sylvi]

Blimey Pam-51 you are going through it aren't you darling. Gentle hugs from me.xxxx

[Smiler53]

I totally agree with, we do know our own bodies and should be listened to, so frustrating for you. Wishing you all the best for Christmas and the New Year 🎄🎅🏻☃️

[Lolabridge]

How frustrating for you Pam but I’m afraid your story of not being heard by the GP is all too common.

[Hidden]

Oh Pam I’m so sorry but you are so right we are often dismissed or ignored but often proved right. We are left in pain and I’m sure they themselves would not allow themselves to suffer. It’s do stressful having to push to be heard or treated. Hope your not in too much pain x

[Pippy25]

I'm so sorry to hear this but sadly to say I know only too well from my own experience. It is so sad that in some cases we are the last person that is considered. I have been told things when I have tried to explain, offer test results from other health professionals such as 'I'm running late and have other patients to see' (1st orthopaedic consultant when I tried to explain) 'Stop. I prefer to make my own diagnosis' (2nd orthopaedic consultant), 'Come back when you are feeling better' (rheumatologist when I was trying to explain my situation). I agree that we should be listened to and heard as we very often are the gatekeepers of information and as you say know our own bodies and if they worked together with us it would be no doubt a better outcome for us and would reduce wasting time/ resources. I know how much my mobility has been affected too by not being able to get out as much so hope it's not long before we can enjoy our walks again. Wishing you all the best during this Christmas time, take care x

[Green230461]

Sorry to hear your news but glad at last you are being treated properly. I agree dr have stopped listening. Take care and happy Christmas 🎄

[Gnarli]

Well that's a loads of utter rowlocks and you deserve better. We are not a collection of ailments and body parts, brainless, characterless jobs on someone's list of cases. We're people entitled to respect and a hearing. I suspect you have more experience of RD than most of them and know what you're talking about. I wish you better

[Niao in reply to Gnarli]

Very well said Gnarli!

[Oshgosh]

OMG you poor thing,it’s not good.My GPs are not too bad,they do listen usually.My GP isntdoing face to face still.

If a problem arises,I have to go to A N E.

Ir starts with ringing 111 for advice ( Ihave multiple co morbidities) they send an ambulance To check me ,who because of my co morbidities/random symptoms take me to A N E.

I don’t like it - frightened of Covid,but at least I get properly checked.

You’re right about knowing our own bodies.the professionalsi deal with usually tell me Iknow my body.

Please takecare .if we have a warm day,put your coat on and sit in the garden. X

[Neonkittie17]

Oh, so sorry to hear this. Gentle hugs as this is awful for you. Do you just have to let it heal naturally and the hip injection will help? I wish you had been listened to earlier and I hope this will make the GP do so in future. I’m on Rtx and Mtx too but no Pred but have chronic bronchitis every couple of months due to Rtx lowering my immunity so have to shield too. I hope next year we get the vaccine soon and can be our and about later in the year and that you can have much better mobility and less pain. xx

[anivo]

I saw that you had two knuckles replaced. I am having 4 knuckles replaced soon which I am dreading. Was this successful? I am not in any pain but my fingers are starting to bend towards my palm and over to the side on my righthand, which is the one I use.