Roller Coaster Ride

[BigEric]

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.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

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

Long may it continue.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

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]

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

[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 in reply to YuliK]

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.