Haven’t been here in a couple of months due to big move which is now all over and done with! Phew!!
Found a family doctor straightaway but she wouldn’t refer me to a rheumatologist or endocrinologist until she’d run extensive blood work and seen me again. The good news is the mtx is having no effect on my liver results but the bad news is, it doesn’t seem to be working very well. Unlike my last ancient rheumatologist, she feels that I should be recommended for a biologic - back hurts and feet are so painful that I’m finding it difficult to walk - I do walk but I’m in a lot of pain and am restricted to one pair of shoes? Saw a chiropodist who unfortunately couldn’t help beyond saying you need a rheumy!
Well done, Golfnut! Moving house and a having found a GP is major accomplishment! Too bad about MTX not working, but at least it isn’t sending your liver 'round the bend. Good luck with the next step, which is finding yourself a rheumatologist to get the next stage of your treatment underway. Good to hear from you again!
About your shoes. As soon as they discovered the erosions and inflammation in my feet, I had some very rigid orthotics made, which fit in some very supportive shoes. That was all I could wear for quite a long time, but it kept me mobile.
Your GP thinks that you should be recommended for a biologic. What is her plan for who is going to do that, and does she have any idea of a timeline? Great that she is keen on seeing you treated aggressively.
Chiropodist didn’t think orthotics would help me that much as I have a very high instep and the inflammation is in he balls of feet and toes. She’s referred me to a rheumy but I have no timeline - suspect it could be a long time! It’s already been 7 months since I was diagnosed and to be honest I feel like I’m no further forward. Old rheumy admitted that the mtx wasn’t working for me but said I would have to be crippled to qualify for the next level of drugs - hopefully I’ll get them before that happens. Going to go buy a bucket tomorrow so that I can start twice-daily ice baths
Ah, I see … yes, the mechanics of your foot problems sound different from mine. So difficult, isn’t it?
The wait for a regular rheumatologist in this province can be really long. With a PsA diagnosis from your old rheum in QC, your GP can refer you to The PsA Clinic. You may get in there faster than to a regular rheumatologist. Probably worth a try. Going there would be in addition to a referral to a regular rheum.
Best of luck with this and with unpacking and settling in!