Hi
Thank you to everyone that replied to my last posting on 30th November, especially Lizzie Ellen who's offer of a hug has kept me going. This website is just a fantastic release to discuss those things no one understands and it seems we are all the same here. It doesn't matter how old we are just that we are struggling at times and for me personally none of my friends have any ill health and I think they feel I'm swinging the lead !!!!
There's very little I don't do it just seems that aspect of trying to clean the bathroom and that circular motion just cripples me the next day.
I am pleased to say I've been to the opthalmologist after all your help and replies and did push to get to see him to check my eyes and all seems okay - although I left the hospital in tears as the guy that `dealt' with me who was in fact the consultant was so rude and dissmissive of me at 44 with suspected PMR that he pretty much said I was wasting his time. I felt so bad for those around me who were at least 30 years older than me in their 70's who were treated so badly by him, to be honest my dogs are treated better, I felt embarressed to be a human being at that time. yet no one addresses this behaviour in a consultant.
So I swallowed the embarressment and had a nice cry whilst walking
through the park back to my car to drive into work.
And so on we go - has anyone found that a good holiday in the sun helps? I can't afford it but will do my best if it will help me - I am just worried I feel even worse when I come home. What do you all think?
Thank you gain to everyone for your help, I'm still waiting to see the doctor to get referred to rheumatologist. Carol x
Dear Carol,
I am so sorry to hear that you have been upset by an insensitive consultant.
I can't offer much in the way of advice as I am still waiting for a firm diagnosis but I just wanted to give you a bit of support and say hang in there. I hope you get things sorted soon.
The waiting process is SO frustrating isn't it but at least we have this site which is a godsend.
Tilly
Hi and thanks Tilly
What a god send, at work and struggling again, great to have support - christmas has knocked me sideways so great to hear so quick.
How long til your diagnoses do you think or is it a piece of string like mine?
I've got to the stage that I can't get an appointment at the doctor to get to rhematology - went to opthalmologist on 15th and still waiting to get an appointment - ring every day - they are always busy !!!!
Just to digress I have husband, 18 year old son and two dogs. The dogs have been a god send to my illness, they are my mates and I have lovely cuddles and they keep me out walking - when I'm walking it all goes away I forget, it's when I sit down the concrete sets !!! xx I am 44 and have a blanket to put over my legs to keep them warm at night central heating or not !!!!! My husband calls me queenie now !!!!
Dear Carol
I am sorry to hear you are having problems in getting a diagnosis.
Have a look at www.pmr-gca-northeast.org.uk and the guidelines issued by the BSR.
Next time you come across a difficult or rude member of the medical profession, you can do two things.
One - If, you are like me, blast them and remind them that you are paying their salaries and expect to be treated with courtesy. If they cannot treat you with courtsey than can you be referred to someone else who can.
This generally causes them to pause and consider their actions. Some, not all, still expect non medical people to treat them like Gods, well they ain't they are 'body' mechanics, just like car mechanics and you would not take that sort of treatment from a car mechanic, so why should you from a medic.
Two - complain to PALS and state exactly what has happened and why. They have to take note and your complaint can be treated in confidence in case you have to see the same person again.
Sometimes when you are having difficulty getting an appointment with your GP it pays to have a quiet word and explain your difficulty to the Practice Manager. It does help.
Good Luck and hang on in there.