[wkdness]

Hi...I posted here a few weeks ago. I had one lupus test come back inconclusive and the next one was negative. Im at the end of my rope with all these problems that no one seems to be able to piece together. How do I get past my GP? He really just doesnt seem to understand or think that there's anything abnormal going on. I was hospitalized for 8 days with pneumonia at the end of 2007 and it seems like its really been since then that things have developed. Maybe all the steroids i was on i dont know. I was dx'd with carpal tunnel in both wrists and cubital tunnel in my lft elbow in 2008 although it's mild...my elbows ache and get pins and needles when im sleeping or carrying anything. My index finger on the right hand and both hips also give me alot of aches and pains. I have trace protein on every test in my urine for years...and sometimes keytones. I just had x rays on both my feet because my achilles tendons ache and theres a nodule on one. The xrays show thickening in both tendons and some arthritis starting in both feet. The ultrasound shows the same along with the nodule on the left. My GP says theres nothing that anyone can do and just go home and take advil. Im only 43...am I supposed to live on advil for the rest of my life and isnt there anything that will slow this down? I really feel like i was just pushed out the door with nothing...I just wish there was an answer...I know all this cant be happening randomly...thanks for listening....sonja

 

[x_claire_x]

Hi Sonja... um can you go to a different GP? Think you need to ask for Referral to a Rheumatologist, you need to push for that, but try and find a Rheumy who has known auto immune experience, there is a 'find a doctor' section to this site. Another thing is for an auto immune blood workup, perhaps your GP or another one would order that for you so you have some results when you go see a Rheumy???? Until then make a daily diary of symptoms marking them 0-10 for pain (10 being unbearable).. pictures of any rashes, swollen joints etc.. and start building up some documented evidence of your health issues. It may be that after further investigation that it isn't a lupus type illness, but at least you may get some answers, which will make you feel more in control of your own destiny... so go and be more assertive, you know your own body better than anybody else.... all the best,
Claire XX

 

[Katharine]

I would agree that finding a GP who supports you is really essential. I realise that it may not always be easy to change GP but it is very worthwhile not only for diagnosis but also for overall health care and follow up in between specialist appointments.

Katharine

 

[debatat]

Hi Claire and Katherine have given you excellent advice. A rheumy will be able to piece together all the info. You are entitled to be referred, so be persistent with your gp. Taking along someone else can help as well. Really explain how it is affecting your life. In the meantime the symptom diary and photos are very useful.

Don't give up!

Deb

 

[wkdness]

thanks for the suggestions. The GP took blood to test for RA. We'll see what happens with that but i still will push to see a rheumatologist. I think it's too weird to be having all these problems with nerves and tendons. If he cant help me than I will try my neurologist or nephrologist i guess....thx again. sonja