New consultant !

[Jigsawlass]

My rheumy went on Maternity leave in December, I had a phone appointment with a senior nurse practitioner in March and today met my new consultant. I was very impressed, she did a v thorough physical examination and wanted to know my PMR journey from first symptoms to now even though she had all my notes etc on the screen in front of her.

I am currently reducing 0.5mg every 4-6 weeks , on 4mg now and she suggested I slow down the tapering and reduce every 8 weeks to minimise the chance of a flare. She also wanted to know what sorts of things would trigger a flare or bout of fatigue.

When I talked about the fact that I had had to stop work as a music teacher because of flares and fatigue she said that PMR had affected me a lot more than is apparent from reading clinician's letters. She is also signposting me to talking therapies and support for ongoing fatigue. We will have a phone discussion in 6 month's time but I can call her in the meantime if there are any issues.

5 minutes after leaving the hospital I had a text with the date of my next appointment.

I came away feeling very thankful and felt she was taking a very holistic approach. I know from reading posts on here that many folk aren't as lucky .

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Brilliant!!! What hospital is that? Hope she turns into a permanent fixture - that is how it SHOULD be.

[Jigsawlass in reply to PMRpro]

Kingston Hospital in SW London , we are lucky to have it on the doorstep !

[readingbooks in reply to PMRpro]

And has been for me, PRO from the beginning nearly 6 years ago. I consider my treatment to have been exemplary and that I am very fortunate.

[Mayadill]

Just wow! Brilliant. Ever onward and upward!

[123-go]

I’m speechless 👏👏👏!

[Bcol]

Brilliant result.

[Pollyanna16]

fabulous what amazing support!

[Stills]

great to read this post

[Slowmo43]

sounds like a keeper! You’re lucky! I have a good one too.

[HelenDaisy]

I am at Kingston too, and also spoke to a nurse practitioner for my last phone appointment. I have yet to meet the new consultant but have found my care from this Rhuematology department has been excellent. Not at all like so many people sadly experience. I realise that we are the lucky ones!

[Golden20]

excellent, so happy for you. Sounds like the change of consultant was a breath of fresh air. To be listened to and heard In return makes a huge difference. Long may it continue for you. All the best.

[Sharitone]

So envious!