New doctor

[vampress]

Finally saw a new doctor on Monday. My original Doctor retired last year, the next one retired not long after him. So I gave up until the pain got too much. But he was great. He's referring me back to a consultant and to the pain clinic. He's also started me on Amitriptyline

[rosewine]

Same as you we moved house in November and after having th same doctor for about 30 years and then his replacement changing all my meds around I was really nervous about visiting her new one. It took them 5 weeks, 3 visits by myself and 3 phon calls just to get my repeat prescriptions sorted so I didn't hold out much hope espcially after a snotty phone call from th GP I had been allocated to.

Well I looked at the pictures and chose the one with the most welcoming smile (not very scientific I know) and he was lovely a real gentleman. Listened and sent me for Xrays. Fingers crossed that we both get some good results.x

[vampress in reply to rosewine]

I think it always best to go with ones you feel most comfortable with. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you x

[Hayesider]

Hi Vampress (?),

Sounds like you have hit the jackpot. Getting a GP who is pro-active, understands (worth £millions), and wants to be helpful.. Hang on to them !

Start keeping a simple diary of how your pain affects you, what it lets you do, and what it stops you doing. This gives you a record of how you are, and what you are capable of doing,, but NEVER say you can cope with something. If you do, then the result is they leave you to get on with the rest of it too !

When you see the consultant, again be as unable to do anything.o I had an O?h.referral for work recently, and the really experienced RheumyCon said "Never admit you can do anything, just make sure you keep being unable to do anything". Outside of the assessment, we discussed what would probably be my best move. I have now notified my employer I am retiring.

We all react differently to the various drugs that make up our "ability to live" list, "don't knock it until you try it". Without knowing the various medical problems you suffer from, we can't give you suggestions/support on how to cope with them.

Welcome to the "Support Factory", where we make suggestions, but more importantly, provide support, be understanding, never judge what/how you write, share your woes and concerns, generally be your best friend.

Hayesider, caring, supporting, loving (allowed). Xxx

[vampress in reply to Hayesider]

Thankyou for the advice. I think saying I can cope has been my biggest problem. I never want to admit I'm struggling until theres tears rolling down my cheeks. I'm so glad I found this site and all the wonderful supportive people here x