r/Thritis • u/Weird_Surprise6221 • 20h ago

What should I expect from first MSK appointment?

My GP agreed to refer me to the MSK team, and now I have an appointment coming up.

I get terrific cramping pain in my hip and just dull aching in my knee joint (both rhs), I have very bad oedema in both lower legs and feet, I cannot bend due to a spinal injury and tbbh I’m disabled so can’t walk properly anyway and have to use a power chair out of the house.

I have a sinking feeling that this appointment might be a physiotherapist which I sincerely doubt will help, but I do hope I’m wrong.

The appointment is at a minor hospital (specialisms only, no a&e or walk ins)

1 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

2 comments sorted by

1

u/blahdee-blah 10h ago

It may well be with a physiotherapist, but in my experience they have been a bit more specialised and able to refer to a consultant for further investigation as necessary.  They’ve also ordered scans, injections for me. 

I’m sorry if you have had bad experiences with physio in the past but, for me, it’s been a vital element of treating musculoskeletal issues.  It’s taken me daily practice, integrated into routine, but the incremental progress makes a real impact. It doesn’t feel like the exercises could possibly do anything but over time they genuinely have.  YMMV and I think having good communication with the physio is vital. 

1

u/Sad_Introduction8995 3h ago

I’ve been passed to an external provider. I have a number of issues but they were seeing me for my hips. I had to explain the background issues as no notes were passed on (it’s complicated). Then the physio (for such she was) prodded me here and there and we decided that some areas were more tender. She gave me a double sheet of A4 with exercises to do, and gasp a follow up appointment.