How to persuade GP?

[SecondAngel]

I have an appointment with my GP soon and I'm planning to ask for a referral to a rheumatologist - how to I get her to refer me? I saw her previously and focused on my most problematic area, my spine. The x-ray apparently indicates wear and tear arthritis but symptomatically I don't fit that diagnosis - I'm a closer fit to PSA. However, as far as my GP was concerned the x-ray trumps all. I got a referral to a physio but that is all.

Given my strong family history of psoriasis/PSA and the symptoms being a closer match to that than wear and tear arthritis I want to be sure and to do that, see a consultant. I'm worried that the GP will say no. What boxes do I need to tick?

if useful - I've had one blood test positive for inflammatory factors and one without.

[piglette]

Rheumatologist appointments are few and far between at the moment due to a shortage of rheumatologists. I went privately in the end, cost around two hundred pounds. Some rheumatologists will then transfer you, so you can see them on the NHS. You probably only need one appointment to give you a diagnosis though, which you can then show your GP.

[katieoxo60]

Hello Second Angel, Physio is often the choice for people with arthritis of any joint or type, you do need a diagnosis if possible as different types of arthritis need different treatment & muscles can cause poor joint movement too. Physios are more conversant with how the body anatomy works. It is very difficult to get an appointment for arthritic problems as its seen as a long term chronic illness with flare ups not life shortening or changing. But it is life altering and can limit peoples ability . I would go for the physio as that could speed up a referral, plus you need to be on the system incase it worsens with time. The appointment you require is not expensive to go private to speed up the process, but best to tell your GP why, if you choose that option.

[SecondAngel in reply to katieoxo60]

Thanks - yes, I had my 5 NHS physio sessions and plan to keep up with the exercises. It isn't just my back though so I'd like to get the right diagnosis and treatment. Thankfully the GP appointment gave me the outcome I wanted so I'll see a rheumatologist (eventually).

[medway-lady]

Good idea from piglette and do you have swollen joints ?

[Yasmee]

Hi I've had similar issues with my spine same with bloods border information and most others not showing any mine won't refer me and seem to use "there are no changes as a defence."the mri shows minor signs of arthritis which doesn'tmatch my symptoms . . Check the criteria for referring and go armed with it .you can always call the arthritis helpline number and they can tell you .

[SecondAngel]

Success! I said "I don't know whether you'll want refer me to the rheumatologist..." then listed all the myriad joints that cause me problems and the symptoms in great detail. It did the job. She warned me it will be a long time before I get an appointment but that's expected.

[Happyrosie]

In our area we self-refer to physio and they pass you to rheumy if they feel it advisable,

[1vern0n]

Hi Second angel, I understand exactly what you are saying and how frustrating it can seem. In my experience I have found that by going to physio and after the allocated number of sessions come to an end try and stay in the system. I have managed that by refusing to be discharged and when I didn't have any improvement ask the physio to refer you. Question everything and try to be assertive and polite. Good luck xx