Working well with your healthcare team

Talking to your healthcare team

When you're going to see your GP - whether it's for the first time with symptoms that might be osteoarthritis or for a follow-up appointment - it will help if you are prepared. Try to think about what you want to say, and how your symptoms have been affecting you recently.

Here are some things you may want to think about:

At your first appointment:

• What are your symptoms? Pain, swelling or stiffness? Don't forget to mention other symptoms that you think are commonplace, such a headache or problems sleeping. For some people these symptoms could indicate an underlying health problem.
• Which of your joints are affected by these symptoms? Think about your hands, neck, back, hips, feet and knees.
• Is more than one joint affected? If so, which ones?
• Try to describe your pain. Is it a deep ache, burning, does it come and go or is it constant?
• How often do you get symptoms?
• Do you get symptoms on both sides of your body?
• Do your joints get swollen and warm?
• Are your joints just painful in the morning? Or at other times of the day too?
• How long do your symptoms last? Do they come and go, or are they there all the time?
• Do you symptoms get worse when you exercise?
• Do your joints become stiff if you rest during the day?
• Do your symptoms stop you doing anything? For example, if you played golf can you still do that?

At your follow-up appointments:

If you have already been diagnosed with osteoarthritis you might want to think about other things as well:

• How have your medicines been working? Do they stop your symptoms coming back until you need your next dose? Or do you experience breakthrough pain (pain that comes back before it's time for your next tablet)?
• Do you have any new symptoms that you have not told the doctor about before?
• How is your mobility? Are you still able to do all the things your were doing last time you saw the doctor?
• Have you experienced any side effects from your medicines? For example, stomach pain, indigestion, rash?
• Do you think you might benefit from seeing an occupational therapist (who can help you with adaptations in your home), or a physiotherapist (who can help you with exercises to improve your strength)?

Questions you might be asked

Here are some questions your GP may ask you to help him or her decide you have osteoarthritis:

• What are your symptoms?
• Which of your joints are affected by these symptoms?
• What does the pain feel like? Is it a deep ache, burning or grating?
• How often do you get symptoms?
• Do you get symptoms on both sides of your body?
• Do your joints get swollen and warm?
• Are your joints just painful in the morning? Or at other times of the day too?
• How long do your symptoms last? Do they come and go, or are they there all the time?
• Do you symptoms get worse when you exercise?
• Do your joints become stiff if you rest during the day?
• Do your symptoms stop you doing anything? For example, if you played golf can you still do that?
• Have you been taking painkillers to help with your symptoms? If so, which ones? Paracetamol? Aspirin? Ibuprofen?
• Do these medicines help?
• How often do you take them?
• Do you get any side effects from any these medicines?

Questions you may want to ask

Being told you have osteoarthritis may feel overwhelming and there's a lot to remember. Don't be afraid to ask if you're not sure about anything your doctor tells you. You may find it helps to take notes while talking with your doctor.

Make sure you understand all you want to know about your condition, and know why certain treatment options have been suggested. Here are some questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• Where can I get more information about osteoarthritis? There may be websites your doctor considers useful or patient support groups you can join.
• When should I come back to see the doctor? You may want to know what symptoms mean you need the doctor again. Or will another healthcare professional be responsible for monitoring your condition?
• Are there lifestyle changes you could make to help your condition, such as changing your eating habits or doing some exercises?
• If you're not sure about your diagnosis and/or the treatment you are prescribed and think a second opinion might help, don't be worried about asking for one. Your doctor may be able to refer you to a specialist or another GP in the practice. A second opinion can help ensure that your treatment and care are successful

It's important not to think you are wasting your doctor's time. Your health is important, so if you do feel that you need more time with the doctor you could always ask whether a double appointment is available.

Role of the pharmacist

If you and your doctor decide you need some medicines for your osteoarthritis, you may find that the healthcare professional you have the most contact with is your local pharmacist.

It's good to remember that your pharmacist is more than just someone who sells you your medication. A pharmacist is an expert on how medicines work and interact, and can advise you about any safety concerns - especially important if you're taking more than one medicine at the same time.

As part of the service to make sure your medicines are right for you and that you're getting the best from them, your pharmacist can offer you a free 'Medicines Use Review' (MUR).

Navigate the NHS

Understanding how the NHS works - and what NHS services are available in your area - can help you to get the most out of your interactions with healthcare professionals. This will enable you to manage your osteoarthritis better and live your life in the best possible health.