Good morning all, I have my first visit to my specialist nurse tomorrow, any advise on what to expect ? Or things to ask?

[lbtabby]

[bruce18]

Hi, I find my nurse very good. Full of info. She may do a DAS score for you. DAS score is checking all of your joints for you. She may take bloods or tell you results from previous bloods. Like - is your RA factor a positive or negative. She may - depending on your pain levels be able to give you a Depo Medrone injection and advise on the different types. There are so many out there. My nurse was very keen to get me on a DMARD to reduce the inflammation. She spoke to my GP's for me to get everything moving. My nurse went above and beyond and she only had an allocated set amount of time to give her RA patients. Claire

[lbtabby in reply to bruce18]

Thank you for your reassuring reply, I can't wait really as I need help!

Roll on 3 o'clock tomorrow x

[jeanabelle in reply to bruce18]

I agree Bruce, the RA nurses are a god send. I think they are just as good as a visit with the doc. Mine told me to fone them anytime I needed to. They will be great for you, try not to worry to much. X

[bruce18]

How long have you been diagnosed? I was referred to my nurse with the suspicion of having RA. She was actually the one who diagnosed me for certain and felt very sorry for me. The pain was unbearable when she pressed gently on the joints - it bought tears to me eyes. I felt like you needing help. Its amazing one small appointment in the grand scheme of things can turn your life around. Claire x

[lbtabby in reply to bruce18]

Was diagnosed last Monday by consultant, I must admit I did not take much in,

I will start MTX and get my blood results, I had some depomedrone last week

That has helped, but my left hand is rubbish, feels like my fingers belong to someone else x

[bruce18]

I found it difficult to take stuff in. My concern was about all the meds and our family plans being turned on its head. I found with the ra it doesn't care about plans that have been made. Its this I found found very difficult, I think it takes a while to process everything. I just take one day at a time. My feet are bad. I alternate between a hot pack(hot water bottle which holds heat longer and ice pack every 20 seconds. It certainly helps with the inflammation and a kind of relief. I told the nurse and she said what ever works for me, to do. x

[allanah]

Hi ib, good advice from Claire. I think the first appointment they give u loads of information and hopefully set up or give you the meds, but great your on the right rod xx

[allanah]

Road of course, blooming iPad !

[lbtabby in reply to allanah]

Thank you for your input,

I value your wise words x

[allanah in reply to lbtabby]

Lol! Sound like an old owl or obewankonobi ...not xx

[lbtabby in reply to allanah]

Lol a lot x

[bruce18]

Hi Ibtabby, Good luck for today. Claire x

[Ellie77]

I've never met a nurse or been offered? Only get to see my consultant ?

[zannie]

Hi, I had a problem with arthritis which had gone to the eyes (scleritis) diagnosed by the eye specialist. I called my rheumy nurse and left her a message. In the course of the day she got back to me, and gave the best advice ever. Trust your specialty nurse and bless her for being there to assist.love. XX

[lbtabby]

Thanks zannie,

I have now met her and yes she is a blessing, warm and kind, full of wisdom, I am lucky,love to you x