[size=7]Hi everyone, what a day!! Appt was for 10 and got in to see him at ll.40. He believes that I do have Sjogren's with the RA, wasnt clear on which is primary. He has made me an appt at the Sjogren's clinic and I have to wait for the letter. He asked me to mark on paper where the level of my RA is right now from 1 to 10, I said its about 8, but only since being back on pred. I have to gradualy decrease the pred from 15mg to 10mg after another 10 days then two weeks after that to 7.5mg for 4 weeks. I have another appt with him in 4 weeks time.

He feels that it could be the sulfa causing problems re rash, and was not sure whether I should try it again, I did say I would rather not, so he is looking at Leflunomide, he gave me a leaflet to read.

I went through my list with him, and asked if he really thought we could get it under control, he said that he thinks we should be able to, and thats why he wants to see me monthly until things do become under control. I am to have bloods done every 2 weeks again. He said that he thinks I had a flare last week due to coming off pred too quickly, even though I told him that at 5mg I am in alot of pain, and continued to decrease as he recommended at visit in April. He said if I flare like that again i am to call for an earlier appt. I asked about anaemia and he said all bloods are fine. He again looked at my bruising and asked if I have heard anything yet from haemaphillia dept, which I havent. I asked about pain control and he suggested upping the hydroxy to 400mg the mtx to 25mg and the pregabalin for the fribro to 300mg he hopes this will help, I REALLY hope so!! Told him about pins and needles in hands and feet and numbness in feet too.

I really felt he listened properly, and was prepared to understand how ill I have felt lately. Thank you all so much for your support, you all give me strength and determination to be assertive enough to ask for real help, what would I do without you all, with your kindness and prayers!! much love to everyone x[

Finally got out of hospital at 2.30pm!!/size]

Hi Barbara,

I think just a professional listening to you and taking you seriously is enough to make you feel better within yourself. Take care Anne x

Hello so pleased you have had lots of answers to your queries
It sounds like he has listened to you properly.

~Have a good w end .

Rose

Hi Barbara aww h was really through so pleased for you,enjoy the weekend resting up.
yes i saw mr garood last novemebr when all through test were done,and then was booked in for him see me in 4 months but when i got there he wasnt on duty only mr g and saw him wisper only call me in to me if serious problems.

then casue i said want child ohh are hands are tied we can only give u planequil steriods that it you do relaise what your doing,and no explantion what he meant my gp was not impressed at all and has had pick up pieces.

i wasnt happy with this,i hope i see mr garood next time to go over what hes given me how its working or not,and discuss things more.

anyway this post is for you hun.
so enough bout me lol.

hope the extra meds kick in soon for you.

lv melly

Hope you feel better after a restful weekend Barbara,

Love, Doreen xx

Hi Barb , you too had a good appointment with your consultant , hope the meds make a difference , take care ,

Sophie x

- Nurse not very helpful :(
You should be able to get OT contact number from gp, hospital - or try their websites too - might be on there.
In our area, can ring direct for an appointment,
Im sure its not the same everywhere but should be much easier to get this information especially from specialist nurse - they should know and share info better,
P'raps make some enquiries tomorrow, do let us know how u get on xx
OT should then be able to give contacts for podiatry,
Good luck, got my fingers crosssed 4 you xx
Love Lizzie xxxxx

Hi Barbara,

I'm so glad to hear that the rheumy will be keeping an eye on you and not just fobbing you off for 6 months which can be the norm. Take care.

Julie xx