consultant

[sabine]

have waited 3 years for a consultant, now have two and it seems one is miss

diagnosing me again!!!!! does anyone else have problems with some medical

staff not grasping the condition?

[Melinda]

Yes. I was diagnosed and treated for gout in my hand when i had an infection i suspect caused by lupus. Also a few years ago when i developed a circular rash on my arms, chest and legs, i was told it was ringworm. I pointed out that it was most likely a lupus rash as it was in places that had been most exposed to the sun. They were skeptical. It took eight months and a lot of pain and distress, (they would not treat me till i had a diagnosis), to be referred to a dermatologist to be told what i knew all along. My rash was caused by lupus.

[carrie67]

Hi

I repeatedly went to my GP with rashes on my face. I was told psorisis and other skin conditions all of which should have improved when the sun came out. Surprise,surprise it got worse in the summer. I started to get bald patches and scabs on my head and was told by yet another GP I had mild alopeica and was sent away again as if it was nothing to worry about. It was when my husband made me make an appointmaent at a PRIVATE BUPA hospital that I was finally listened to and the doctor took a biopsy sent it away and within a short period of time I had been diagnosed with Discoid Lupus and was started on treatment straight away. The main thing I was told was to stay away from ultraviolet light.

I know doctors have to put up with a lot of timewasters but some of us are genuine. If I had been listened to and looked after properly it would not only have saved me the discomfort and worry but also a lot of money.

[foxglove in reply to carrie67]

If you don't mind my asking, what treatment are you on for discoid lupus?

[sabine]

Hi carrie67

I totally agree with you ref the attitude that some doctors have with this condition

I have been through the same thing feeling that you are a timewaster when in effect it is the GP's who do not have enough information about lupus and how to diagnose it. It was years before I was put on Plaquinol which suited me. now I have a difference consultant to see for a condition which I beleive is just another symptom of Lupus. Some people have commented about the fact that what suits one person will not suit another where medication is concerned and I have found this to be true. I found the rashes and redness distressing when first diagnosed but something i have got used to handling. MY GP has prescribed Ketopine for scalp rashes ect and I have found this to be very good.

[sabine]

Hi Foxglove, I have be re-prescribed with plaquinal with shampoo for my hair condition and cream for my over itchy feet!! thank goodness i now have a new gp that is getting to grips with my lupus diagnosis.