Update on 'where do I go next'

[Louisepenygraig]

Just had a good phone consultation with my GP. My ESR had gone up since the previous blood test in spite of increasing the dose but we both agreed that I was feeling OK (enough anyway) to stick at 13mg. He's booked me an appointment for 6 weeks time and I'll book a blood test for the week before. I brought up the subject of a possible spectrum between PMR and CGA and he admitted it was all a bit woolly. He said there was no point referring me to a rheumy because they aren't taking referrals. They're so short staffed that they even stopped urgent referrals for a while. Depending on my results in 6 weeks he might see if he can get advice from a rheumy. He has referred me for a dexa scan though. So, for now, I'll just keep taking the tablets

At least I have a nice view from the window in our cabin in the back garden

[SheffieldJane]

You seem to have an enviable relationship with your doctor, worth more than a lot of Rheumatologists I’ve heard of.

That is a nice view to look at, in all weathers and seasons I bet.

[Louisepenygraig in reply to SheffieldJane]

I like him, and he's generally very good. Sometimes he can be a bit rushed which isn't really surprising. As he is cutting his hours down i really need to try out some of the other doctors in the practice though.

We (my husband and I) practicality live out in the cabin in the summer but it's not warm enough in the winter. We share our house now with my daughter, her husband and their three boys so built this to give us some extra space.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I like the sound of your GP!

[Jackoh]

What area do you live in Louisepennygraig? or should I know that from your name? Just wondered if the shortage of rheumies is all over the country ?

[Louisepenygraig in reply to Jackoh]

North Wales. All of North Wales is covered by the (wait for it) Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board. It is in particular financial difficulties and has been in special measures for a couple of years now. I think there is a general problem to recruiting to the area too.

[Jackoh in reply to Louisepenygraig]

Doesn't sound good

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Jackoh]

There is a worldwide shortage of rheumatologists it seems - there was an article in an American medical magazine recently about it. If the truth were told - there is a worldwide shortage of doctors. The age of the population is increasing so more medical care is required. And the baby-boomer generation is arriving at retirement age. Short-sighted politicians have not anticipated either factor and did not increase the intake of medical students...

[Jackoh in reply to PMRpro]

Yes did wonder if that was the case.