Hello all,
Out of interest I'm just wondering how many of you get automatic or specific referals to see an occupational therapist, physio therapist, peodeotrist etc.
I have had a couple of stays in hospital with flareups during which time a saw a physio, had hydrotherapy and was given sponge tubes to go on cuttlery to grip it better and a raised loo seat from O.T. But though I have been classed as having severe R.A. for over three years now I have never been referred to any of these dep.
My daughter contacted O.T. through social services a couple of years ago, when I was really struggling, and some one came and sorted out the house with hand rails etc. etc. but that is all.
The damage to my hands is very noticable now together with several other joints and I am wondering if a referral to any of these would have been or still maybe helpful.
I read on here frequently folk talking about such appointments and wonder if it is the norm and I am the odd one out or whether I shoud be asking to see someone......
and if so, who, my G.P. or rheumatologist???
I would be very grateful for any opinions.
Thanks all Zena xx

Hi Zena,

When I was first diagnosed, I was referred by my rheumy to various other departments - podiatry, OT, physio etc. However, I wasn`t given anything - just told where I could go to buy the aids I needed. Different authorities seem to have different methods. Eighteen months down the line I changed hospitals, and during a really bad flare I was given chair-raisers, a bed-rail, a shower stool and a walking frame. I still have these - but that be because no-one ever came back for them.

Physio and podiatry I can have if I contact them myself, or via my rheumy nurse. I never bothered any more with OT, as we adapted some things ourselves - my husband bought sponge/foam stuff to put around things to help my grip, and we bought things that fix onto plugs, so I can pull them out. We also had the bath taken out and a shower put in instead, and we bought a stair-lift reasonably from a local firm, re-conditioned, and it does a good job. They come out annually and service it.

It all seems to be a bit of a lottery, depending where you live!

Take care,

Kathleen x

I should have said that I also receive foot care every 6 weeks, as I can`t cut my own toe nails, and this was arranged by my GP - I had to be assessed at the centre, but have my feet done locally at the clinic.

Kathleen.

I was referred to the OT and physio when I was diagnosed; as it is the OTs that provide the splints. Round here they see you twice and then discharge you, and say ask to be referred again if you need them!! That just means phoning the rheum nurse helpline. I've done it for physio a few times. The same system applies for the podiatrist too. I have had numerous insoles in my shoes which really help.
I am contemplating doing it again for the OT as I could do with a bath chair, so I can have a bath instead of a shower. My friend had one via the OTs on loan, and my mum used to have one - so I know they are available round here. My problem is getting out the bath!!! (especially with my 2 broken arms at the moment!!)
Gentle hugs to you all
xxx

Hi Zena - it makes life difficult because each health area is so different, but the main thing is to be assertive when you need some help. I'm in the same area as Naomi and have have found the access excellent - I think I'm now at the stage where they won't call for me unless I contact them and ask for an appointment. It sounds to me as though you need to talk to your rheumy dept and find out how they offer the services in your area. It could easily be the case that they have changed services over the years and if you've been with them for a long while then maybe you're due for a checkup!

Good luck - Sylvia xx