Finally a GP that knows PMR

[Alan7690]

After many years of seeing a GP finally got one that knows PMR. She did rotation tests on my shoulders and hips. Checked other movement in my hands and asked about pain levels. She also wants a autoimmune blood test as I've never had one. And referring me to rheumatology as again never seen one. Hopefully after this I may be getting somewhere and some support.

[SheffieldJane]

This would fill me with hope! It makes such a difference to the journey.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Good to hear -but as she seems to be knowledgeable you may not need a Rheumy

A good interested engaging GP is better than an uninterested specialist any day.

[Missus835 in reply to DorsetLady]

My thoughts exactly.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

As DL says, a good GP beats a dodgy rheumy!

[Alan7690]

Really shocked got an appointment with a rheumatologist on May 13th, just had an email from the hospital.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Alan7690]

Blimey - must have someone new without a list!!!! Impressive!

[Alan7690 in reply to PMRpro]

Yes see what happens when I see them

[LemonZest11 in reply to PMRpro]

Hahaha!

[Flivoless in reply to Alan7690]

I'm also one of the "lucky" ones. I had what must be my 8th Rheumy appointment in 2 years last week, telephone this time, and, quite honestly, I haven't really benefitted from any of them.

[Bridge31]

We will all be interested to know how you get on because as DL and PMRpro have said a lot of us have had experience of arrogant Rheumies

[alangg]

Is your GP happy to prescribe Pred as and when YOU think you need it and not as and when THEY think you should be reducing the dose?

From hundreds of comments on this forum, this seems to be a contentious issue for both GPs and Rheumies so it's probably best to go with the person that is willing to let you manage your own medication depending on your symptoms. My GP was great; I produced a spreadsheet showing how I wanted to reduce the dose every 3 months and she took a copy asking me to let her know if I needed any more than I had written down.

It can be a long haul coming off Pred - anything from 2 years to life! The last thing you want is your prescriber limiting your medication when you are still in pain because they think you should be taking less.

Choose carefully (if you have a choice)!

[borednow]

My GP is more than happy to let me have as many repeat prescriptions for Pred as and when I need them. He diagnosed my PMR in 2017. I think he peaked then as he has diagnosed most other things incorrectly since that time. It has cost me a fortune in private treatment although he has provided the Specialist's prescriptions with joyous abandon - never ever referring to it of course. I think he's one of a kind and not necessarily in a good way!!

[Alan7690]

Yes the GP is more happy for me have arrange repeat prescriptions for Pred as and when I need them and even adjust my dose to suit as long as I don't increase it long term

[seamaid in reply to Alan7690]

SNAP I am also one of the lucky ones with my GP

[Mayadill]

'It's not what's on the computer.' Something else besides the view of a doctor. My Pred scrips have been pretty seamless, ask and it shall be given, but when I had that majestic flare I mentioned, at one point up to 18 mg, I was getting through the last scrip, described on the print-out as a weaning dose, very ahead of schedule, so when I requested more in mid March instead of 'next issue due 1 May' it was queried. Had to do the arithmetic for them, after which they were fine with it: 168 1 mg tabs + 84 5 mg tabs = 588 mg total divided by the 35 days 6 Feb to 13 March = 16.8 mg/day.

[Mayadill]

Should have added that I'd already said I was flaring and on 15 mg before the query.

[Alan7690]

Well appointment with a rheumatologist on May 13th has been cancelled, no surprise really now booked hopefully for the 14th June

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Alan7690]

🤦🏻‍♀️

[Alan7690]

We’ll I give up they’ve now cancelled my second appointment on the 14th June at the rheumatologist with no new date 😩 So not getting anywhere.