When I was diagnosed I was immediately referred to a Rheumatologist, this guy would be the centre man (or woman) of my care with anything to do with Arthritis. It took me 3 months to see someone and I opted for Weston General to be the place to visit, primarily b/c after some research I found that the team there were high end.
And I wasn't disappointed.
My Primary Care Plan is one heck of a team! They consist of relative specialists to your needs, referrals are made on my behalf and you keep the same person for all your sessions. Here is what I have to date:
Occupational Therapist: Cathy started off by assessing me. This was general conversation about how I live,what my commitments were, how I managed at home, what my priorities are, what I struggle with and what adaptations I need to make. She also liaises with other people to support me but to keep the Rheumatologist up to date on what's happening on a day to day basis. So far Cathy has arranged for me to have crutches, two toilet seat risers, raised seat, shower seat, cutlery noodles (you cut off enough to stick your cutlery in so you can hold them without too much pain during a flare up) and is currently going through sorting a wheelchair so I can go out more.
Physiotherapist: Caroline is awesome! Each week she goes through certain routines to get my feet flat on the floor, legs straight as possible and other general posture and muscle strengthening exercises. Her happy attitude helps me feel like I'm accepted. She offers a lot of support, is very patient and doesn't push past the barriers more than necessary.
Adult Social Care Worker: Sue helps me with a whole range of things from issues relating to transport if I can't get Charley to school, DLA applications, assistance to find the correct info on work, support groups and anything else. She is also a great support to offering ideas to help my kids adjust to my condition and limitations.
Rheumatologist Nurse: Ken administers my weekly injections for Rheumatoid Arthritis. Because I go 30 miles (round trip) he is arranging for them to be done at home. I have my first appt next week so not sure how this particular 'relationship' will progress.
PA: Because my hands and fingers are also affected I am in the process of getting PA who will help me sort things like phone calls, emails, blog posts, cleaning, sorting a cupboard, anything I need in the hours per day I need her. This is a drawn out process so is not yet in place. Definitely recommended if you need help with daily stuff that family members or close friends cant assist with.
GP Appointments: These are now expedited unless I state that they aren't urgent. In all fairness this is a great way to be seen asap when you need it but it can't be taken for granted.
Pharmacy: Joining the delivery scheme is totally worth it and very helpful, especially as driving is down to a bare minimum till I get an automatic car.
Having these things set in place by my Rheumatologist is priceless. I didn't expect this kind of personalised care and I have to say it does help a huge amount to know that someone has my back. With a good Rheumatologist you don't need to struggle through this life of Arthritis more than necessary.
As time goes by and as the condition progresses the care of each person and/or other specialists will change, increase and/or lessen but knowing I'm in good hands takes a lot of worry from mind and allows me to think of other things.
What is your Primary Care Plan? What do you think of it?
Debs
And I wasn't disappointed.
My Primary Care Plan is one heck of a team! They consist of relative specialists to your needs, referrals are made on my behalf and you keep the same person for all your sessions. Here is what I have to date:
Occupational Therapist: Cathy started off by assessing me. This was general conversation about how I live,what my commitments were, how I managed at home, what my priorities are, what I struggle with and what adaptations I need to make. She also liaises with other people to support me but to keep the Rheumatologist up to date on what's happening on a day to day basis. So far Cathy has arranged for me to have crutches, two toilet seat risers, raised seat, shower seat, cutlery noodles (you cut off enough to stick your cutlery in so you can hold them without too much pain during a flare up) and is currently going through sorting a wheelchair so I can go out more.
Physiotherapist: Caroline is awesome! Each week she goes through certain routines to get my feet flat on the floor, legs straight as possible and other general posture and muscle strengthening exercises. Her happy attitude helps me feel like I'm accepted. She offers a lot of support, is very patient and doesn't push past the barriers more than necessary.
Adult Social Care Worker: Sue helps me with a whole range of things from issues relating to transport if I can't get Charley to school, DLA applications, assistance to find the correct info on work, support groups and anything else. She is also a great support to offering ideas to help my kids adjust to my condition and limitations.
Rheumatologist Nurse: Ken administers my weekly injections for Rheumatoid Arthritis. Because I go 30 miles (round trip) he is arranging for them to be done at home. I have my first appt next week so not sure how this particular 'relationship' will progress.
PA: Because my hands and fingers are also affected I am in the process of getting PA who will help me sort things like phone calls, emails, blog posts, cleaning, sorting a cupboard, anything I need in the hours per day I need her. This is a drawn out process so is not yet in place. Definitely recommended if you need help with daily stuff that family members or close friends cant assist with.
GP Appointments: These are now expedited unless I state that they aren't urgent. In all fairness this is a great way to be seen asap when you need it but it can't be taken for granted.
Pharmacy: Joining the delivery scheme is totally worth it and very helpful, especially as driving is down to a bare minimum till I get an automatic car.
Having these things set in place by my Rheumatologist is priceless. I didn't expect this kind of personalised care and I have to say it does help a huge amount to know that someone has my back. With a good Rheumatologist you don't need to struggle through this life of Arthritis more than necessary.
As time goes by and as the condition progresses the care of each person and/or other specialists will change, increase and/or lessen but knowing I'm in good hands takes a lot of worry from mind and allows me to think of other things.
What is your Primary Care Plan? What do you think of it?
Debs
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