[Viridian]

Looks like it anyway!

I went to see Dr.D'Cruz at the london lupus clinic on Tues. Left Wales at 2.30 in the morning with all four kids (ages 1 to 9) in tow. They were brilliant though. We ended up getting back about 11.30pm, and they all went to bed like angels.

My CT (without contrast) was normal, bloods unremarkable, wet schirmers test.. I was a blabbering idiot. Talking too much, and not making any sense I reckon. But....He still listened and took everything down. I forgot to tell him about it being such a struggle to get up sometimes, and a couple of other things but he still wants me to come back as he suspects Hughes (but not lupus) and wants me to do more tests. He also wants me to do another CT and an eeg. Yay!
I explained that my GP said I couldn't get a referral to St.Thomas because of what my last rheumy had said and there wasn't enough evidence but he said he'd write a report and then I would be able to be referred.

Going back to the dermy next weds. He said he'll do a biopsy if I haven't responded to anti-fungal treatment for my rash (which I haven't yet), although every GP and consultant I meet (inc. Dr. D'Cruz) thinks it's ringworm. We'll see how that goes.

Overall, I'm so happy it's being investigated more. I hate to think the state I'd be in if I'd had just left things. Now to wait for that referral....

Thanks guys. I couldn't have done it without you.
:grhug:

 

[LolaLola]

Dear Viridian, Dr. D'Cruz is an excellent Physician and he is also very good at getting uncooperative Doctors to come onside and co operate.

I think you have done the right thing.
xxx Lola

 

[kiaratrak]

That's fantastic news - well done!

 

[lin]

So glad you had a good appointment and bless your little angels they were good hey.

my fingers are crosed for you that things go well for you
take care Lin xxx

 

[Aggie69]

Glad you are finally on the way to be diagnosed. I'm off to see Dr D'Cruz in a couple of weeks time....12.30am start (deep joy) and was wondering whether you can give me an idea of what the consultation entails, ie. tests undertaken, how long it takes, etc. I know it's probably different for each individual case, however, would like to know what to expect as I'm getting a bit nervous.

 

[Salopsally]

wow all that way and such a long day with 4 kids. Im impressed.
Great that youve obviously got to the expert. It must be worth all that in the end to get to see someone like him. He sounds a good man. I dont go too far to see my 'specialist' but I never feel he knows what hes talking about. :sad:
Hope you get some answers coz thats a long day.
Sal xx

 

[Katharine]

Well done Viridian

I'm so glad you had a good appointment. When you know that the doc has listened and taken you seriously, it doesn't matter what turns out to be wrong, so long as you know your going to get treatment and follow up!!!

Katharine

 

[Viridian]

Thanks for all the support guys!

I think for the last few days I've been a little in shock. I really expected him to say 'there's nothing wrong that I can deal with' and I'm kind of getting my head around the fact that he didn't brush me off. I am happy though that even if it isn't Hughes, I'll still be in the best place to find out what is going on.
Yes, it was a very long day all told but I cant explain how lucky I am having the kids that I do. Life could be so much harder! My little girl almost made me cry when she said 'so is your rash gone now mummy?'. They've had to put up with me for so long. Next time, I think we might be looking at staying over somewhere though! Maybe take them somewhere the next day as a treat now that I'm able to go on the NHS. :lol:
I think this wait may be the hardest now though. Knowing there could be a way to make me 'better' but having to wait for a diagnosis first. At least there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Glad you are finally on the way to be diagnosed. I'm off to see Dr D'Cruz in a couple of weeks time....12.30am start (deep joy) and was wondering whether you can give me an idea of what the consultation entails, ie. tests undertaken, how long it takes, etc. I know it's probably different for each individual case, however, would like to know what to expect as I'm getting a bit nervous.

Please dont worry too much about your appt. Aggie. Like I said, I was nervous and blabbering, but he coped with me! I had a schirmers test, and a lot of talking about my symptoms. When my mind went blank (even though I'd brought a list) he said 'have you ever had soandso', etc. Also, stripped down to undies and checked skin, reflexes, etc. Urine, weight and blood pressure checked beforehand by the nicest nurse. The whole thing from start to finish lasted about 45 mins I think. But like you say, everyone is an individual case.
:flowery:

 

[LolaLola]

Dear Viridian,
When you go NHS to Tommies if you want to entertain the children, London Aquarium is just over the road. There are river tours just over the Bridge too.
Also Duck Tours, partly on road, partly in Thames with amphibious vehicle, they are close by. Hope some of that helps you. When mine were smaller I had to do the things that were close, I couldn't cope with Hossy and other walking about.
x Lola

 

[Aggie69]

Please dont worry too much about your appt. Aggie. Like I said, I was nervous and blabbering, but he coped with me! I had a schirmers test, and a lot of talking about my symptoms. When my mind went blank (even though I'd brought a list) he said 'have you ever had soandso', etc. Also, stripped down to undies and checked skin, reflexes, etc. Urine, weight and blood pressure checked beforehand by the nicest nurse. The whole thing from start to finish lasted about 45 mins I think. But like you say, everyone is an individual case.
:flowery:[/QUOTE]

Thanks for the insight and also letting me know I should wear decent undies! I'm just a bit nervous because I've seen so many rude/arrogant consultants in the past. Dr D'Cruz sounds OK though.

 

[Viridian]

Thanks Lola. The aquarium sounds good! Will check it out. Don't know about those 'duck tours' though! :hehe:

No problems Aggie. I know exactly what you mean about other consultants. Good luck with your appointment. :hug: