Dr not available-what next step?

[Griggser]

So CRP of 8.5 and on 13mg of steroids. Tried to talk to my doctor about what to do only to find he’s not available for two weeks. Can’t get through to the NHS Rheumatology team. Should I try 15mg, or more, for a week and see if it makes a difference. As posted before I really don’t want to increase as I’m 6 years in but guess it’s pointless taking 13mg and still being in full time pain!

[Dontwannabesick]

Not a PMR expert by any means, so I'm not qualified to advise on meds, but I am surprised that you cannot have access to a GP for 2 weeks, do they not cover for each other? My only suggestion would be call 111 or fill the form in on their website. I hope you get help soon.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Is no other doctor available? If the CRP is rising then the inflammation is increasing - if it were without symptoms that is one thing, other things can make the CRP go up. But if you have PMR symptoms returning as well it is a sign of a flare building. You do need medical advice and yes - not being on enough pred to manage the symptoms means you have all the downsides with no benefit to balance it out. I would try 15mg for a few days and see what happens. I don't have much faith in the rheumy helplines at the best of time - I needed urgent advice once and 3 weeks later she still hadn't got back to me and I couldn't get anything but the answering machine so was stuck.

[Griggser in reply to PMRpro]

I’m sure I could have spoken with another doctor at the surgery. However as I have been under the Rheumatology team I thought it best to contact them so have now emailed them. In the meantime I intend to up the steroids to 15mg and see how it goes. They do usually respond to emails but the call back service as you say leaves a lot to be desired!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Griggser]

That's fine - if they do help when you need it! Hope the 15mg works!

[Rose54]

Hi

At present most surgeries are offering a phone back ,Skyp or Mewe appointment afraid its pot luck who you get but you will be able to get advice and thay all have excess to your files

[Griggser]

Update, had an email response from rheumatology saying ok to increase to 15mg (I already had 😉) and that a telephone consultation appoint will be sent. So a fairly good result. Took 2mg extra on Tuesday evening and the first 15mg yesterday and definitely less pain and I even slept a bit better last. I don't think it’s Physiological, I just feel there’s less pain already. Time will tell and certainly not pain free.