An Update from the Rheumatology Appointment and a Thank YOU! 💜

In this unscripted ramble, I provide a brief update on my first rheumatology appointment in four years and thank you for all of your kind words and messages of support.

[@jackandmitchel]

Awesome video Joel - keep being you! I know the challenges you have been through since 2020 as we both lived it you were my life saver in 2020 and your humour wit and care has been appreciated for this Kiwi at the bottom of the world. I feel so lucky I have medical insurance in this country and can access my private rheumatologist when I need him as well as regular follow ups. Our public system is so stretched I wouldn’t be able to get in. Our main problem is online in the far far north of the North Island we have no gps, our hospital in Kaitaia has minimal services and it’s a 4 hour drive or zoom to my appointments in Auckland. I also deal with CRPS which is really bad along with psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and now because of my CRPS I am hitting the proverbial major depressive episode, ptsd from my CRPS and all the issues I have had since Jan 2020. Kia Kaha (be strong) arohanui (much love and care) Jane B

[@JoelvsArthritis]

I love hearing how long people have been on this journey with me! Thank you for tolerating me all this time 😅. I also appreciate you sharing the challenges you have over there - it is only by understanding the global pressures and picture that I can be a better advocate. x

[@TJ-zs7gn]

I’m glad it went well my turn tomorrow and thanks for the timely reminder about being a patient first , I lose sight of this sometimes too .

[@JoelvsArthritis]

I wish you all the best - will be thinking of you. x

[@TJ-zs7gn]

@@JoelvsArthritis it went as well as these things can go . My consultant is retiring though he’s been the best so let’s see how the new chapter goes .

[@JoelvsArthritis]

@TJ-zs7gn glad to hear it. And nice that they told you! That rarely happens, with often the patient left wondering why the disappearing act.