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Medical Forum / Diseases and Disorders / Arthritis / February 2006Update
Went for the results of my blood test today. Doctor said she'd already sent the referral letter to the rheumatologist. Great, apart from the fact that its the same consultant that I saw in September who told me my tests were normal and I was too young to have any sort of arthritis. :-( I'll go again and see what he says this time. My blood came back with a RA Latex count of 56, she said up to 20 is 'normal'. But she also said I didn't have the 'inflammatory factor' (?) which is why the rheumatologist may have decided not to treat me. ( I just think its cos he's an arse) She also did say that my hands did look swollen and she thought I could very well benefit from a visit to the OT to see if they would supply me with anything in the interim. I've cut down on my Ibuprofen, I'm taking the slow release capsules. Not quite as effective but anything's better than nothing. I've also started taking glucosamine and cod liver oil, she seems to think this is a good idea. At least it can't make it any worse. So any advice for me to remember when I go to see the consultant with an attitude problem? Do I not take any pills and do lots of things with my hands before I go to make sure they are at their worst so he knows what he's looking at? I'm a bit wimpy when faced with consultants. Cathy.  Signatureo o /|_|\ /|_|\ Coats Red meat isn't bad for you. Fuzzy green meat is. >Went for the results of my blood test today. Doctor said she'd already sent >the referral letter to the rheumatologist. Great, apart from the fact that [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] >looking at? I'm a bit wimpy when faced with consultants. >Cathy. Cathy, Oooh Cathy........ I realy do feel for you, as I'm sure many others here will, who [may I say it] have in one way or another been in your shoes. Your RD may be, in your words "an arse" but alas he's a highly trained medical arse who for the time being you are going to have to win over [unless you seek a referal to another RD via your GP]. I'd look at it a bit like a TV drama about a court room scene. The RD is the judge and you are the defence lawyer. Thus you gather your evidence in the defence of "Cathy" writing it down ['cause you don't expect to go in court and remeber it all off the top of your head] and put it to the Judge [RD] bit by bit/ date by date, so you are sure he sees a diary of events which show the syptoms have not abaited and indeed got worse. He, hopefully, will then examine the evidence [ and Cathy] and faced with "the continuing and overwhelming pain this individual is still suffering to this day, me lord... [ sorry got a bit carried away with my Rumpole act] come to a better conclusion than the last time. Also, if you are as you say "a bit wimpy when faced with consultants" you could consider taking someone with you for moral support. Good luck and keep us posted. -- preceed with 2006 to email It is your right under the NHS to seek a second opinion. In your case I would strongly suggest that you do this. I would go along with unsigned above in that you should collect your evidence and attempt to understand the significance of your blood tests, so that you can effectively discuss your condition. Also, take a friend to the consultation. Peter > It is your right under the NHS to seek a second opinion. In your case > I would strongly suggest that you do this. I would go along with [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > > Peter I'll be treading carefully this time. If he tries to dismiss me I shall ask questions instead of nodding and slinking away feeling small. Thanks. Signatureo o /|_|\ /|_|\ Coats If there are no stupid questions, then what sort of questions do stupid people ask? - Dogbert > Cathy, Oooh Cathy........ > > I realy do feel for you, as I'm sure many others here will, who [may I > say it] have in one way or another been in your shoes. Well thank you. > Your RD may be, in your words "an arse" but alas he's a highly trained > medical arse who for the time being you are going to have to win over > [unless you seek a referal to another RD via your GP]. I can ask her to refer me to another local consultant who has a fantastic reputation. I just thought I'd give the *really* local one another chance. > I'd look at it a bit like a TV drama about a court room scene. The RD > is the judge and you are the defence lawyer. OOoo, I always liked Ally McBeal. :-)) > Thus you gather your evidence in the defence of "Cathy" writing it > down ['cause you don't expect to go in court and remeber it all off > the top of your head] and put it to the Judge [RD] bit by bit/ date by > date, so you are sure he sees a diary of events which show the syptoms > have not abaited and indeed got worse. Ahh, ok. > He, hopefully, will then examine the evidence [ and Cathy] and faced > with "the continuing and overwhelming pain this individual is still > suffering to this day, me lord... [ sorry got a bit carried away with > my Rumpole act] come to a better conclusion than the last time. > Also, if you are as you say "a bit wimpy when faced with consultants" > you could consider taking someone with you for moral support. I may well do that. > Good luck and keep us posted. Thanks for the advice, and yup. In about 10 weeks i'll let you know whats going on. (cos thats how long it took last year to get an appointment with said medical 'arse') Signatureo o /|_|\ /|_|\ Coats If there are no stupid questions, then what sort of questions do stupid people ask? - Dogbert > Thanks for the advice, and yup. In about 10 weeks i'll let you know > whats going on. (cos thats how long it took last year to get an > appointment with said medical 'arse') Hi Cathy and I hope that everything works out for you - but see my other post about cataracts. I went to the optician last May 'cos I couldn't see too well to drive at night. He referred me to the consultant (I won't try to spell the word) at Inverclyde who asked me when I would like the op. I asked for the beginning of September and got the 2nd. Went back for a checkup and was asked when I wanted the other eye done - requested sometime in February so that I could be back at work by Easter (I hire bikes and enjoy working) - got a letter to be in on the 30th of January. As earlier don't knock the NHS - politely request your rights. hth SignatureA T (Sandy) Morton on the Bicycle Island In the Global Village http://www.millport.net >> Thanks for the advice, and yup. In about 10 weeks i'll let you know >> whats going on. (cos thats how long it took last year to get an [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > back at work by Easter (I hire bikes and enjoy working) - got a > letter to be in on the 30th of January. I have had lots of good experiences with NHS care. It just seems that I've had these problems for 20 years and its taken that long for a doctor to look at all the reasons why I've been and put them together. I know thats like the majority of poeple here which is why I like getting opinions from everyone, it keeps you real. :-) > As earlier don't knock the NHS - politely request your rights. > hth I will, and thanks. Cathy Signatureo o /|_|\ /|_|\ Coats You can't get where you want to go if you don't know where you are. 2006-02-01, Responding to er@gmail.com... > Also, if you are as you say "a bit wimpy when faced with consultants" > you could consider taking someone with you for moral support. Unless you really have confidence in your medical support, whoever or whatever they may be, I'd always recommend taking someone with you to sit in on things. A witness can make all the difference sometimes, and a friend can often remember things you can't as you will tend to be focused on your own main concerns. Writing up "dear diary" notes when you get home can also be useful. We've "won through" several arguments/disputes due to good note keeping. Mike@N.UK Signature---- * MikesBrain+WebStuff @ http://tinyurl.com/5ayqt - Schauen Sie immer auf der hellen Seite des Lebens! :) > 2006-02-01, Responding to er@gmail.com... >> [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > useful. We've "won through" several arguments/disputes due > to good note keeping. I'll bear that in mind thanks. Cathy. Signatureo o /|_|\ /|_|\ Coats You can't get where you want to go if you don't know where you are. |
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