Just been to an OT appointment. Due to procrastination and cynicism on my part plus the rather haphazard nature of the NHS, I’ve never had one before.
Wow. Just wow. The OT only works with rheumatology so I didn’t really have to tell her what it’s like having PsA. Though she asked how it affects me anyway and out it all spilled. I thought there was nothing that can be done to help my hands, and nothing that needed to be done. But apparently I was wrong.
Talking about dealing with fatigue etc. plus the chance of some practical help has made my week! What an awesome practitioner she is.
Next week we get down to work on the hand stuff. And next month I’ve got a podiatry appointment. There ain’t no stopping me now!
If any help is offered, anything at all, just go for it!
That’s perfect, that she works solely with rheumatology. I’ve seen the OT quite a bit in the last five years or so. I’ve been on a break right now from OT and PT, but I never mind going in. It helps that I’ve built a relationship with the OT.
The appointment did seem to be all about building a relationship by asking some probing but pertinent questions. The OT also said some interesting things about the role serotonin plays in limiting fatigue and anxiety. I was so surprised to hear such analytical thinking rather than the homely approach - common sense and kindness only - that I didn’t take it all in. Think I got the gist, though!
OT = Occupational therapy. Overly simplified it is a Physical Therapist that concentrates on the parictical as well as “fine motor” skills
Thats why a low dose of amitriptyline works so well for many of us. Its nearly PURE seritonin at low doses. If you up the dose you get a blast of norepinephrine which messes with some things including histamine. and you start to have “allergies” and such
Apparently I should do something that’s enjoyable or relaxing every day. That blew my mind. It’s one thing to ‘be nice to myself’ just because, quite another to take a little time out in order to produce a helpful chemical in my own brain!! I’m off down the beach followed by my favourite cafe first thing tomorrow, OT’s orders!
Good idea sound like fun. But then after years as a part of the great pharmaceutical conspiracy, I still heartily believe in “better living through Chemistry” although Timothy Leary may have said it first so scratch that LOL…(actually it was dupont)
O.M.G. Sybil, you didn’t know that? This is how I justify all my non-work or non-caring time - from binging on Netflix, to getting my hair cut every - ok, not as often as I should - 4 months, to a bottle of wine on a Friday night!
So good to hear this, Sybil!!! I think you tend to tough it out a bit and put up with things not being right, so good for you reaching this “milestone”? in your well-being!
Would you consider amitriptyline, as tntlamb mentioned is good for these things also? I’m always curious if amitriptyline is the same as nortriptyline. (Are these just two different brand names?)
Anyway, this is great news and let us know how it continues to go…I’ve been avoiding any kind of therapy because my copays are $65.00–although I haven’t checked to see if I have to pay a copay to therapists, because they aren’t doctors.
Sometimes things just have to be put to me in the right way, at the right time. Also I can be thick as a brick. There was just something that switched the lights on! You enjoy also!
Oh yes, I’d consider amitriptyline. I was going to look it up rather than ask for more info. I’ve never taken anything ‘for my head’ other than some valium as a distressed teenager which made me wild! It was fun but I don’t want to be arrested or whatever so I’m cautious.
Worth checking your copay. I know a so-so therapist can be a let-down if you feel you’re wasting your time. But I now get that a good one can make a real difference.
nortriptyline is a sister (or matbe a cousin) toamy but has less sodium channel blocking and more cardio effects. and more of the stuff you don’t need for pain so is harder to dose.
Definitley check on your Copay, should be primary service, the same as Physical therapy NOT mental health.
When I took 10mg nortriptyline for neuropathy it worked really well AND took my worries away. I’ve also never taken anti-depressants or anti-anxiety meds, but some people seem to think I’d do well with the latter. The small dose of nortriptyline did wonders for any anxiety I had at the time–sort of made me a bit of a zombie.
So, tntlamb,
I’m not sure what you mean by that, especially “less sodium channel blocking and more cardio effects”…does this mean it’s not good for the heart?
