It may be required for you to get regular blood test to monitor your disease. It is important that you get these done so that you receive the best care possible. Blood tests can be booked through the hospital itself or your GP. Patients on biologic treatments will have their medication stopped if they do not have regular blood tests.
Contact the rheumatology department if you have any issues having a blood test.
We strongly encourage you to stop smoking.
Smoking increases cardiovascular risk. Smoking when you have an inflammatory condition like rheumatoid arthritis can result in worse disease activity, poor functional ability, worse pain, and poor quality of life.Smoking makes symptoms of Arthritis and Connective Tissue Diseases worse.Smoking makes Disease Modifying anti Rheumatic Drugs and Biologic medication less effectiveSmoking is associated to additional risk factors for cardiovascular and lung diseases – such as heart attack, stroke, chronic obstructive airway disease and lung cancer.When giving up smoking people have more success when they use supplementary interventionsi.e., chewing gum, inhalers, patches, or prescribed medicines. This success is enhanced further by accessing a support programme at the same time.
To help you stop smoking:Contact your GP to ask about products to reduce nicotine cravingsContact sources of support:
NHS smoking helpline 0800 169 0169 www.NHS.UK/GOSMOKEFREE
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Portsmouth City (PO1 to PO6) postcode you can find support at
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We will generally discuss the results of any investigations at your next review, or sooner if appropriate. A copy of your results will be available to your GP. Please bear in mind that some blood tests, particularly antibody tests, may take up to 3 weeks to come back. MRI and CT scan results can take up to 6 weeks to be reported and reviewed by the team. If you had an xray organised by the rheumatology team and action needs to be taken, the rheumatology team will contact you.
If your arthritis is particularly active we may consider giving you a steroid injection to settle your symptoms, especially if you are waiting for new treatments to start working.
However, regular use of steroids can be harmful, so we do not routinely offer this before holidays or other special occasions. If you require this, please discuss it with your GP or the Rheumatology team, who will decide if it is appropriate.
There is no rule about the number of steroid injections a person can have, but long-term continued steroid use is associated with significant side-effects, so repeated injections are best avoided and should only be used if your condition has flared.
This is the reason many doctors limit the number of injections they offer to patients. If a steroid injection wears off quickly, or does not improve things, then repeating it may not help either.
If you need steroid injections often, it may be a sign that your disease is not well-controlled, and we may need to think about making changes to your medication.
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Some of the drugs used to treat arthritis can harm an unborn baby. We recommend that you let your rheumatologist know if you are planning to become pregnant or father a child.
Your treatment may need to be changed before you stop using contraception.
If you have an unplanned pregnancy, and are stopping / have recently stopped taking regular medication for your arthritis, please seek advice from your rheumatology team as soon as possible.
Where possible we would encourage you to continue to work even if you have a rheumatology condition. We know that working can be good for people's mental health, social inclusion and give people a reason to get up each day! Your employer may be able to make special arrangements for you to ensure your work does not affect your disease. The Equality Act 2010 ensures that all people with long term conditions are protected at work. It may be that you need to consider requesting part time work or adjusted work hours.
Adjustable height desk and seating may be of benefit to keep you in the work you enjoy. There are many different options that could be discussed and considered to help support you to stay in work. We encourage you to be open and honest with your employer about your condition so they can help support you, you may even find it helpful to have the support of your close colleagues. Even advising them about any fatigue levels or gaining their support to perhaps go for a walk at lunch times may be supportive to you.
If your disease is preventing you from doing your regular job, contact your GP or rheumatology team.
If you have been unwell, and not able to go to work for up to seven days, you do not need a Fit Note unless there are limitations that your workplace has imposed on you.
Certificates to return to work after seven days or in limited circumstances are provided by your GP.
If you have been admitted to hospital the medical team will provide you with your discharge summary before you leave the hospital.
Can you complete my PIP paperwork?
You should see your GP for assistance if needed. The rheumatology team cannot usually help you to fill this out however may provide advice if required in unusual circumstances or provide a medical report if necessary.
We have a number of clinical trials running in our department and if interested in taking part please discuss this with the rheumatology team. All research is optional and not all of our studies involve drugs.
Having a raised level of anxiety or depression is a common feature of rheumatic diseases.Many factors can contribute to the symptoms of anxiety and depression including:
- Having a diagnosis of a long-term condition
- Pain levels Fatigue levels / reduced sleepLoss of functional independence Reduced ability to work / remain productive at work
- Actions can be taken to reduce the symptoms you may be feeling: Consider counselling to help you to come to terms with your diagnosis / current state Contact your GP for advice on effective medications
- Exercise regularly - this can help the body produce its own painkilling chemicals and give you a sense of well being Talk to family and friends - let them know how you are feeling and that it can be part of your condition
- https://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/services/community/community-connectors/
- https://www.talkingchange.nhs.uk/ https://www.italk.org.uk/
- org.uk/support-for-you/our-services/the-harbour
- https://www.connecttosupporthampshire.org.uk/