Been to GP. No help. Have you been there. Wish I'd gone to consultant first.

[friendly2013]

Hello everyone, I have seen a GP today who was checking my bloods to see if my Lupus is in flare. He said everything is normal but he didn't take smr I think it's called. He checked things like vitamin and mineral levels. So I am going to contact my consultant . Last time I saw him he said if Depromedrone injections didn't help ( I've had 2, 3 months apart) then I would have to go onto prednisalone. I am confused I feel so unwell in a general kind of Lupus way. Extremely tired headache ing sometimes back ache, sleeping for England and the sleep is unrefreshing. My mood is low but there are other things going on. I hoped for a short dose of steroids and a referral to my consultant. I only went to the GP because I needed a sick note. Wish I'd gone to consultant first. Help I am feeling so sorry for myself.

Have any of you been this route before. Can I feel this unwell and everything be normal.

[Hollydebs]

Hi friendly 2013 sounds like classic Lupus symptoms. I was finally diagnosed in March of this year and what you've described is how I feel on any given day with plenty of muscle aches added in as well. I will say that In my experience I have found that GP's are not that clued. Lupus appears to be way out of their comfort zone and the most sense I get is usually from my visit to the Rheumy Consultant.

Personally if I was you I'd speak to your consultant as they would prob do more in depth tests.

Good luck.

[friendly2013 in reply to Hollydebs]

Thanks holly debs, I feel myself it's Lupus, GP thinks it's low mood because it can bring on the symptoms I described. My response was this is why Lupus is so hard to diagnose. I've had at least 6 occasions been ill this year gps didn't make a connection but my consultant did he said my lupus is more active than it's been for years. He wasn't surprised when he saw my blood results.

Thanks for your reply it's good to know I'm not going mad.

[misty14]

Hi Friendly

I agree with everything Holly debs has said. GP's have limited knowledge about Lupus. See if you can be on a cancellation list for a Rheumy Appt by phoning the clinic or his secretary. Depression can be a symptom when illness is active and steroids will calm everything down including giving your mood a boost!. Good luckX

[friendly2013]

Hi thanks Misty 14,

That is my next move. All you say is right. It feels so frustrating. I know my Rhummy will by sympathetic, he treats the person not the symptoms if you know what I mean. He once said the Lupus is active in you somewhere we just don't know where or what damage it's doing. I didn't want to go onto steroids again when he first suggested it but now I am crying out for them. Unfortunately or fortunately I am on holiday next week so I'm stuck for another week. The holiday should do me good and it's a coach holiday so lots of sitting down, meals made for me ect.

Sorry if I've rambled thanks for your help and reassurance.

[Wendy39]

Unfortunately, since my diagnosis I am realising more and more that GP's do not understand our condition at all. I have seen 4 or 5 different GP's at my surgery, as they can never seem to keep me with one for continuity and none of them seem to have grasped what lupus means, my symptoms and my medication. One actually asked if I really thought the hydroxy was helping. It's exasperating. I have a Rheumy help line number and will have a follow up in 9 months. Otherwise feel totally alone. No Lupus centre anywhere near me and certainly no Lupus nurse for support. If I was you I would go to the Consultant straight away every time. GP's are a waste of time. Thank goodness for Health Unlocked and the great support we have here. Good luck. Wendy

[friendly2013]

Many thanks Wendy 39,

Yes I've learnt my lesson. I've been off work for 5weeks now and don't feel much better it's been time waisted. I find this forum very supportive as you say GPs don't understand. Mine is on maternity leave. This new one is out of his depth I fear.

I will be away on holiday this week. Wish I'd started steroids it might have given me a boost and I would enjoy it more. I'm not complaining that I am going on holiday by the way. I will be straight on to my Rhummy when I return.

If you need support come to this forum everyone has been more than helpful and understanding.

Thanks for the comment.