Beginning my reduction again

[Dobermanlover]

Well I took the 30 mg for 2 weeks and decided that I would try to get 2 1/2 mg from another doctor in the practice. Armed with the wonderful information on this site, I told him that I had been unsuccessful decreasing by 5 mg and that more than 10% reduction was not recommended. "Never heard that before, where did you hear that?" I told him about this site, don't think he approved! "Bit difficult to decrease by 10% from 30" he said (perhaps maths wasn't his strong subject!) Anyway he did give me a good supply of 2 1/2 mg. so all was good on that front. Next came the dreaded A. Acid, question about why I did not want to take it. Explained my history of stomach problems and ongoing ones as well. His reply was the same as the other doctor in that my bone density would be hitting rock bottom soon if I didn't take it. I told him that I had read an article about it which someone on this site had pointed me to and that had made me even more determined not to take it. "You're clearly reading too much" was his reply. Thought I had better keep quiet at that point as I didn't have my prescription in my hand! Next I asked about seeing a rheumy as it has been a long time now and no sign of an appointment. I have phoned a helpline on several occasions and they have said that I am just a general referral and not an urgent case and that I should ask my doctor to upgrade it as I keep being put to the bottom of the queue. I think I had irritated him as he commented that there were much more urgent cases than me and that I would be being seen before someone with greater need. Yes, I can see that, but it is now nearly 3 months since the letter went to the hospital and they have told me that it's 4-6 weeks wait from receipt of the appointment, so it's going to be a long time yet.

I have been taking 27 1/2 mg for 10 days now and everything is fine, no bad reactions, so glad I stuck to my guns. Thank you all for the confidence to go and ask again. Don't think I've made any friends there though!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Well done you for sticking to your guns! I expect his pride was hurt with you questioning his opinion, but sometimes it has to be thus. He's a big boy, I expect he'll get over it!

Hope things go according to plan for you. Take care

[piglette]

I do despair of our medical profession sometimes. Have you been offered a Dexascan? Also has he given you vit D and calcium supplement? Probably not, as he wanted you to take AA. I was having supper with a couple of doctor friends this week and they were talking about prescribing Alendronic Acid to patients. They both said they would never take it themselves though!

How long have you been taking steroids? If you are reducing OK that should be fine, you may find alternating between the old dose and the new dose may make things easier if you do though. There is a super slow reduction that people use that seems to work well as well.

[Celtic PMRGCAuk volunteer]

I know I probably shouldn't be, but I'm just sitting here chuckling at your comment "Thought I had better keep quiet at that point as I didn't have my prescription in my hand!" And then DorsetLady's reply "He's a big boy, I expect he'll get over it!"

So glad to hear that 27.5 is proving more successful and hope it's onwards and upwards for you again now!

[Dobermanlover]

Yes I am taking the calcium and Vit D supplement, but no I have not been offered a dexascan. This is my main reason for wanting to see a rheumy as the Gp's here seem very worried about their budgets. I have been taking steroids since the end of May, so not too long.

Glad you chuckled Celtic, we have to have some light hearted moments!

[jinasc]

Dobermanlover

If you want copies of the two reductions plans, then email [e-mail] - subject heading Reduction Plans and they will be sent to you.

I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall, on the other hand he is very lucky it was not me sitting on the other side of his desk.

NHS Waiting Referral Times. (nhs.uk/chq/Pages/904.aspx?C...

For non-urgent matters, you have the right to start treatment within 18 weeks from the date your GP, dentist or other healthcare professional refers you (unless you want to wait longer or waiting longer is clinically right for you). This will be led by a consultant.

Within the 18 weeks, you should have any tests, scans or other procedures that you need before treatment starts.

Just thought you might like to know.

[Dobermanlover]

Thank you for that information - will send for the reduction plans and wave them under his nose! I think I'm at about 10 weeks from him sending a letter, so with the 4-6 week waiting time, I am nearly there.