The patello-femoral joint :

So I have my appointment Monday - - Posted by Linds (Linds), 7 January 2005

Hi Guys so I have my appointment to see my GP Monday to hopefully get some help with pain and also I would like to get a referal to another OS , even though no one around here specializes in PF problems.  I am just wanting another opinion while I am still looking for a specialist.  
I could really use ANY suggestions you guys have for ways of approaching this... I am dealing with a GP who doesn't think i'm old enough for pain control...  i'm just really nervous and don't have anyone to go with me...

Any suggestions would be appreciated
HUGs
Linds
Posted by brattkids2 (brattkids2), 7 January 2005

I wish you the best of luck!!!!

Sorry I cannot really help with how to approach the issue except really put it to GP that you hurt bad and cannot function on a daily basis with the level of pain you are experiencing.

I am so thankful that my OS really does listen to pain complaints. There are so many that dont!! He is always asking if my meds are working and if not he tries to find something else that does!! I sure hope you can find someone who will do the same for you !!

Let us know how it goes.

Paulette


Posted by shadehawk (shadehawk), 7 January 2005

Linds, when I see my GP I go in letting her know that I have done all my research.  I have even brought her info that I have printed on on the subject so she can better understand my malalignment problems.

When it came to medication I asked for pain relief and since I am so sensitive to medications (like you) she recommended Pennsaid and after it did not work she jumped right to Meloxicam(mobic) as she thought that it would not be as harsh on stomach as other Cox-2 inhibitors.  It has worked and we are both happy.

When it comes to referrals - She will send me anywhere now as she realizes that I have tried everything to help myself and it has not helped & I am getting worse.  She also knows that I do as much research as possible (which is difficult around here) and she certainly recommends me getting help in Ontario (if it is a top knee surgeon) and has no problems with referral.  Her only concern for me is that the wrong guy will get ahold of these untouched knees and make them worse.
If you have an OS in mind, give her/him the name of the centre, the doctor and make sure your PT assessment is included with your history.  We do all our own faxing at home (her referral and my typed history) and send it ourselves.  My GP is really cool to allow us to do this.

Hope this helps some.

Posted by Nettan (Nettan), 7 January 2005

Hey Linds !!

Sorry I can't go with you to GP. Otherwiese I sure have had, just wish we have lived closer to each other.
Can't mom or dad or boyfriend follow you ? They know how your situation at home has been lately and can help you push to get what you really need.
I know myself how it is when going to docs. I think before I go in this in this I must say but you know in there and my head is all empty. Another good thing you can do is write a letter you bring your GP exactly how you feel or some days diary. It shows how you feel for several days not just when you are there.Make notes over this weekend over what you do and how your knees are, be sure also to say what time it is when your writing. At my neurorehab clinic you need to write diary so they see how everything improves or not. Start right away !! I'm sure this will help your GP to understand how your pain is.
Wish you luck !!

Hugs Nettan  
Posted by Linds (Linds), 7 January 2005

Thanks Nettan, that is a good idea..not sure my GP will like it..but too bad for him.
Hope you are well
Linds
Posted by waves39 (LesleyR), 9 January 2005

hey linds,
good luck with the appointment on monday, ive got mine that day too.  hope everything goes well with you and you get a great referal.  try not to be too nervous, tell your GP hor your feeling and (hopefully) they'll listen.

good luck, hope this helps
-Lesley
Posted by Janet (Janet), 9 January 2005

Linds:

I have also found it helpful to keep a "pain diary" and then am able to show my pain levels for an extended period time.

I also think it's really important to put your pain in perspective of how it's affecting your life. In other words, don't just say "It hurts a lot." Let your GP know specifics. I'm not sure what your specifics are, but examples would be that it wakes you up several times a night and you can't get back to sleep, or that you can't walk without a limp after ten minutes, or that it hurts when you sit with your knee bent....whatever. I find I get much better response when I tell them how my pain prevents normal activities.

Good luck! Let us know what your GP says.

Janet
Posted by Linds (Linds), 9 January 2005

Thanks everyone for your suggestions and words of encouragment, i'll be sure to let you know what's going on when I get home tommorow. Thanks for that tip about specifics Janet, that's a really great tip, I never thought of that.
Goodluck with your appointment too Lesley.. i'll be thinking of you.
Take good care , everyone and thanks again
Hugs
linds
Posted by Linds (Linds), 10 January 2005

If you are interested in how my appointment went it's posted up under Spiritual help... Hitting my head against a brick wall...

linds

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