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Date: 05.06.2010
From: Abbie

Subject: Can't believe the Rheumy helpline!

I'm kinda at the end of my tether! The pain and swelling in my feet, ankles and right calf is REALLY bad. I was talking to a couple of the guys on here about it and I decided I was gonna phone the Rheumy nurse to see If I could get sorted by the weekend. I called my Rheumy nurse but her number is now the blood test number so I thought i'd bite the bullet and call the Rheumy helpline. I called twice and all I got was an answerphone with a very bad message on it but to top it off it actually said that messages are Only taken off there twice a week. HOW RIDICULOUS! Doesn't the word helpline tell them something - people calling it actually need help Argh! Well I left a message and then called the GP but haven't got an appointment with her till Tuesday! It's crazy, what is a desperate girl to do? I've reached the end of my tether!
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Date: 05.06.2010
From: Lynn B

Subject: Re: Can't believe the Rheumy helpline!

Abbie I am so sorry for wot you are going through. I know you have probably tried everything for the swelling and the pain the only thing that helps with me is hot and cold. But saying that nothing at all works for my feet and ankles. I can not believe the helpline I thought there was someone you could speak to 24/7. All I can do is send you loads of ((((hugs))) and i am thinking of you . tc xx
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Date: 05.06.2010
From: Abbie

Subject: Re: Can't believe the Rheumy helpline!

Hi Lynn! Thanks for the reply and especially the hugs, well needed. Yeah I've tried everything for the swelling hun. All I can do now is keep my legs elevated and keep rubbing in very strong moisturizer so as the skin doesn't split coz they're that swollen. Thanks again for the quick reply and i'll keep you all posted. X
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Date: 05.06.2010
From: Sally

Subject: Re: Can't believe the Rheumy helpline!

That's scandalous Abbie! Mine is checked every day. If you are feeling that bad why not call the emergency doctor or go to A&E - you might be able to get a steroid injection or, at the very least, a chat about meds. Sorry if they are not appropriate suggestions - I wish I could do something more for you. Ice packs work for me but suspect you have tried them and everything else. I'm sending you a very large hug and get on here over the weekend and get as much support as you can. Thinking of you. (((()))) xxx
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Date: 05.06.2010
From: louloubelle

Subject: Re: Can't believe the Rheumy helpline!

hey abbie, i'm so sorry to hear you are in so much pain without any support.

Do you know the name of your rheumy nurse? I find that if I call the hospital switchboard and ask for the nurse by name they'll put you stright through to her. I should also ask them when you next see them if they have an e-mail addrss'cos they may respond quicker than by phone.

I should get yourself to a&e / out of hours surgery. I know when I was having a lot of trouble with my hips that they'd be able to give pain reief and anti inflamatory medication by injection for some instant relief. They may be able to take some of the fluid off the joint for you.

I hope you get sorted soon hun.

Big hugs
Lou x
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Date: 05.06.2010
From: Abbie

Subject: Re: Can't believe the Rheumy helpline!

Hi girls! Thanks everso much for the support and hugs it makes me feel less alone in all this. Didn't have as bad night as I thought I would last night but just totally rested today and didn't even get dressed as i'm even finding it hard walking with my stick. Even though the pain is ankles, feet and right calf, swelling has gone right up both of my legs today. I've decided to see how it is tom am and will prob call outta hours GP service or If feeling brave may wait and call my Surgery first thing Monday and demand to see duty dr because I know my GP who is fab is duty dr on Monday. I had my last ibuprofen last night because I was Only allowed it a week because of the mtx injections and I take my last pred on Tuesday after being weaned off gradually. If I don't hear back from Rheumy by the time I see GP i'm gonna ask to go back on pred, even If Only 10mg because it does help me even If I do dislike the side effects muchly. The helpline answerphone said messages Only picked up twice a week because of staff shortages ugh! I did the phone switchboard thing and asked for my Rheumy nurse in person but again message saying about blood test results. Even though I had my 12hr slow release morphine increased a week ago, i'm still taking my full quota of liquid morphine for breakthrough pain which can't be right. Sorry, i'm just rambling and talking higgledy piggledy now but just getting stuff off my chest I guess. Anyway i'm gonna try and sleep well and i'll check in tomorrow. Take care everyone and THANK YOU once again for all your support. XXX
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Date: 06.06.2010
From: Sally

Subject: Re: Can't believe the Rheumy helpline!

hi Abbie, I am concerned about the swelling in your legs moving up. Are you sure you should wait another day to see someone? Is there any redness at all? If there is you must go to A&E or call a doctor as soon as you can. It could be that you have an infection which you need to treat quickly with antibiotics. PLease, please don't leave it.
Will try and check in later and see how you are.
xxx
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Date: 08.06.2010
From: Abbie

Subject: Re: Can't believe the Rheumy helpline!

Hi Sally! So sorry not been on till now things have been quite mad! Yes there was redness in my legs and heat. I finally got to sleep about 4am sat night. Woke up 8am sunday being violently sick, bed diarrhoea, cough cold, banging headache and extremely high temperature but get this. . . The swelling had gone! I still have pain in my ankles and feet and ankles slightly discoloured but it's all a bit of a mystery. Been laid up in bed ever since but am waiting for dr to call round some time today so i'll keep you posted. Thank you everso much for all your support and sorry once again for not checking in sooner but i'll keep you posted XXX
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Date: 08.06.2010
From: Sally

Subject: Re: Can't believe the Rheumy helpline!

Hi Abbie, Sounds awful and am glad doctor is coming round. Take care of yourself, drink plenty of fluids etc.
take care, big hugs
xx
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Date: 08.06.2010
From: Abbie

Subject: Re: Can't believe the Rheumy helpline!

Hi Sally! Dr came round and I had a bug paracite infection thing in my legs which caused all this. Have broad spectrum anti biotics and pills for the stomache cramps and all ready I feel TONS better. Took a walk into the village all of 100mtrs to get some fags had some food and now i'm good to go wouldn't want to go through that again though! Thanks again honey XXX
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Date: 08.06.2010
From: KayJay

Subject: Re: Can't believe the Rheumy helpline!

Great news Abbie ;0)Glad to hear you are recovering ......

I still havn't heard anything from the Occupational Therapist as the Rhuemie Nurse promised I would >:( Think she's forgot me .......
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Date: 08.06.2010
From: Sally

Subject: Re: Can't believe the Rheumy helpline!

Hi Abbie, relieved to hear you are ok. Take it easy for a few days though won't you?
xxx
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Date: 08.06.2010
From: Abbie

Subject: Re: Can't believe the Rheumy helpline!

@kayjay I phoned the Rheumy helpline first thing Friday finally got a call back this lunchtime! Crazy isn't it? @Sally, yeah defo taking it easy, don't feel to Shit hot again this evening but not half as bad as I did before! Thanks guys! You're true angels! XXX
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Date: 09.06.2010
From: KayJay

Subject: Re: Can't believe the Rheumy helpline!

Abbie just take it easy it must have been a bad infection for them to use broad spectrum antibies - just relax and recover ;0)xx ps Can you take Paracetamol for the feeling hot ?
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Date: 14.06.2010
From: Abbie

Subject: Re: Can't believe the Rheumy helpline!

Hi Kayjay, yeah was taking paracetamol for my temp. They helped quite alot!
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Date: 14.06.2010
From: Lynn B

Subject: Re: Can't believe the Rheumy helpline!

Hi Abbie I hope you are feeling a bit better, You have sure been through the mill lately. TC xx
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