”CONFUSED” UPDATE

[Janann25]

Well, I increased my Pred to 9 mg for 5 days but didn’t go straight back to my previous dose (4.5mg) but went to 6mg. So far the flu-type symptoms have gone but I still have a low-grade headache, plus pain in both shoulders and in the neck. I have tried taking paracetamol but this only has minimal effect. So, I rang at 8am today (Number 27 in the queue) to ask for an appointment with a doctor - any doctor!! I was told “someone” would call me back within 4 hours and, true enough, I had a phone call at about 11am - but from a pharmacist! Her suggestion was that I took either codeine, co-codamol or ibuprofen but no offer of checking for the reason for the on-going pain. After I’d reminded her that I have PMR and take Pred, she suggested I rang the surgery for a doctor’s appointment. I very politely reminded her that that was exactly what I’d done at 8am this morning, at which point she said I would have to join the queue again at 8am tomorrow morning - you couldn’t make it up! But I stood my ground and she actually made me an appointment with a doctor for tomorrow morning. I am aware that I have arthritis in my neck but, before I just go down the continual use of painkillers, I really would like the chance to have these pains investigated. Once again, I’ll report back when I have some more news.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Better luck tomorrow then with 'a doctor' ...woo, woo!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to DorsetLady]

Better not get too excited though!!!!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to PMRpro]

🤔

[Exflex in reply to PMRpro]

precisely… this is going back ~6 months, I phoned for an appointment with moderate headaches and was offered an appointment the same day. I was seen by an advanced nurse practitioner who said I’m not qualified to deal with PMR/GCA “you need to see a doctor”!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Exflex]

Obviously the receptionist allocating appointments needs more training and a label should be put on your notes saying that GCA is outwith ANP's remit ...

[herdysheep]

Good for you standing your ground. Some of these 'service changes' could be really dangerous if you don't have the wit/knowledge/confidence to query the suggestions. A friend has been almost fatally ill because of a medication clash.

[Janann25 in reply to herdysheep]

I’m so sorry to hear that - yes, we have to be so careful with our medication.

[MiloCollie]

good luck with your queue “ you are currently number…98 in the queue”. NHS gone to the dogs!