my fourth rheumatologist

[Reddev]

Today Sunday I had an appointment to see my fourth rheumatologist in four years of my GCA and PMR journey. I have over these four years had no advice on reducing my pred how to take care of my disease. I have because of some medical knowledge been able to care for myself with the help of this forum and the NICE Guidelines. I have had dexa scans and told I need ALENDRONIC acid without being told of the consequences of taking it. I am however pleased with this consultant who is supposed to be permanent (instead of the locum rheumatologist I have had in the past ). He asked what dose of pred I’m on and I said 2.5 mgs. He asked how often I reduced. I said monthly. He advised me to do .5 every 8 weeks. …… I think I’m in love….. 😃 that is the best piece of advice I feel I’ve had on this long journey. Thank you all for your input that has helped me on this strange episode in my life.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Certainly a good start!!! If he keeps it up - we'll add his name to our little list

[Reddev in reply to PMRpro]

not sure when I’ll get another appointment!!!! He is doing all day Sunday’s to try and catch up with the locums we’ve had over the last four years as of course covid.

[123-go in reply to Reddev]

That's dedication for you! What a treasure 🤗.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to 123-go]

What all the good ones do - at any level ...

[ChrisinNam in reply to PMRpro]

Until they burn themselves out

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to ChrisinNam]

Quite - and most of them are glowing already ...

[MrsNails in reply to Reddev]

Sign of an excellent Doctor! Instead of talking about it - he’s done something!….

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to MrsNails]

Absolutely!

[MarksPoint in reply to PMRpro]

would you by any remote chance have any good rheumo names from Sydney Australia on your list ?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to MarksPoint]

Sydney - no, afraid no. Melbourne, yes.

You could put up a post asking if there are any Aus members in the Sydney area with a recommendation. I do remember someone in the Gold Coast some time back who was under someone at a private hospital who was NOT to be recommended!

[MarksPoint in reply to PMRpro]

thanks for your insight into my question..much appreciated. X

[piglette]

It is so nice when someone actually cares.

[SheffieldJane]

gosh! a keeper. ⭐️

[Koalajane]

that sounds very sensible. I taper by .25mg every month

[Reddev in reply to Koalajane]

how do you get .25. My .5 is too small to cut in half again?

[Koalajane in reply to Reddev]

I cut mine with a good pill cutter

[Sharitone in reply to Reddev]

If you have uncoated 2.5mgs, you can reduce by 1/8 at a time until to get to a very low dose. I don't know if everyone's tablets are the same, but I find the 2.5s easier to split than the 1s, because they are flat. The 1s have a habit of crumbling.

[Jackoh]

How wonderful to find one who understands!! 💐

[Hildalew]

Congratulations on your good fortune!