“My Rheumy Rocks”

Those that can't do.... rant.

rantingsofamadwomanblog.com...

Quelle surprise! No "warning," ... suitable for everyone.

[Rimmy]

Hi Melissa

The Bakers Cyst knee procedure didn't sound exactly like fun but I agree it is good to have some prompt 'hands on' intervention when you need it - Ruth and I were just talking a few days ago about how many doctors now seem averse to any 'touching' - as if blood, scans and other tests are the definitive 'answer' for almost everything - whether diagnoses or treatment(s). It's also better not to anticipate some interventions - like days of thinking about forthcoming dental treatments - instead of just going somewhere and suddenly it all happens and is over before we can build up too many thoughts of screamy 'ouches' !!!

Your list of aches/pains/experiences is a pretty tough one though - and certainly more challenging than my own as I have mentioned to you before. BUT I am a wee bit further down the track than you time-wise and just lately (now on 16.5mg) I have had some days where I actually felt 'oddly normal'. Every day that passes is one less of this dratted disease and we WILL beat it in the end - YOU, ME and hopefully everyone else here - how can we not with all the best suggestions, advice, recommendations, and even the 'amusements' and entertainments offered and shared by 'eachother'. The marvellous combination of viewpoints on this forum surely makes it utterly unique and I often think it is the 'BEST' consequence of this whole GCA/PMR experience.

Thanks again for ANOTHER great post Melissa !!

Your 'friend'

Rimmy

XX

[Hidden in reply to Rimmy]

Thank you Rimmy as usual a lovely, articulate, complete and insightful comment!

Yes, you and Ruth have hit the nail on the head! Doctor's here, as well, do not TOUCH you! The GP "observed" the lump behind my knee, but did not "touch" it. My previous GP (the one that missed PMR for 18+ months, and said I had all the mysterious aches and pains because I was a "woman of a certain age,") never touched me either... Damn he barely "looked" at me!

I definitely liked not having to worry about what a drain and cortisone shot would be like! In, out, over... with worked for me... although she might have mentioned that I would not be able to walk last night! Hahahahahahahaha! Much better today though!

Your observation of my "list of aches/pains/experiences" is interesting in that I am never sure if I am REALLY experiencing more than the "norm," or I am just super sensitive and in-tuned to my body? I believe it might be the latter. (?)

I too have already had the days where I felt "oddly normal." However they don't repeat often enough for my liking!!! Bring em on!!!!!! I say!

Thank you for finding my rants amusing and maybe even a bit entertaining... If I can make you smile, I am content!

[Pongo13]

Enjoyed reading the rant! The sun is shining! A good day for me so therefore I may get up! Pilates and art scheduled today. Hope the knee is settling.

[Hidden in reply to Pongo13]

Ahhhhh, good on YOU! Pilates and art!!! I apparently did such a good job babysitting "The Girls," (my friends dogs) last week, that I have been asked to do a half day again today!!!!!!

Get out the purple marker, leather cleaner and conditioner! I have warned, that I am limping so there will be no long walks though the city! It will be a quiet afternoon of Netflix!!!!!

Thank you for reading and happy you enjoyed the rant!

HAVE A FABULOUS DAY!!!!!

[Insight329]

That was a wonderful appointment. Made even better that you don’t have to pay.

Here in the States, Rheumatology is a sub-specialty of Medicine. So Residents/Interns do a certain number of years doing an Internal Medicine Residency and then tack on extra years getting the sub-specialty of Rheumatology. She’d probably given hundreds of those shots when doing her primary medicine residency. And apparently she enjoys that aspect of it, too (doing actual procedures) in that she was quick to offer and not just pass you on.

Good fir you, you do have ‘one if the good ones’.

P.S. Really enjoyed your story-telling of ghe experience. Love it when I’m brought to laughter.

[Hidden in reply to Insight329]

I love that I am capable of bringing you (and others) to laughter! That made my day!!!!! : )

Yes, she was brilliant! And she looked like she truly was enjoying doing the "actual procedure," (maybe a little too much! Hahahahahaha!)

I'm not sure what the medical requirements are here in the UK to become a Consultant specialist, but it might be similar; "...a certain number of years doing a a general doctor or Internal Medicine Residency and then tack on extra years getting the sub-specialty of Rheumatology."

Have a great day!

[Insight329 in reply to Hidden]

Yep, if she starts looking at your body closely, be wary. She might be looking at other ways to ‘get the instruments out’.

[Hidden in reply to Insight329]

Hahahahahahahahaha!

I am the perfect patient too! I have a high tolerance to pain and I'm agreeable to most any procedure!

Scary!

Does the term "guinea pig" come to mind?

[SheffieldJane]

There is something intrinsically comforting about old fashioned doctoring. Somebody actually doing something tangible. Your list of symptoms is a good idea. I always end up confusing my doctors with a great verbal outpouring of my miseries. She sounds great actually. I hope she gets to the bottom of the Peripheral Neuropathy symptoms.

The photo of the nice sensible doctor looks familiar. Was it an old TV show?

It will be a tragedy if they let the wonderful NHS starve to death. I do not trust this government with it at all.

It is a beautiful day here, I hope the sun is sparkling off the sea where you are.

[Hidden in reply to SheffieldJane]

Hi SheffieldJane! It is a BEAUTIFUL day here as well... Google Alexa, my BFF, who I tlak to all day... says it will be a high of 67 degrees (or 19) here today!!!!

Yes, after my last appt my husband politely mentioned that I was "all over the place," when talking to the Rheumy, so I decided to just print out what I was already creating anyway! She seemed to like it!

Not sure about "nice sensible doctor," just downloaded from Google Images.

Yes, I worry about the NHS and it makes me sad.

[TooSore]

I'm with you. My rheumatologist is careful and listens to me. He also gets back to me when I call with a worry. Much better than my primary doctor who can talk in circles. I've also had fluid drained from my knee. Weird but felt better quite quickly. Good luck with it.😄

[Hidden in reply to TooSore]

Thanks! Happy you have had a good experience with your Rheumy too!

Could not walk last night, as knee was so painful, but this morning 100% better! ; )

[karools16]

Clone her!!!!!!!!!!!

[Hidden in reply to karools16]

Good idea!!!!

[Hidden]

Hmmmmm? Not sure how Rheumy missed the "thrush?" I did mention a "possible" infection in my nose, not "sinus infection," but more topical; as I have had trouble breathing, a constant yellow discharge, blood when I blow my nose, and saw tiny white blisters on the inside of my nose. I guess the swollen knee was more interesting and took precedence. There are only so many minutes in a doctor's appointment. : (

[Hidden]

Just love this. Cheeted me up. Thank you.

[Hidden]

Oh and your comment cheered me up! Thank you!!!!!

: )

[bunnymom]

Hurrah an appointment where you actually got help!