Rheumatologist appt.

[Bubble56]

Hi, I would appreciate some more advice! I have made an appointment to see a rheumatologist privately at the end of the month. I am stuck on 6.5/7 mg and feeling quite a bit of pain mainly in my legs. My question is: should I ask my GP for blood tests before my appointment?

Many thanks yet again.🤔

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

It would be sensible to have as much information beforehand. Take a potted history as well - but succinct not a ramble.

Time is money - your money!

[Bubble56 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you- will do.

[SheffieldJane]

It would be useful and perhaps wider than just CRP and ESR ( inflammation) in case the leg pain is indicative of something else. My Rheumatologist does blood tests at my appointment in the same little hospital ( this may just be her set up). I am not paying privately and communications with my GP have been problematic in the past, over test results etc. ( different local NHS), different town. It kind of depends if you are going to continue with the private Rheumatologist, or whether this is a one off appointment, for continuity of care, purposes.

[Bubble56 in reply to SheffieldJane]

It is hopefully a one off appointment🤞 Thank you for your advice.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Well worth it - take all you can with you to a private appointment. Even past results if you can get hold of them.

It sounds as if you are just a tad too low - even 1/2mg can make a big difference.

[Bubble56 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you, I have just telephoned my GP to arrange inflammatory tests to be done- they haven’t been done for a year!“ The medical team will ring me back”. I’m now anxious that they won’t do them even although they were happy to give me a referral.

[Maisie1958]

I’ve done the same as you and have booked private appointment with rheumatologist end of month. I asked and was told the more information you can bring along or email to secretary beforehand the better. So I’m trying to do a concise history and have dug out old blood results. My doctors referral letter is pretty vague. I’d try to get a blood test done before not that easy- and make sure you get the actual results of any previous ones - sometimes what is put down as “normal” isn’t for yourself as I’ve found. All the best x

[Bubble56 in reply to Maisie1958]

Thank you that’s extremely good advice. I know exactly when I have tried to taper successfully and unsuccessfully so I shall write all that info down. It’s all a struggle but I keep telling myself it could be worse!🤪