[sandy123]

Hi all
Well i see my rhuemy today at 02:30 pm i am a little nervous as you can see i cant sleep,i have listed a few things to ask and tell him but my trouble is he does not seem the type of guy i think i will be able to talk to. I will be pleased to at last get medication for the symptoms.
I will let you all know how it went,as long as i can stay awake, the thing that worries me is i start to get tongue twisted and i know at times what i want to say but words dont come out very good. I could do with taking surferboy with me instead of hubby as he has asked his rhuemy the things i needed to know
which i thank him for as reading his messages has helped a lot.
Never mind at least it will be an experience.
I want to thank you all for support i have had from you in the past.
Love Sandy.:rotfl:

 

[keebler]

Hi Sandy,
I hope all went well at your rhumey visit today.

Take care,
Lyn

 

[Joandublin]

Hi Sandy

Best of luck today. Dont be too worried about not getting to ask everything. Its a rare appointment that gets all of our questions answered! Make sure that your prioritise your list of questions so that the important ones get asked first. Also sometimes there are no straightforward answers and I think that frustrates the doctors as much as ourselves.

When the time is right during the consultation just say that you have a couple of questions for him that you hope he can answer. I find its better to say this than to launch into various questions during the consultation

Probably the most important thing to ask is what the protocols are about contacting him in between appointments if something goes wrong. Say for example you are having difficulties with medications, how can you contact the Rheumy department for advice.

They should also do routine urine and BP checks. If this isnt suggested you could ask about this.

Best of luck!
Joan:rose:

 

[Clare.T]

Hello Sandy

( Huh that Joan has nicked my answer, why doesn't she get her own script
:lol: )

I would focus on what you want to get from the consultation. It is more important to give a full account of the more recent symptoms and how the disease is affecting your ability to function and quality of life in graphic terms and on a bad day.

The most important questions usually arise from the consultation and I may add we usually think of them afterwards when we've had the time to absorb what was said or not said. Consultation time is limited after all and many of the questions we dearly want answers to have no answers. As an example, questions about the future. Doctors can't be expected to provide general lupus education either.

Often further investigations or referrals to other specialists need to be done before answers can be given to certain questions. This could well be the case for your legs conking out and your swollen tum.

I have found it very useful to take a notebook along to jot down notes of what he says. As the consultation draws to a close, take time to look over your notes and read them out aloud saying "I just want to make sure I have understood"

Your hubby can help you with this but ask him to address you, not the doctor.
That's to avoid the "Does she take sugar?" effect. So, he shouldn't say to the doctor what side effects can she expect, but quietly prompt you to ask the doctor.
I suggest a copy of the list of symptoms and happenings since your last visit that you can plonk on his desk. You can also note general concerns such as your fears for the future.
A few deep breathing and relaxation exercises can help with the nerves.
I sometimes pretend I am there for one of my kids knowing that its easier to do things for them than for myself !

Let us know how it goes and good luck. I hope he listens and is kind. Remember if he asks how you have been, do not say 'fine' or 'OK' or 'not bad'
If 'b.awful and very worried' is the answer, say it.

Many hugs
Clare

 

[Mrs M]

Morning Sandy!

Hope your appointment goes well today and I'm sure you'll be just fine.

Let us know how you get on.

Mrs M

 

[cad]

Hi Sandy,

good luck today, i hope everything goes well for you.

Take Care


Cassie

 

[sandy123]

hi everyone

I went today as you know a nervous wreck, first of all he was running 30 mins late and when i did get in to see him i practically had to tell him he had sent me the letter,eventually he found it,told me the pills will help,stay out of the sun and when iam i going to have second carpal tunnel operation.
He then said lupus is nothing to worry about as mine is mild but then contradicted himself by saying oh sorry such and such was high but it means nothing.
He then asked me if i had any problems i quickly told him about legs and stomache he nearly broke my leg by lifting it and said it is my hips,and sorry i am having bad stomach luckily while i was there my stomach just swelled up and he seemed a bit concerned and said hope your gp is seeing to that,hubby sat the
whole time and did not open his mouth,which made me angry.
He then said i will see you in six months time and any problems contact my gp.
He did not even get out of his chair only when i was leaving he said i was a remarkable lady.
So that is how it went,but now hubby says it is not as bad as the things you have been reading, after you have had a months supply of the tablets you should be ok as that is what he got the impression from the rhuemy doctor.
We have hardly spoken since coming back.
Anyway i am going to take one day at a time as he said to me on the way out.
Thanks for all support love Sandy

 

[cad]

Hi Sandy,
I am so sorry that appt was so deflating.

I don't really know what to say except you'll probably get more advice and emotional support from coming here then you will from your doc.
I have kind of resigned myself to the fact that its upto me to get info about my disease baecause atleast being informed gioves you some power over the choices nad decisions and when to kick up a stink.
Its just so hard when you already feel so awful to muster up the strength for the fight of the disease and all the medical stuff.
Thatrs what docs should understand, actually how much of difference they can make tyo people just being abit more human and compassionate. Siome of them just don't get it though do they!!

Take Care

Good Luck


Cassie

 

[Blue*Mist]

Sandy... I'm so sorry you had to go through that... I agree, keep coming in here to get support and let us know what's going on and how you're doing... :hug:

 

[Katharine]

Hello Sandy,

I'm sorry you had such an awful appointment and can imagine how you must feel.

I'm afraid my mind is a total blank as to any advice but just wanted to send bucketfulls of hugs and a warm cozy blanket to hide to cuddle up under

:grouphug2:

Katharine

 

[beci]

Hi

Hi Sandy,

I'm sorry to hear your appointment didn't go well. I bet you are so angry. Would it be possible for your GP to refer you to another rheumy?? Don't let him get you down, there are other rheumys out there with a much better bed side manner than he had!

Thinking if you
Beci
x