While i was in the integrative care hospital in Glasgow I was told by the Dr that I should have been referred to a rheumatologist regarding my condition. I have osteoarthritis and was in hospital for chronic pain.etc. He suggested that I may also have fibromyalgia because of my symptoms and referred me to a rheumatologist by sending a letter to my GP.
According to my Dr. the rheumatologist looked at my files saying that he felt there was no point in me going to see him. How can he make a diagnosis without seeing or speaking to me, plus why would the Dr from Glasgow refer me in the first place.
That is exactly how I feel Jan. I have actually been to the Rheumatologist who was just completely dismissive of how I feel because he can't treat it as Rheumatoid Arthritis. These professionals need to decide who will treat what condition before they start bandying us around like a piece of unclaimed baggage.
My GP has actually been more helpful than anybody else - he has tried me with different medication based on his own knowledge and research and I am so grateful to him for that.
Keep you chin up just talk to your GP - also saves hours of waiting time in hospitals. Doesn't matter if the Rheumatologist gives you a diagnosis or not - he will expect your GP to continue with your medication anyway xx
In my experience a Neurologist is more informed. x
I feel a bit like that with my gp,feel like im going round in circles.all I want is to get to the bottom of this pain.but at my gp surgery you ring for an appointment and the dr will ring you to ask whats wrong then decides if you need to go into see him,was supposed to have a 20min appointment 2 weeks ago to get to bottom of my pain,was in ten minutes and still no further forward apart from being given oromorph for use in between my other morphine and to be refered to pain clinic and physio.im still hanging on and desperate.
I am so sincerely sorry to read that and I genuinely wish that I had an answer for you? It could be that the medical reports were so good and accurate that they felt there was no need or it could be a lackadaisical approach by someone? Either way, I want to genuinely and sincerely wish you all the best of luck.
hi ive emailed mr smith my spine consultant,he will be in touch soon.i wrote a poem last night but think its not very good,im sorting some poems out in my head and writing them down will post them soon.
Thanks for your comments Ken. If the rheumatologist had looked at my files they would have noticed that for the last year I have been complaining about flu like symptoms, constant pain as well as all the other problems that seem to suggest that I may have fibromyalgia.
I know it's difficult to diagnose but I need to know what's causing all this pain as I am a very positive person and only wish to help myself. Best wishes
Hi, spoke to another GP and he wants me to have blood tests and an ultrasound before a referral can be done. Well at least things may be moving in the right direction. 😄
I had something similar happen for two different medical conditions (Diverticulitis and Costachondritis), so there is consistency there. I want to genuinely wish you all the best of luck with this.
How did your Dr know the rheumatologist had looked at your files? It may be worth asking him to re refer you, maybe to a different rheumatologist although I feel a lot do not have much time for fibro, but it would help yourself to have a diagnosis.
the dr said rheumatologist wont help.it drives you up wall sometimes.think gp thinks im crackers.i took my pain diary with me he just glanced didn't even examine me,and I mentioned everything.maybe I should visit the vets.ha ha
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That's a good idea of keeping a diary as my symptoms vary from day to day and it's hard trying to remember. Good thinking😅
Hi thanks for your response. My GP said the rheumatologist looked at my files and decided that there was no need to see me, which I find strange as how can a diagnosis be done without an examination or talking to me at least.
It was while I was in an integrative care hospital for chronic pain that the Dr there suggested that I may have fibromyalgia as well as osteoarthritis and therefore wrote to my GP for a referral to see a rheumatologist.
I hadn't even heard of fibromyalgia but can now compare my symptoms with other people who see it as a real condition unlike some Drs . Thank you to all for your support . Jan
When my GP (who I regard as a good GP) finally decided that I needed referral after being treated (mistakenly) for arthritis for 7 years, he actually said " We need to be careful who we send to to because not all Rheumatologists believe in what I think it is. They only know about it if they are under the age of 40".
Thankfully, the hospital that I chose to go to under Patients Choice did recognise my symptoms.
Definitely worth a re-referral ..... if indeed your GP did refer you properly in the first place
Hi the NHS regard it as a real condition as stated on their website so how can a rheumatologist disagree? In my opinion there has been a stigma with this for such a long time it's difficult for some Drs to accept it. Education is the key. Thanks Jan
It's because there is no set courses for Dr's after they have qualified. And if they become specialised in one area they can easily not have a clue what is going on elsewhere.
This is all very interestiing reading. I haven't been back to my GP since my visit to the Rheumatologist last week. I was so disgusted - had about 3 minutes of his time after waiting for an hour and a half - he just said "you don't have rheumatoid arthritis so that is good news - no need to see you again but we will keep you open for the next 6 months so just get if touch if you need anything" THAT WAS IT!!! Did I really need to take 2 and a half hours out of work - that I had to earn first - just to hear that!!! Hmmmm why do I have swollen elbows, an arm that doesn't work, ache everywhere and either sleep 13 hours without waking or not sleep at all???
I have every respect for my GP but none at all for Rheumatology - absolutely pointless.
Out of interest my GP did mention a neurologist but I saw one about a year and a half ago who said I didn't a neurological disease - that was before my Fibro diagnosis so may be worth another visit but I don't know if I can be bothered as my GP is so good with my meds xx
I sympathise with you. Medical professionals can be so heartless. I have come out of my Drs crying and disheartened at times, no one should be made to feel that way.
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Private rheumatologist
Dr sent me a letter to say he wants to see me about recent phone calls
Bit of advice, please...?
which consultant did I see/do the NHS take us for idiots
Finally a referral to the Rheumatologist. What information do I take to the hospital?
