I've been dealing with quite a stressful situation at work, I've been in a terrible emotional state since Friday and I've been doing my best to get back on track. I'm still a bit wobbly.
I had a call from the Rheumatologist's secretary this morning and he'll be calling me between 10-12pm today. I'm in shock. Can anyone help me, dont know what to say? I'm likely to not say what I need to say and just take on what he tells me to do.
Sounds like you’re having a really rough time. You say you don’t know what to say, but can you tell us what it is you want or what is making you anxious about the upcoming appointment? Is your work stress likely to go away?
Work issue will not end yet, I've raised concerns about my manager to her manager and I'm having union support and there will be several meetings about it that's why I'm anxious. I've written down what I want to say and found my diary with lots of notes that I'll refer to.
Others will be along soon to give advice, but I would say try to stay calm and write down any questions you want to ask the rheumie, and write notes about what they say to you, if you are stressed you may not take the info in...and forget what they advise.....tell them exactly how you feel...especially the stress at work as well....
Good luck, keep us posted how it goes..
Just sit down, calm down,and think logically about what you want to ask. ...treat is as a business meeting!
List your symptoms- note any treatment you’ve had. He will probably ask most the questions, so try and have the answers to hand - so you don’t forget what’s important to you.
He’s ringing to help you - it’s not that scary!
If it’s possible, and he’s happy to, can you record the conversation so you remember what’s been said? We all forget points, it’s human.
Let us know how you get on please.
Thank you DorsetLady, I've taken your advice and yes, it isn't that bad. I've found my diary and notes taken as well as medical letters to refer to and guide what I want to say. I know he'll discuss the hip/groin xrays I took in March which I haven't had the result of yet. No doubt he'll say its wear and tear and dismiss it like he did my blood test results. They may not be as high as some people but it does show inflammation that needs treating. I'll let you all know how it goes.
But above all - whether it is GCA or PMR you have, we know from experience that stress of any sort doesn't help and maybe you have to look at the work situation. You wouldn't be the first on this forum in the same situation and who had to go on sick leave until the stress at work is resolved in one way or another.
Make a few notes about the issues that are worrying you most for your Rheumatologist. Make sure that your HR department are aware that you are suffering excessive stress at work. They have a duty of care towards you. Stress makes our diseases much worse.
Well it looks like I'm here to stay!
I'm new here
I'm new here !
"Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving.” ~ Terry Pratchett
Relapse, and now I'm sure I'm a member of your elite club
