Question below

[Bee346]

Think I may have 'lost' my question !!!

My Gp has referred me to Rheumatology Clinic at Treliske. Has anyone been seen there and what do I expect? I havent had any tests at GP's she just looked! and said she'd refer me.....

[zenabb]

If your GP had any doubts she is a bosolutely right to refer you to Rheumatology to be tested and properly diagnosed and given treatment if you need it. You will meet doctors who know what they are talking about. Don't be frightened it's good to know and to know what to do as early as possible to prevent complications as far as possible. I hope that you will have tests that will point to a diagnosis of your complaint. Go to rheumatology. You are on a voyage of discovery. It will take some time for test results. Be patient but ask all the questions you have. Write them down so as not to forget and to save time. Make sure you understand everything. Ask who their specialist nurse is. She/ he is there to answer questions. Good luck.

[Bee346]

Thank you for this reply zenabb...I can always deal with anything if I am informed so I will definately go to appointment. I had a scare the winter before last as I developed a 'black blister' on a toe....GP thought it was frostbite! I was put on Nifedaprine to start then changed to Valsartan.....but it doesnt seem to help much. Obviously I need to discuss this with Rh.

Thanks again... B

[Anteater]

I had frostbite on my little finger some years ago - that was also black but raised !!!

[Rp321]

I dont go to that hospital but when i go to see the rheumatology department for my yearly check up (i have primary raynauds), it does take up most of the morning (which i dont mind).

I have a long chat with the specalist nurse who asks how things are going and asks about any other symptoms (of which i dont have any because i just have raynauds). she also gives advice on things to try and other medications.

I then go and have a look inside my caplieries in my hands through some kind of micro scope, followed by a cold challenge where you put your hands under a heat camera to see how hot they are and then dip them in cold water and see how long they take to warm up (but the cold challenge was only on my first visit).

Then off for a blood test.

then all done for another year,

however when i go to my local hospital i just go and have a quick (pretty much pointless) chat with the consultant which consists of him stating the obvious that my hands are really cold to touch and thats about it. so it really does depend where you go to what you should expect as my two experiences are completely different.

[Bee346]

Thank you kaz321....I should hope I'll get a thorough check as its my first appointment and a diagnostic....B

[Bee346]

Hi Anteater thanks for reply....did you have to have surgery because of the frostbite? My GP told me that if we couldnt 'cure' it with meds I would have to have part of my toe removed!!!! Scary thought...B

[chrissieH]

Hi Bee 346 Do you mean Treliske Hospital Truro?. I am under rheumatology Treliske. I occasionally see a Dr Davies. However, I also have Scleroderma so have been referred to The Royal Free London as I have several ongoing problems. Let me know if you need more info.

[Bee346 in reply to chrissieH]

Hi Crissie.....yes RCHT..Truro...I cant remember the specialist's name might it be Falfield? Thanks for your offer of further info. B

[michele27 in reply to chrissieH]

Hi Chrissie I too have Sclroderma and visit the Royal Free every year. The top man is Prof Denton if you get to see him. I wish you all the best the Royal Free have done many tests on me. I have been happy with all the advice I have been given. Michele

[michele27]

Not sure what the GP is sending you for, have they said?

[Bee346 in reply to michele27]

Hi Michele......I have dreadful circulation causing problems in my fingers and toes which GP is treating with Valsartan. I developed a v sore spot on my toe...hence the referall I guess to see if anything else causing problem.

[michele27 in reply to Bee346]

Hi Glad your getting a referal at least you can get to the bottom of the problem. I have Raynauds,the symptoms are painful fingers, the tips are sore and change colour, from pink to white, this happens in the cold. Your problems sounds different,although circulation is a concern it's very diffucult to know, the feet can be involved with Raynauds, in some people.

I think they must have some idea, because they have precribed the Valsartan, I don't know this drug, you will have to check with them, and ask why they have suggested it for you.

I wish you every success with your referal, it you want' to come back to me at any time feel free. I am aware of the concern you are having.I hope and pray that it will be sorted out once and for all. God Bless Michele

[michele27]

Hi again It's good you have had a referal, you may now get to the bottom of what is happening. I asume that they haven't told you what it is yet.

I have Reynauds and my hands change colour with the temperature, and are very painful, the tips of my fingers are very sore at times. When you see the doctor again, try to get him to confirm what it is you are suffering from, although circulation is a major part of Reynauds, it is very difficult to know at this stage they will do tests, and ask you lots of questions. Having just one sore spot is very different to me, all my fingers are sore on the tips. I do not know about Valsartan, but if it has been presribed, they must have an idea what they are treating. You must ask lots of questions, it's your right as apatient. I wish you all the very best, take care and please come back to me if you need to. Michele

[Bee346]

Hi Michele......I have these symptoms too......fingers go white to second knuckle, take a long time to 'thaw' when the temperature outside is below 12degC I think the original GP and I sort of came to the conlusion it is Raynaud's syndrome (I had emailed Anne from RSA with a couple of questions)and when I developed this dead yet sore spot on my toe I asked GP if she thought there was something else going on and she said we'd refer to see. It is complicated by my having ME/CFS which mimics and includes symptoms of other illnesses. I shall be pleased to see a specialist if only to be told it is part of the ME/CFS. And if it is something other then I'll deal with that. Incidentally my late mother and my daughter had/have the same problems with their fingers. We are a glove maker's dream family!

[michele27 in reply to Bee346]

Hi Bee

You are right some syptoms do overlap. It does sound like it could be Raynauds, I hope you sort it all out soon. We look forward to the warmer weather, coming soon I hope. Good luck and take care. Michele