Roller Coaster Ride : I haven’t been very present... - PMRGCAuk

PMRGCAuk

21,320 members40,427 posts

Roller Coaster Ride

BigEric profile image
5 Replies

I haven’t been very present in the group this last week. It’s been a very up and down time.

Briefly I’ve had an awful time, feeling confused, exhausted and abandoned.

One doctor on a telephone call upped my pred dose from 15 to 30, increased my painkillers for the better. After several bad nights both myself and my husband I were so tired neither of us were confident that we had understood what the doctor had instructed re the Pred. I booked another call and he went through my symptoms again and he questioned that PMR was the correct diagnoses. Once I had calmed down and reflected I realised several things. The pains I had in my left hip, left ankle and knees were all pre-existing conditions. The awful pain in my shoulders and stiffness were a separate issue - PMR.

After many more tears and frustration I was given a doctors appointment yesterday, 27 January. The doctor was wonderful she listened, understood, addressed both of us and was empathetic and supportive. What a relief. Result - I went straight for a hip X-ray, booked in blood tests for calcium and Vitamin D levels, the doctor is referring me to a rheumatologist and gave clear and concise instructions for painkillers and Pred. At last someone had listened and acted. Our relief was phenomenal.

I’ve purchased and am reading Kate Gilbert’s book as recommended and gaining more of an understanding and how cautious I must be re my recovery.

Since that appointment I have slept long and well. Such joy.

Watch this space for progress next week.

Written by
BigEric profile image
BigEric
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
5 Replies
DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer

Horrible start, but ended well - or at least better…

Long may it continue.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador

Just goes to show that telephone diagnosis is a game of roulette! See the patient at least once! And the lady sounds worth keeping!

Jackoh profile image
Jackoh

As PMRpro says your last GP is a keeper. Stick with her! 💐

YuliK profile image
YuliK

good morning Eric

Glad you managed to get a little sorted out. May I ask what the pain killers that the Doctor recommended ?

My rheumatologist recommended paracetamol 1000mg ( 2 tabs) twice a day.

Keep well

YuliK 👍🌼

BigEric profile image
BigEric in reply toYuliK

Hi Yulik my doctor took the view that there was no need to suffer pain and suggested I take the maximum dose of codeine which is 4 doses each of 60 ml. On a good day I cut the second and third dose down to 30ml. I have Paracetamol as a back up too but rarely resort to that as it can upset my tummy. There are obviously side effects and a sachet of Cosmocol ( affectionately known as poo powder) every evening helps get things moving so to speak. I hope this helps, take care.

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Help please!

Hi I have had extremely painful hip bursitis and tendinitis since mid Sept, and it is driving me...
wendythom profile image

Hip impingement

I posted a month or so ago about groin pain. It then started to include hip area. After a short...
bunnymom profile image

Differing Rheumatologist opinions and Alendronic Acid

I am a bit befuddled so thought I would turn to The Oracle. Apologies for the epistle. I have...
SusyTe profile image

Pred and Avascular Necrosis...

When I started taking Pred for my PMR, it was such a miraculous relief to, finally, be pain free...
caterpillar profile image

Voltaren, (diclofenac) topical gel OK with pred?

My GP has prescribed Voltaren (dicflocinac), for osteoarthritis and hip bursitis pain. I asked...
Mstiles profile image

Moderation team

SophieMB profile image
SophieMBPartner

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.