[[email protected]]

And my GP has no inclination to write a test request...think I'll die before diagnosis...my partner went to the same GP for a sick note following a foot op and he wrote 'left foot' as the diagnosis, she got 5 weeks off...I'm wondering if I've got a whole body can I go off for 6 months! My GP's of fool, can somebody give me hope here in Margate?

Beth

 

[LolaLola]

Hello Beth,
I am not familiar with Margate but wanted to welcome you. You really need another GP. I had to change twice to get a sensible one.
Good Luck,
x Lola

 

[cmfinnis]

Hi Beth,

I know Margate quite well although I live nearer Dover . . ...

Do you mean you have a diagnosis of SLE lupus?

Do you have a rheumatologist?

Cathy x

 

[[email protected]]

Isn't it fab living near the beach?

Hi Cathy

Thank you so much for your prompt reply.

No, I haven't been diagnosed with SLE, but suspect that's what's going on with my body...had psychosis, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, butterfly rash, high esr, high RF, lung problems, dry eye, mother with sticky blood, aunt with fybromyalgia, amongst other pains in the behind...I could be wrong...

Having problems with my GP, as he doesn't take my concerns seriously and I don't know how to ask for an MRI scan on my neck which has caused me jip since I had psoriatic arthritis in it 2 years ago...

Also do you have any idea of the 'magic' sentence to get a referral to a Rhuematolgist? I did see one when living in London and his parting shot was 'well at least you're not losing your hair', but I'm not sure this statement could qualify as a diagnosis!

If I can twist my GPs are for a referral to a specialist have you got any Kentish recommendations?

Sorry for the time lapse, am on nights at present so everything's abit topseyturvey!

Thank you again
Kindest regards
Beth:blush:

 

[[email protected]]

Hi Lola...thank you for welcoming me aboard - not a fully paid up member yet though, hope you stay well and have a good day...

Many thanx
Beth

 

[Joandublin]

Hi Beth

Im really sorry your GP is useless. I dont know if it is possible to change GP's where you are but it is certainly something worth considering in the longer term.

However the more pressing concern for you is to try and get a referral from him. The best advice I can give you is to write out all of your symptoms and your test results - clearly and concisely - and make an appointment with him to discuss them. Im surprised he hasnt referred you yet given your high RF factor. That alone should have prompted him to refer you to a Rheumatologist. Sometimes the best thing to do is to be up front and ask him for a Rheumatology referral given your test results and symptoms. If he refuses I would definitely change GP's immediately.

Over here in Ireland a GP cant refer for an MRI - this has to be done by a consultant. Its the same with some specialist blood tests. I dont know if its the same in the U.K. In any event its important that you get yourself under a consultant so that whatever tests are necessary can be carried out. If you have a mind to ask him you could get your GP to send you for an ANA test as a starter. A positive ANA is a common starting point for a referral as it can indicate something autoimmune causing your symptoms - not necessarily Lupus of course.

Best of luck and let us know how you get on
Joan:rose:

 

[Clare.T]

Hello Beth
It sounds as if you had a firm diagnosis of the psoriatic arthritis so I don't know why you shouldn't have a rheumatology referral because of that history. And I suppose continuing problems and ill health.

If your GP is refusing to do basic testing you definitely need a new one. Basic testing meaning blood count, ANA, RF, anemia, thyroid, diabetes, urine blood pressure and all that. He might be able to do one of the clotting tests dRVVT for example that can indicate the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies that can risk causing clots ( 'sticky blood'), commonly known as lupus anticoagulant. I think a GP can do the VDRL test for syphilis which often shows false positive because of antiphospholipid antibodies.
You need to present your case, with current causes for concern and background clearly indicated, plus whatever medications you have been on and are currently taking. Your records would normally have been transferred to this GP.

One of our members, Mooks, talks highly of her specialist at a new lupus centre at Maidstone, in a recent previous post if you search down. The closer to home your specialist is the better. St Thomas' is world class excellent but very hard to access when there is urgent need and it is a traipse up to London.
I haven't heard of a UK GP referring for an MRI either.

You keep your sense of humour I see! Sure need it Hubby and I laughed at your "body" meriting 6 months sick leave note.


Good Luck

Clare

 

[cmfinnis]

Hi Beth,

I am sorry to hear about all your problems . . . . . .sounds as if you definitely need to see someone.

I have a good local Rheumatologist at QEQM hospital in Margate called Dr D. Delord . . . . try and get a referral to her

let us know how you get on

if you can't get any help from your GP, try and change GPs or see a different one in the practice

good luck
Cathy

 

[[email protected]]

Thank you all for your replies

Really appreciate all your thoughts, would like to expand, but still on nights and the enchanted kingdom of Newham is 'jumping' tonight...so a bit distracted from real life by work unfortunately...thank you Cathy for your info about QEQM, will investigate further...

Hope you all have a good day and stay well!

Thanx x
Beth