Rheumatologist Appointment

[SanG55]

Hi all, I finally have a rheumy appt in two weeks after much persistence from myself and GP.

I was diagnosed in April and on Friday learnt that I now have steroid induced diabetes.

I am not sure of what the rheumy does (sorry if that makes me sound dense) and thus don't know what to expect or what questions I should be asking! Any pointers from you knowledgeable people?

Not sure if appt is face to face or over the phone. I haven't seen any medical person apart from the phlebotomist; diagnosis and follow up has all been done by phone or video call.

Follow up from my last post - going for eye test today.

Thanks in anticipation.

[Koalajane]

Hi, I cannot really help you regarding the appointment as I have never seen a rheumatologist onLy my GP.

I also have type 2 diabetes so thought I would tell you how I have coped with it. My doctor put me on gliclazide and I went on a low carb high fat diet. At my next review my blood sugar levels (hba1c) had come down so much that I was taken off the medication. I now control it by diet and exercise(walking) and my latest 2 hba1cs have been 35. I have also lost just under 4 stone.

Good luck with your appointment and your diabetes.

[SanG55 in reply to Koalajane]

Thanks for that Koalajane. What sort of timescale before you got a change in your blood sugars? Well done for losing 4stone - what was the timescale for that?

Thanks again.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

How was diabetes diagnosed? I hope not by a single fasting blood sugar test. What is your Hba1c level?

Cut your carbs - it isn't just weight loss, it is the diabetes risk too.

[SanG55 in reply to PMRpro]

Diabetes was diagnosed by a blood test (not a fasting one). My HbA1c level was 67. I have been prescribed Metformin - gradually increasing dose.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to SanG55]

Oooof! That's a bit high!!! Yes, I'll agree it is diabetes!

[Koalajane in reply to SanG55]

As I said my doctor tried gliclazide and with the LCHF diet it worked pretty quick. Good luck

[SheffieldJane]

Apart from being a leader in the PMR/GCA field my Rheumatologist gave me access to a great raft of diagnostic tests and the latest on the drug front. She involved me in a research project on fatigue. I am doing another soon. I have just been diagnosed with steroid induced diabetes. This has attracted, a Diabetes , clinic, a foot clinic and special eye tests, an on- line diabetes training course, books and a website. She gave me autonomy with my speed of taper, is very familiar with the forum and is patient centred. She accepted that I had no justification for Alendronic Acid after a good bone scan and my rejection of Methotrexate. Good about the eye test. This is the excellence you should expect.

It varies my first Rheumatologist said Fibromyalgia, never mentioned since. I have PMR and GCA.

[RoadTrip]

Just got my appointment by telephone for 7 weeks time, as newly diagnosed GCA. Also at a bit of a loss as to what they do.

I saw the Rheumatologist for a ultrasound 6 days after starting PRED, results inconclusive, which he was not surprised by. At the time I asked him if he was sure of the diagnosis of GCA, he said the GP had only asked him to do the ultrasound and it was up to the GP to decide if I was to be treated for GCA. Specialist referring to GP opinion! So confused.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to RoadTrip]

You what???? I'd be asking for another opinion - and NOT in 7 weeks time!

[RoadTrip in reply to PMRpro]

Whilst specialist / GP relationship has totally confused me, have spent last 10 days since headache started on the Internet. I have many of classic GMA symptoms and 70 mg PRED has cleared constant headache from 4-12 out of 10 pain levels to none at moment. GP seems sure and I also think I had TMR which started approx. 6 weeks prior to GMA symptoms starting which have also gone with the PRED.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to RoadTrip]

As long as they are taking the safe option - and it sounds as if the GP is. But a 7 week wait for GCA is disgusting! Wonder what Prof Dasgupta would say ...

[RoadTrip in reply to PMRpro]

I initially suggested GMA to doctor, blood test was taken that day, results next day which showed very high CRP so put straight on 70 mg PRED, headache improved markedly within 24 hrs.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to RoadTrip]

Good GP - hang onto them!

[RoadTrip in reply to PMRpro]

Agreed, plus don’t want to loose them as I am getting them well trained!