First appointment with nhs Rheumy

[Wonderfullifeandmore]

Hi, I had my first nhs appointment with the Rheumy who is based at the same health centre as the one I have seen privately. He did say to me that he was aware that I had seen one, I had already had my bloods done prior to the appointment. He said my RF was 170 which is high, he gave me two booklets to read and maybe choose one of the drugs to go alongside the Hydroxychloroqine the drugs he offered are Azathioprine or Mycophenolate to be honest both scare me. He also thinks I need a hip replacement so is referring me to an Orthapaedic surgeon. He is also arranging an MRI scan and more blood tests. I must say he was very thorough I have also got a follow up appointment in August. He asked how many mg’s of predisilone I was on which is 5mg but made no comment on that. Any feedback on the meds I have been offered will be gratefully received.

Thank you for reading this.

For reading this

[Grammy80]

Hi, I'm a bit confused~~" He said my RF was 170 which is high, he gave me two booklets to read and maybe choose one of the drugs to go alongside the Hydroxychloroqine the drugs he offered are Azathioprine or Mycophenolate " Did he recommend one drug over the other and whey? What were the booklets about? Did he want you to select the medication? I know I would have left feeling 'in the dark.' I hope folks on the forum can give you some solid information. Was the recommendation about your hip a surprise to you? I had one some years ago and was so thankful, good recovery and loss of pain. Take care💞

[Wonderfullifeandmore in reply to Grammy80]

Hi Grammy80

No he didn’t recommend either of the drugs just gave me the booklets to read and if I would like to go on either one to let him know.

I was at the walk in centre with real bad pain in my right leg, my hips were X rayed which showed Osteoarthritis and my right hip was very badly worn. So he had access to the hospital’s findings.

[Grammy80 in reply to Wonderfullifeandmore]

It is just me, but I would need the doctor to make the recommendation. I didn't go to med school. I hope this works out for you. I always encourage anyone about a hip replacement because I had such a good outcome. I wish you well💞

[Wonderfullifeandmore in reply to Grammy80]

Thank you Grammy80

[PMRpro Ambassador]

If you want more info about those drugs then the NRAS forum is likely to be more fruitful. They are often used in RA but rarely or never in PMR because they plain don't work for PMR for the vast majority of patients.

[Wonderfullifeandmore in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you