RA help

[140966220268mm]

In May, the GP diagnosed me with rheumatoid arthritis but unfortunately he didn't help me at all, claiming that my kidneys were damaged and he couldn't give me any medication, he simply got rid of me. I suffered like this alone without care for 3 months, now I feel better. Is this a normal doctor?

[medway-lady]

Are you sure you’ve understood the doctor? I’ve got kidney failure and been worked up for the next step of treatment. It’s no issue as the medications may be limited but two I’ve had are used in transplant treatments anyway. I’m sorry I just don’t understand this in the way you’ve expressed it. I’m not saying you’re wrong just there has to be more to it.

[140966220268mm in reply to medway-lady]

yes I am sure,

[140966220268mm in reply to 140966220268mm]

I live in England, here everyone complains about the health service

[medway-lady in reply to 140966220268mm]

So am I and am under a Renal Hospital. My function is now between 18 and 29 and take AZA and inject Etanercept. Never been an issue so what does your Nephrologist say ?

[Boxerlady]

GPs don't usually diagnose RA - if they suspect that you have it, they refer you to a specialist for further investigations, diagnosis and treatment. GPs can't give you medication for RA without being told to by a consultant.

[medway-lady in reply to Boxerlady]

They diagnose through a blood test and can tell if you test positive and refer patients to the Consultant. I don’t know about Sero negative but my GP diagnosed me many years ago.

[bpeal1 in reply to medway-lady]

Technically GPs are not allowed to diagnose it as blood tests are not always reliable. However they can say the blood tests indicate it could be or if you have a GP who has spent some time working in a rheumatology department they may be more confident. However they still need to refer the patient to a rheumatologist.

The original poster’s GP doesn’t sound like he has much knowledge about RA so he should definitely not be making a diagnosis but should have refferred them to a rheumatologist.

[medway-lady in reply to bpeal1]

My GP did say I had it as had antibodies so Sero positive but it was a long time ago and probably before it all got so correct. I've also had genetic testing so positive pANCA. I think the OPs GP doesn't know about CKD either as NSAIDS are forbidden if under a certain GFR but DMARDS are prescribed by RA Consultant and most are fine if not all and moreover can be dose adapted for low clearance. Hence my are you sure ?

[HeadInASpin]

My GP did the blood tests and said ‘it looks like you have RA, you’ll need to see a rheumatologist’. Frustrating thing was she couldn’t prescribe meds without being directed to do so. There’s also the issue of funding. Only my leflunomide is on my GP prescription and that was only done after a shared cost agreement was signed by the hospital. The biologic meds (and methotrexate before that) do not come out of the GP budget.

If your GP thinks you have RA you should ask to be referred to rheumatology and they will decide what is your best course of treatment. They treat thousands of patients with all sorts of additional medical issues, so they are best placed to help. Good luck.

[Runrig01]

A GP can strongly suspect RA, but you need to be referred to a rheumatologist for a formal diagnosis, and access to treatments that a gp can’t prescribe. Dmards are usually one of the first treatments offered, which can only be prescribed by a rheumatologist. There are plenty people with kidney issues, who are still offered meds, allbeit a little more restricted. You need to push for a referral to rheumatology

[AgedCrone]

No…that is not normal,your GP should have referred you to a rheumatologist.Is there another doctor at your practice you could see? Do ask at reception explaining your problem.

If that doesn,t help, write to the practice manager saying you need a referral.

[Rusticgarden]

GP don't diagnose Rheumatoid ( they may say something going on ) but will refer you to a Rheumatologist for more tests then treatment

[Popinjay]

you need to ask your GP for a referral to the RA clinic for ongoing treatment, some GP's lack insight to your symptoms but your initial medication needs to be prescribed by a consultant. some of my medication gets delivered every 3 months but at the start of your RA journey you will have your own experiences which will be unique to you and monitored by the specialist nurses and consultant. once your are under their care ask for a direct phone number so you can be proactive about your treatment and managing your symptoms. I am now 65 and have had RA for 23 years

good luck

[Haz58]

My GP suspected RA but had to refer me to a Rheumatologist for confirmation. You said you feel better now? Without RA meds mine just got worse until I had a steroid injection at my first Rheumatologist appointment and when my meds she prescribed kicked in.

[Ritaritis]

No and I would be tempted tto make a formal complaint. That is unacceptable behaviour. Did you seek further advice?

[CoastalLiving]

I am sorry to hear that was your experience. I agree with what everyone has said below. I too have experienced GPs in the UK like that - most of them have been white men of a certain age who seemed to have been trained in dismissing women. I have asked for different doctors and in all occasions have been able to get a different one - usually with empathy and understanding from the receptionists (which makes me think I have never been the first to ask). I know there are problems with our system here, and it takes a lot of advocating for yourself which isn't alway easy. But know that what you have been through is not a normal experience and you deserve better, so make sure you ask for it. ❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹