Podiatry refferal possible?

[awareness75]

Hi. Just wondering if there's anyone on here who regularly goes or a health professional that knows if it's possible to be referred to a podiatrist on the NHS.

I'm not talking about insoles or shoes for flat feet, but for general Lupus issues like nails, heels problems etc...along the lines of what's currently free for diabetics.

Thanks, 🙂

[Happykins]

Hi, yes I have been referred by my GP, to a podiatrist on NHS, originally to look at my big toe nails on both feet, which appear to be bruised, (however I think it's discolouration of my nails from the mepacrine I take daily)

I've been several times, she's been very helpful and the podiatrist referred me to occupational health for new wrist splints also.

Last time I saw the podiatrist, she had a student present who said I have 'typical Lupus feet.'

I have uctd - does anyone know what Lupus feet look like?!

Have you asked your GP for a referral? x

[awareness75 in reply to Happykins]

Hi. Thanks for that. I am having problems with my big toes too. Both bruised on the undersides and one sore on the top. My shoes haven't changed, but my feet are "twisting upwards" best way to describe it. I have "Lupus feet" as they call it; very flat footed and the insides of my feet are 2cm from the ground, hence insoles.

I havent asked for a refferal as yet because I moved home and NHS trusts,( that and being able to see a doctor, nevermind the scare of Coronavirus in places like that for us now)

Will investigate further. Thanks.

[Wendy39]

Hello

I have issues with my feet.

Flat footed. Plus I have extremely dry skin in them. Fungal yellow mis-shaped nails, that are increasingly difficult to cut. Etc etc.

I have seen one NHS podiatrist back in 2014 who told me I just needed to wear shoes with an inch heel. No flat shoes. Wear shoes from Hotter or Skechers. You don’t really need insoles.

Then a couple of years later, a different NHS podiatrist- looked about 15 - who told me there was nothing he could do for me. He wouldn’t touch my feet or nails. Not his job. I was shocked, as I thought that was definitely part of their job.

Recently I had a toe nail removed due to it possibly being skin cancer, the surgeon from a neighbouring health board was surprised that I didn’t get my feet looked after by a podiatrist.

I did post here about it.

From memory, the replies I got were varied. Some did get podiatry care and some didn’t. The ones who did had overlapping conditions. It seems lupus alone does not make us eligible. Diabetes is completely different and they do get good feet care.

I have actually booked a private appointment to see a Podiatrist for this Friday, to get some advice on all of my feet issues.

I’m hoping that this won’t be a regular thing, maybe 1 or 2 a year, to keep in top if it.

I really think that this varies. So check with your GP and/or Consultants.

Another example of different policies, in England you can see an Osteopath on the NHS. But not in Wales. They won’t pay for it. You can only get it if you pay privately. The osteopath I know has built up a good business with residential and nursing homes and a private clinic, but all privately paid. Such a shame as her training and knowledge is incredible and a worthy cost effective treatment for many people.

Keep us posted on what you find in your area.

Best wishes

Wendy

[Happykins in reply to Wendy39]

Hi Wendy, I live in Wales and pay to see an osteopath weekly - been seeing her for years, it would have saved me a fortune if the NHS could have paid for some of these appts!

It is expensive but she's wonderful and it's well worth going without luxuries to see her. Incidentally, she suggested that I had connective tissue disease about 10 years before finally being diagnosed.

Osteopathy keeps me going

Jilly.

[Wendy39 in reply to Happykins]

That’s amazing. And good to know the difference it makes!

The lady I have met, came to our group to do a talk. She’d learnt about lupus during her training and one of her “guinea pigs” during her training had it. Her knowledge was fantastic.

These “ holistic therapies” aren’t given the credit they deserve here.

I have had to pay privately for Rheumy appointments and dermatology appointments. Also chosen to have reflexology, acupuncture and massage. Now podiatrist on Friday.

I consider myself extremely fortunate to be in this position and my heart breaks for those that can’t afford to pay for such appointments. I have members who’ve paid for treatment, care and tests on credit cards or taken out a pay day loan in the worst case. Truly disgusting.

I know times are tough, budgets limited and not enough money to go around, but my opinion is that our illness is not taken as seriously as it should be and we should be looked after better by the NHS.

Did back issues take you to the osteopath, out of interest?

[Happykins in reply to Wendy39]

Mainly neck pain, wrists, joints and all-over body bleughness (if there's such a word) - the usual stuff

She is a cranial osteopath also. I believe I'm very lucky to have found her - she thinks outside the box. This is the first osteopath I've seen and with the bonus of being local.

Well worth a trip to Mid-Wales to see her Wendy!

[Wendy39 in reply to Happykins]

Interesting.

I get wrist issues - tendonitis and elbow issues - tennis elbow etc.

Will keep this in mind.

I hope it continues to give you some relief.

xx

[cowhide]

In many areas you can self refer to Podiatry, you do not have to see another healthcare professional first. In Leicestershire there is a form to fill in and, they assess to check there is a genuine need and then give you an appointment.

[awareness75]

Thanks for your reply and experiences. Something about foot care flashed up on patient access, while I was ordering my repeat prescriptions. It briefly said that the podiatry services wasn't available in my area(West Midlands/Dudley area) but I am surprised, seeing as Dudley is quite a big trust and well funded. Personally, I don't think 'the powers that be' realise how much Lupus does effect your feet and the knock on effect of all other joints upwards. I couldn't afford to go privately on a regular basis if I needed to, which is my main concern really.

[Wendy39 in reply to awareness75]

I think you are spot on. The doctors don’t really understand that it’s so serious, so where they should be on our side and fighting for funding and better services for us, they aren’t. Rheumatology is never going to be top of their priority list. We can’t compete with A&E, cancer care, maternity services, paediatrics etc. I feel the rheumatologist should be fighting our corner, but most of them don’t get it. I hope you get a positive response from your GP or Consultant when you ask. Maybe they’ll know what angle to take in a referral to get you help.