Getting face to face medical appointments

[Italy2]

I'm wondering if those of us who are being'diagnosed and treated' remotely should just record the fact with our local Health Watch. Certainly now I can understand not getting face to face appointments in high Covid areas but mine isn't and was relatively clear since July but still the Gps hide away but all the nurses are expected to do face to face. I've included Health Watch link

healthwatch.co.uk/what-we-do

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Good point! They seem to have become an endangered species...

Have relinked - yours wasn’t working - not sure on correct page- healthwatch.co.uk

[Italy2 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thanks

[Hidden in reply to Italy2]

I've reset the link too - so it should be working now!

Candy

[Yellowbluebell]

Fortunately my gp's are doing face to face when needed and I have had three in the last month. Full protection used but its nice to see one in real life!!

[palewolf]

I haven't seen or spoken to my GP since December last year. I have more or less been left to fend for myself, so thankful for all you lot for all the help and advice you give. I now think I know more about this condition than my doctor. I am down to 1mg since starting on 20mg in April 2019 and am hopeful I can be completely free by Christmas.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to palewolf]

Careful - many people find 1mg is plenty to keep PMR at bay but can't manage with zero. Just be aware!!

[palewolf in reply to PMRpro]

I know, I did wonder whether it would be better to just stay at 1mg rather than risk dropping further. I have been very careful in reducing so far. It has taken me the best part of a year to get down from 5mg, and only had one slight flare when I dropped from 3 to 2 1/2. Thanks PMRpro, your advice as usual is spot on, I think I will stay where I am for time being especially with covid hanging around.

[borednow in reply to palewolf]

I'd definitely stick at 1mg rather than risk setting the whole PMR thing off again. But obviously, it's your choice. Good luck!!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to palewolf]

When you do try I would take it unbelievable slowly: I would go via 1/2mg too but then have one day a week without the dose for a month, i.e. a VERY slow DSNS taper: one day no dose, 6 days old dose for a month. Then 1 day no dose, 5 days old dose for a month. and so on.

[palewolf in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks, I'll try that. I've only been on 1mg for 3 weeks so how long should I wait before trying the above method. ( I have been pain free so far)

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to palewolf]

If it were me I'd give it at least 2 months - it is such a low dose and it can take a while for any left-over inflammation to build up.

[palewolf in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks, I'll probably wait till after Christmas.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to palewolf]

Sounds like a plan!

[Doraflora in reply to palewolf]

That sounds wonderful, palewolf! Fingers crossed for you.

I’m reducing down to 3 mg in another 2 weeks so I’m hoping the end is in sight!

[palewolf in reply to Doraflora]

Here's hoping, good luck!

[Arflane97G]

Thank you for this, I contacted health watch this morning re. My telephone appt and just got a call saying that it will be face to face after all!