where do I begin

[Wonderfullifeandmore]

I haven’t posted on here for quite a long time, however I read the posts every day. I was diagnosed with PMR and RA in April 2023. I have just been allocated an NHS rheumatologist and have my first appointment on Wednesday. I have had a couple of appointments with a private rheumatologist who has given me a methyl predisilone injection on both ocassions, the last one he said take 2.5mg of predisilone everyday for 3 months. Well the 2.5 mg wasn’t enough so I took 5mg. The 3 months is now up the injection has worn off and the 5mg isn’t enough.

Yet another dilemma the new rheumatologist works in the same practice as my private one but I can’t see the private one on the NHS.

Do I tell the new one or just let him start afresh I had the bloods done 2 weeks ago in readiness for the appointment.

Obviously I will have to tell him I’m taking 5mg of Predisolone. I also know my results from the patients know next ESR and CRP levels are now at 5 but I still have stiffness in my legs on waking.

So sorry for the essay, I just feel so confused and I’m not myself. My mental is not as it should be and everything is a bit of a struggle these days.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

You were diagnosed with RA over a year ago and are only just getting to see an NHS rheumy? That isn't very good. Could you have seen the NHS rheumy privately originally?

I would just explain to the new rheumy that you saw his colleague privately because you had had to wait so long and then they can sort it out how they like. You do need to tell the NHS guy what treatment you have already had in case he feels it is relevant but it does seem a strange approach for PMR and even more so for RA.

[Wonderfullifeandmore in reply to PMRpro]

Hi, I looked online for a private rheumatologist nearest to me and Professor El Miedany came up, as he does my Osteoporosis injections 6 monthly as an nhs patient I chose him, I did ask him if he could be my NHS Rheumy he said No it was out of his hands.

I don’t know who allocates the Rheumy to the patient but it’s madness.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Wonderfullifeandmore]

No idea these days - seems a bit silly if you are already under him. You had a good reason for seeing him privately then and I'd just explain to the new rheumy and let them get on with it

[Wonderfullifeandmore in reply to PMRpro]

Yes that’s what I will do, thank you for your reply.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Wonderfullifeandmore]

ED daughter says monitor your BP morning and evening for a week ...

[Wonderfullifeandmore]

Thank you so much

[Wonderfullifeandmore in reply to Wonderfullifeandmore]

Whoops meant to reply to PMR pro. Thank yo so much.