Going to a new GP Tomorrow.. Advise Please

[TeaCosy_Lady]

Hi everyone,
I haven't posted since my initial diagnosis and anger. But, did finally get into the Rheumatologist, two visits later was put on Plaquenil. I have been on this since 19 May. In the middle of all of this we went through the most stressful time selling our home (twice) and moving.

My questions are this: I have registered with the new practice and have an appointment tomorrow. I asked the receptionist when I registered if there was a GP who had an interest in Rheumatology.. I got a very big blank look. So next I asked for a woman.. there are four in the practice. What kinds of questions should I ask?

Tomorrow when i visit my goals are to introduce myself and ask if 1. She is interested in treating me (or does she have the All in your head syndrome) 2. I know that the plaquenil takes awhile, but I seem to be worse not better (any experience of this with anyone?) 3. I am so fatigued (not lethargic) and am experiencing muscle weakness to the point that I can't turn on/off the water faucet sometimes.

Of course all of this could be exacerbated by 1). moving, 2.) a large blast of sun exposure two weeks ago or the stress. Probably all three. Don't know.. and am somewhat confused as to how or if I should try to separate this. Also, I want to be signed off.. I am self employed have insurance and have not been able to work for at least 6 weeks now.

Alot to place on a new GP.. Any sugestions?

Janet :cry:

[cornishgirl]

Hi Teacosylady, you poor thing! That's quite a bit of stress you've been through. Although you've been on the planquinel for a month I'd persevere a bit if I were you, the first time I was pescribed it, it took 3/4 months before I felt any relief. The meds differ from person to person in effectiveness but like you say, sometimes the plaq can take a little time. Not to mention the strain your under, my mother-in-law is just selling her hotel, contracts due to be exchanged tomorrow morning and I swear, I'm as stressed out as her lol With regards to your new doctor I have had plenty of experience there lol. I usually begin with being registered under any GP within a surgery that contains multiple GP's practicing. I then meet the GP I've been registered with and see how we get on, what his knowledge is and whether he's the type of GP who will accept my input and thoughts as well as his/her own. The best advice I was ever given by one GP was that with lupus you become your own doctor, you learn to read the signs and signals of your body, which I believe is very true. I personally prefer a doctor who is willing to believe I understand whats happening in my own body and not treat me like a hypocondriac lol. The advantage of having multiple GP's practising in the clinic as that if we don't get on, then I choose to see another doctor. I've never had any complaint about doing this before, but if your surgery dosen't like it, make sure you book an appointment on his/her day off, that way you'l have to see somebody new lol. Even though your GP may be new to you and lupus there's no reason why they shouldn't be able to sign you off work if you are displaying symptoms. They may not sign you off under the reason of lupus (dependant on whether GP is familiar with condition, or trusting of you) but they will sign you off at least for symptomatic reasons, ie, joint pain/fatigue. I sometimes find GP's very nervous of treating me or over the moon that they have such an interesting case lol. Personally I prefer the latter kind, they are always willing to accept info and books about the condition to learn more about it. The main thing is you feel comfortable with the person who is treating you, whether they know a lot about the condition or not, your going to see them often enough that you need to have a good relationship with them. This is only based on my experience but I hope it's of some help. I wish you luck in your search, and all the best with trying to de-stress and taking it easy for a while, it sounds like you deserve a bit of time off. Take care Lucy :flowers:

[TeaCosy_Lady]

Cornish Girl
Thanks for the advice. I have had my appointment and I am very pleased for the first time in a long time. My new GP is extremely intelligent, compassionate and a woman! I feel very fortunate to have gotten it right on the first try. I just asked for the names of the women doctors in the practice and then I picked the one with the most letters behind her name that didn't specialise in Obstetrics. I've lost a stone and a half in the last 5 weeks. (I needed to but wasn't trying) She also thought being signed off was a good idea. (my old GP was very resistant to anything like that) Our new surgery has a county hospital attached and they seem to have put alot of funds into it.. everything is sparkling new! I feel very fortunate and in good hands for the first time in a long time.

By the way, I am self employed and I now know that self employed people who pay into their national insurance can get incapacity benefit, which I didn't know before. Now I just have to get all of my other insurance forms together and get husband to help fill them out. All that payment protection insurance I have been paying should work now.

House exchanging is very stressful, I have been through two divorces, the death of both parents, both sibs and an international move, this last sale was more stressful than any thing. The first buyer comitted suicide the day before our movers came and the contracts had not been exchanged by whim of solicitors but the house we bought was completed. Took us 49 days (we were fortunate) and a cash buyer came along. Thank you God!!

Sorry to be so long winded. I am lonely, sick and living in a new town...
But, trying to keep my positive side up. Things are definately getting better. Hopefully the health will too.

Janet :hehe: