First Rheumy visit

Bones, joints and muscles
1

Hi guys,

I had my first rheumy visit on Friday. I forgot half of what I wanted to say/ what my symptoms are because I was nervous! Anyway she said I may have mild ra, gave me a steroid injection in the bum and handbooks me in for trays on hands and feet, although she said she doubted they would show anything. Also had more bloods taken. I don't go back to see her though until November. Is this kind of wait normal after a first appt?

Thanks!

2

Has booked me in for xrays on hands and feet I mean, silly machine!

3

Way to long. . . . . fight for more help!!!

4

What was your cpp?

5

I'm not sure. She wasn't overly forthcoming and I was a bit foggy at the time. She just said bloods didn't show anything but sent me for different bloods. I may go see my GP and ask. And take someone with me this time!

6

What's ccp as I would like to know mine tomorrow when I go for my first appointment after being started on Methotrexate, I guess it's a rating of how severe ones RA is? They say mine is early stages and they like to catch it early with this medication, fast and hard being the motto but I really don't feel I am bad enough to go on it or maybe I am trying to kid myself I don't know

7

Measures of inflammation, when you have blood test, are, ESR meaning Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate, sorry don't the range, CRP meaning C Reactive Protein, range normal 0-8, and the PV Plasma Viscosity normal range 1.50 to 1.72, you can keep a record of these in a book, Knowledge is a thing with health issues.

8

Wow this is all so beyond me

9

Do you have a record book with all blood test results on?, and do you have blood tests every 3 months to assess what's going on?, I presumed that was the norm.

10

This will be my first check up tomorrow since starting methotrexate so we will see, the hospital I am going to has an amazing reputation but maybe America better, I will let you know

11

I see my rheumatologist on a biweekly basis. I just switched. I'm in the USA so I gather it's easier to do that. I'm also on medicare.

P.s. he doesn't think I have RA. Music to my ears. Back to PMR then.

12

I think the U.S. is a bit different to the NHS here. Our appointments are allocated on a,waiting list basis, although depending where you live affects that. Good news on him thinking no to RA though!