Appointment with Dr Pauling

[AMC7]

Good morning,

I have a referral appointment with Dr Pauling a week today. I'm feeling very anxious about it. I wondered if anyone could let me know what to expect and also, what questions I should ask?

Thank you.

[OldTed60]

hi. I’ve never seen Dr Pauling but he did a recent webinar about Raynauds for SRUK and seemed like a very personalable and thorough specialist on this so it would be worth watching on the SRUK link if you haven’t already. Just go to the website and put his name in their search bar. Try not to get too nervous - just be as focussed and organised as possible. Good luck!

[AMC7 in reply to OldTed60]

Thank you for your reply. I did watch the recent webinar with Dr Pauling and I feel very lucky to be seeing him.

I will prepare myself & try not to get too worried about it 😬

[positivedaybyday]

Hi,On my first visit to see my Consultant I wrote down a list of questions I had on my condition at that time. Don't be afraid to ask anything, no matter how hard as you need to know where your particular case is up to.

It helped me keep focused & not forget anything.

I took my sister with me who wrote down the answers. This was a good ploy as you can go through the Q&A's together later in a relaxed manner.

I also wrote down my symptoms at the time, when they started & detailed the progression.

Write a daily diary of how you're feeling, both physically & mentally.

There are lots of different tools available to help you traverse this difficult path.

Good luck & I hope this short insight helps.

Xxx

[AMC7 in reply to positivedaybyday]

Thank you so much for this x

[Oleander1]

Morning, Dr Pauling is my rheumatologist too . I chose him for his expertise in scleroderma but he is also very approachable and easy to talk to. Make a note of your questions and I’m sure he will be happy to go through them all with you. Good luck!

[AMC7 in reply to Oleander1]

Thank you! That’s very reassuring x

[Jaq1971]

I also keep a journal of my symptoms and all questions I have and take with me as I go blank when I get there my daughter also comes with me and supports me in the appointment as I have ptsd and get overwhelmed and don't take anything in. I have seen several different doctors and consultants as mine is complicated as my liver bowels .swallow. bladder. hands feet even ears and nose are affected remember that's your time and you need to get everything out on the table in sure he will be understanding and helpful please do let us know how to u get on xxxx

[AMC7 in reply to Jaq1971]

Thank you. I’m going in my own so hope I remember everything x

[SBQ1971]

Good idea Old Ted60

I have met Dr. Pauling at Conferences held by the old Raynaud's and Scleroderma Society and went to an arranged appointment with him at Bath about two years ago. He is very pleasant and easy to talk to. Have a list of all the things that are worrying you or want to ask him.

Try not to worry and good luck

[AMC7 in reply to SBQ1971]

Thank you x

[Clangerscat]

Hi I see doctor Pauling and you have nothing to worry about. Are you newly diagnosed? Usually when you arrive the nurse checks your BP, sometimes weight and gets you to do a urine sample. Doctor Pauling will go through everything with you and answer any questions. You should get a contact number for the specialist nurses, they can answer any queries if you have any concerns but may take a few days to get back to you. It can all be a bit overwhelming at first but try not to worry you will be seeing a team that make sure you get the best treatment.

[AMC7 in reply to Clangerscat]

I’m not diagnosed yet. I’ve got Raynauds & markers in my blood so I’ve been referred. Also my mother had scleroderma x

[Clangerscat in reply to AMC7]

I hope all goes well I’m sure it will. It is important to give yourself time and let everything sink in so don’t worry if you forget things or don’t ask the questions you meant to. There will be more appointments and as you get used to whatever you’re diagnoses might be you will learn the best ways for you to live with it. Be positive scleroderma may not be curable yet but it can be treated and Dr Pauling will come up with the best plan for you. Good luck.

[Puffins17]

Hi I've seen Dr Pauling at his Scleroderma clinics since he moved from Bath to the NHS North Bristol Trust. Like the others I have always found him to be approachable, easy to talk to and reassuring. I feel sure he will quickly make you feel at ease, so try not to worry I also make a list of questions before my appointment. If you go onto the SRUK website there is a section on questions to ask a consultant and on preparing for your appointment which I think you'll find helpful. Hope you find the appointment beneficial. Good luck and

best wishes.