Positive A&E visit

[Baner]

Don’t really have a question but wanted to let everyone know of my positive trip to A&E. Saw GP on Monday as I had a headache for couple of weeks which had changed to awful pain over left eye and left side of face, which painkillers wouldn’t shift. No jaw pain but slightly blurred vision in left eye. GP was concerned about possible GCA so he gave me referral letter and told me to go straight to A&E. Got fast tracked because of the referral and was seen by Rheumatology registrar and blood tests and thorough eye examinations were done. No problems found with eyes but ESR and CRP were very high so given prescription for 40mg Prednisolone to take for 2 weeks, then it will be reviewed. Was also referred for urgent PET scan and Temporal Biopsy, luckily they had cancellations so I had scan yesterday and biopsy this morning. They said I will get a call with results to confirm whether it is GCA, but not sure when this will be. I live in London and our local hospital is St Thomas’s. Feeling a bit anxious but very pleased with how speedily everything has been dealt with.

[SnazzyD]

Glad everything worked like it should for you. Fingers crossed.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

THAT is how it SHOULD be!!!

[jinasc in reply to PMRpro]

Too true.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

As others have said - how it should work! Please let us know results and how you get on.

Can understand your anxiety, but you are “in the system” that’s the main thing.,

[Baner in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you, in view of current covid circumstances I was expecting a long wait, so very pleased to be fast tracked, think referral letter was important. When we were there today I noticed how busy the Covid booster queues were at St Thomas’s. They have at least 2 large marquee’s in the hospital grounds dealing with Covid jabs and at 11am there were 50+ in the main queue, couldn’t see the other one. When we left at 1.30 the main queue had trebled in size. So pleased to see everyone is getting their jabs. We had our boosters in October I am pleased to say.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Baner]

If there is any chance it could be GCA - it is a medical emergency. Just like a stroke or a heart attack. You would be rather upset if they didn't see you immediately then!!

[SheffieldJane]

Absolutely exemplary! I hope it isn’t but better to be safe. X

[Exhiker]

I use to live near St thomas' , maybe I should have stayed there. Polar opposite to my experience. Glad it worked out well for you.

[Benos123 in reply to Exhiker]

I went to see a Consultant in St Thomas's back in 2019 and the fella kept on falling asleep during the consult and whilst taking my history.

He was obviously well practised in the procedure because each time I shook his arm he'd lift his head up off the desk and say "I'm sorry about that and now where are we? (when we had never left the place)!

I've often thought since that perhaps we were just sitting in the wrong seats, butt now I guess I'll never get to the bottom of it! Bum Bum.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL!

[Exhiker in reply to Benos123]

O dear, 🥱 I guess there's good and bad experiences at most hospitals. Some more good and some more bad. 😴yu

[Exhiker in reply to Exhiker]

Sorry don't know how yu got on there

[Nextoneplease]

That’s great news, Baner 😊 It’s reassuring to hear that things can work properly! I hope you get your results soon and that all is well - and even if it is GCA, at least you’re already being treated. All the best 😊x

[York54]

Good to hear ! That is how it should be 👍

[Mimma]

Great to hear of the prompt action. Let’s hope for good news. At least you are in the system and being looked after.

[Sharitone]

Wow! Almost worth moving to London!

[Constance13 in reply to Sharitone]

You must be joking?

Baner was very lucky though.

[Sharitone]

Yes, I was joking, but I didn't want to hurt Baner's feelings. Oops😳