Just to make you all green....

[fren]

I was quite anxious about my visit to the GP this morning as I was a bit in defiance of my very sensible Rheumy, and was seeking his collusion. He has been on holiday for the past two weeks.

He knew about my flare ie; bursitis,'housemaid's knee' and carpel tunnel recurrence, from before his hol, so I just needed to update him - steroid injection into knee, (look no stick) and surgery on hand set for dawn on Monday next.

Now for the tricky bit, ... I am not taking 4mg as Rheumy said, but after having the infamatory damage to my nerves assessed (damage severe) I had upped the dose to 7mg so that I could function comfortably. I now wanted his OK to upping the dose a fraction more if I need to after the op. I told him I had sought advice from very sensible English speaking co sufferers, who like me simply want to live a reasonably comfortable life, without damaging ourselves until the Gorrilla moves out.

It went very well and he gave me the prescription I had asked for.

On the way out he stunned me. How about I prescribe for you up to 3 weeks of thermal treatments at a spa of your choice, Take the booklet, have a browse and let me know what you would like.

Ooooh Aaagh, VIVE LA FRANCE.

What exactly is Bowen Therapy?

[Hidden]

I AM TOTALLY GREEN!!!!!

Are you kidding me???? Is this true or do I just think it's Valentine's Day and it's really April fool's Day?????

WOW!

Do not hesitate. Get back to him.her ASAP... before offer is off the table.

[fren in reply to Hidden]

Exactly what I said sitting in car outside Gendarmerie, provoking concerned glances.

Exactly what daughter said when presented with the brochure on return.

Not exactly what son in law said whilst marking 3rd year essay.

I'm on to it Mamici1. Flights to Marseille, Montpellier, Perpignon around 50 Euros return late March / early April when wrist ready.

Oh la laa...too much choice.

[CT-5012]

Green all over! 🤢

[Rugger]

France / Italy - I think we should all move there!

[fren in reply to Rugger]

I just love it here and cannot imagine ever going back.

I really do not feel smug. The fiasco with Brexit as seen from here is deeply embarrassing, and I can't understand why anyone should be afraid of being part of the wider European Family.

Sorry, I have digressed, the treatment I receive here is exactly the same for everyone and, yes you can pay for extras, but they are extras, not pushing someone else to the back of the queue. I telephoned for an appointment with the specialist hand surgeon on 8th January, I saw the nerve specialist on 25th, the surgeon herself on the 2nd Feb, the anaesthetist on the 9th and am for theatre on the 19th, Monday next. To be admitted at 7am and collected by my daughter at 10 30am. I will be one of at least 50 patients with a wide variety of problems dealt with that morning. The operating room will hold at least 6 patients at a time, each with their own surgeon and anaesthetist, (must count them this time). It will be my young lady surgeon who does my wrist, she did the other 2years ago.

At each stage I pay so am fully aware of the cost of my care, but I am reimbursed within 5 days. Using my Mutual card ensures that health is covered even if I am short of funds.

I loved the NHS too, I worked in it for long enough, but Britain could learn a lot from Europe.

So yes, my GP feels I would benefit from a Thermal Cure, who am I to argue.

[Celtic PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Ooh, lucky you. A photo of you indulging will make us all even greener!🤢

[fren in reply to Celtic]

Hello Celtic,

Not greener but it would make you laugh.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Oooh - can I come too! Though a German friend was sent to a rehab clinic and went home worse than she left! The place was orientated on RA not PMR so they insisted on exercise classes and the cryotherapy box which is meant to help joints - and PMR and cold don't mix really! They hadn't a clue about PMR it was obvious...

[fren in reply to PMRpro]

You would be very welcome, looking at the blurb there is no mention of PMR, so like your friend I might be in dire need of an ally. I can choose the orientation of the 'cure', my asthma or my PMR or both. You sort of 'major' in one and have the other as an extra. I think I need to find a place that does understand PMR before I commit.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to fren]

Good luck - it does appeal to me but I doubt I'll ever get an offer!!!!!

[Insight329]

Here I thought that my Rheumy gave me the best Valentine's present. It was great, but I like yours way better!!!! Have fun deciding where you want to go.

[fren in reply to Insight329]

Now I am curious. What was that Valentine's present from the Rheumy?

[Insight329 in reply to fren]

He didn't yell at me for stopping statins (Simvastatin). His response: "Ok." I'd rather have had an "Ok. And here's a gift card to a spa."

[SheffieldJane]

Good grief! Now that is a Valentine present. You’ve still got it Fren.

[Jackoh]

Yes green with envy!!!

[Sandy1947]

Enjoy the gift! Post photos!