[squeaky]

Hello again,just wanted to know if this has ever happened to anyone out there or did I have a 'menopausal moment':lol:
I want to kick myself as you wait months inbetween appointments and when you do get one you forget to mention the thing you were worried about!
Last week I had my usual 3month visit to rheumatology clinic and saw a rheumatology specialist. We discussed the fact that I had started to feel less tired since being on plaquinal and amitryptiline( I am sleeping much better so that is probably why) although my aches and pains still come and go- had a bad few days recently. Then i made my mistake I asked her to explain my blood results ,I have had two lots recently as my veins don't like to give up their contents very easily so have to go about with multiple stab wounds__just joking!! Any how I was amazed to hear that she didnt understand the biochemistry and only explained the esr etc, these I had worked out for myself, the ones i didn't understand she couldn't help me with!! anyway I now have a further 4mnths to go b4 i see the consultant.
I was so confused by her answers or lack of I completly forgot to mention a couple of other things that were worying me!!
So I wrote a note the next day to ask the secretary if she could put them in my notes. Now I feel silly should I have just left it to my next apptment?
Sorry for the long ramble but wanted to know if this is usual - seeing someone who is unable to answer your questions? sue:

 

[LolaLola]

Dear Sue,
Well I am lucky because I go to St. Thomas' so even if I see a junior Doc. my Consultant always comes in at the end.
Usually the junior Docs have cleared things up, especially as they have had some good ones lately. Unfortunately though I have seen one who makes me feel I am wasting my breath,I have simply refused to see him since.
x Lola

PS You are not stupid, but maybe you need to take a list. If you are embarrassed to do so, just a few key words on a piece of paper is enough.

 

[raggedyann1]

Squeaky,

Oh my is all I could say when I read she couldn't explain your blood tests to you. Next time this occurs insist on her bringing in a doctor that can explain them to you. Is she a brand new intern or resident? Not sure if that is the names used in the UK. I specialist in rheumatology should be able to explain any blood work that is related to the diseases that are normal in a rheumatology setting.

As for the things you forgot to mention, that was very good thinking to go back the next day and ask the secretary to add them to your chart. I make a list for each appt with my rheumy. I take in 2 copies one for the doctor and one for me to write notes on. This way I don't forget to bring things up and he has a full list to refer to when he dictates the chart notes. I usually start my list the first time something comes up and then continue adding to it until my next appt. I keep mine on the computer.

Take care,
Karen