An idea to get GCA/PMR more visibility (but only if there are Archers fans among us)!

[Dochaz]

Remember Nic Grundy and sepsis, or Helen and coercive control? Why not an Archers storyline featuring GCA and/or PMR? There are lots of age appropriate characters. It could make people more aware. But I'm not sure the average GP would necessarily be an Archers fan 😕!

[jinasc]

Been mentioned on a couple of programs in the past - only names correct......so no thank you.

In the FAQ section take a look at the You Tube video. This went out to GP's in a certain part of UK, guess what we found out they did not even take the time to look at it. How did we know, the patient that gave it to them asked later on what they thought of it............nuff said.

The charity was starting a GP education trial but Covid interfered..........it will go ahead eventually. The money to enable the research/training came from a small charity now closed.

[Dochaz in reply to jinasc]

Still, the average age of listeners is over 50. There might be some people who don't recognise their symptoms and leave things too late. It's about raising awareness in the population at large. But I completely understand your point of view.

[tangocharlie]

Sounds a great idea, some trustees in the charity like Dorothy Byrne and the London support group have connections with people on the radio and am sure could influence the plot writers. Not an Archers fan myself but several friends are including some doctors. It might also spread awareness for sufferers

[Dochaz in reply to tangocharlie]

Exactly my thoughts. I'm sure there are many out there with symptoms, but unaware of what they mean because of lack of information.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

They have both been mentioned on Doc Martin - which suggested a temporal artery biopsy could be done on the kitchen table (yes, I know he'd been a vascular surgeon is a previous life) and a few pills and it was fine. I do know what you mean - and there have been several articles in newspapers attempting the same exposure, done by one of our trustees it was good, the others were far from accurate. I do know what you mean - isn;t easy to get space for a storyline that would get through to listeners/viewers.

[tangocharlie]

PMR came up on one of theose 'behind the scenes at the GP' type documentaries a while ago. An elderly West Indian lady went along and said she was so stiff and couldn't move, it just came on suddenly and one day she couldn't get out of bed. The GP recognised PMR and explained it to the viewers.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to tangocharlie]

Oh yes - remember that - very unusual though in afro-caribbean heritage. 1/2% or so. Same in Asians,

[piglette]

Someone in Doc Martin had GCA.

[MrsNails in reply to piglette]

And The Waiter with PMR

[piglette in reply to MrsNails]

It would be nice if the Archers took it up. They did have juvenile arthritis. I met Shula at some do for Arthritis Care and talked to her about it. She said she put on a special voice for the Archers. Also we have had Down’s syndrome on the Archers. Women’s Hour has started on things like fibromyalgia and long Covid recently.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to piglette]

His aunt wasn't it? And he did a TAB on the kitchen table!!! Such realism ...

[piglette in reply to PMRpro]

That’s right. He knew right away and she was wandering around as if nothing had happened a few episodes later, nothing long term!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to piglette]

Not even pred mania

[piglette in reply to PMRpro]

That could have been really exciting, they missed out there.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to piglette]

I hasten to add I refuse to watch DM, can't stand it, but OH took a shine to it towards the end and called me in to see that episode! Only reason I know what happened!

[piglette in reply to PMRpro]

I only started watching it because of the GCA bit. I have given up again now. I do listen to the Archers religiously though.

[Melti]

I wonder who the Archers PMR candidate could be?Maybe Jennifer? Right age. A perfectionist. Lots of stress with Brine, Roar, daughters, domestic situation, loss of house, etc etc.

Also Pat, always fretting?

Or Tony, ditto!

Interesting!

[Elbowpiece]

Brill idea, we could have Noddy,Sleepy and Dozy. Non speaking parts flat out on the sun beds at the Bull.

[Sharitone]

Good idea. My brother-in-law is a retired GP and listens.I should like to inflict it on Lilian! (Not Jennifer - she has suffered enough!)