Battle with GP

[Toobusyforthis]

Hi all!!As I mentioned before , My second visit to the private specialist was rushed and felt Dr Ashok due to running late, was hurrying me along , so asked her to pass me back to NHS ( which was my plan albeit a little earlier ) . I rang my GP surgery to speak to a Dr and see what plan she suggested and to my astonishment , got a very Frosty response! She has said she would never give Steroids to me in the first place as my inflammatory markers were only up by .2 and ‘ They don’t give out Steroids Willy nilly!!! I explained how the pain had gone, and I was feeling much better, she said I suggest you return to your private consultant and ask her for a treatment plan ! Almost dismissing me totally!! I’ve phoned Dr Ashok asking for a treatment plan to pass on to the NHS but, she said she never does them and a letter should suffice 🤷‍♀️. I’m really in limbo now and don’t know which way to turn? I’m starting next week to taper down and only have a month supply of steroids? Hellpppp pleeaase! Xx

[123-go]

I do sympathise. I have experienced similar frustration and it's enough to send anyone up the wall. When I requested my monthly prescription from my surgery an e-mail came back saying they would need confirmation of a new medication from rheumatology. I copied my follow-up letter from rheumy and sent it, with an accompanying letter, back to the prescription manager. Hopefully, the prescription will be issued today.You should have received a letter following your telephone appointment with your doctor, but things may differ between areas.

In these times, there seems to be no cohesion between departments and it's left to us to sort things out.

I hope you resolve your problem soon.

[Toobusyforthis in reply to 123-go]

Thankyou for your response it’s a relief to know I’m not alone with this, it’s unbelievable I’m totally gobsmacked! Kind regards x

[PMRpro Ambassador]

See a different GP who knows what they are talking about. One who treats the patient rather than the numbers the lab churns out.

What inflammatory marker was only "up by .2"? Which is immaterial anyway as up to 1 in 5 patients with PMR or GCA have normal range ESR/CRP - although that doesn't mean that they aren't raised for you. My normal ESR is low single figures - it trundled along at 16-18 for some time during a major flare but no-one noticed as that is still firmly below the top of normal range.

[Toobusyforthis in reply to PMRpro]

Thankyou I will call back and ask to speak to a different GP. The GP I spoke to referred to my ‘inflammatory markers” ? But yes as I understand these ‘inflammatory markers” lol mean nothing 🙄 xx

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Toobusyforthis]

My question was more as to WHICH marker was only raised by 0.2 - can't have been ESR and to quote that sort of margin does suggest a lack of understanding of their use!!!

[Charlie1boy]

Hi,I could scarcely believe it when I read your post. I really hope you are able to resolve your issue. I think it might well be worth registering a complaint with your Practice Manager, though personally, I always have some misgivings about this approach, as you may end up having more problems later, but the type of behaviour you've experienced is inexcusable.

Good luck

Paddy

[Toobusyforthis in reply to Charlie1boy]

Thankyou I feel very frustrated as you can imagine xx

[Mary63]

That’s awful. GP does not know WHAT she’s talking about. Speak to someone else in the practice. Good luck! You don’t need to be treated like this.....

[Toobusyforthis in reply to Mary63]

❤️

[merril in reply to Mary63]

Mary, just spotted your name and wondered if you were the person who talked to me about jigsaws? If so, would you give me the name of the providor. If not, sorry and just ignore me.xx

[Mary63 in reply to merril]

Not me ! Sorry.

[Songbird69]

How dreadful for you. It’s not even as if you can suddenly stop the steroids when you supply runs out in any case. I agree with others. Change your GP and keep pushing for what you need.

This is all unnecessary stress for you.

Hope you can resolve quickly to put your mind at rest.

[Toobusyforthis in reply to Songbird69]

Yes that’s my worry exactly! Thankyou xx

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Let’s hope she never gets PMR then! ...or maybe.......

[Toobusyforthis in reply to DorsetLady]

Here Here ! Xxx

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Toobusyforthis]

Seriously though...not good enough, and totally unprofessional.

Get another GP, and when/if you feel strong enough report this one.

[Toobusyforthis in reply to DorsetLady]

❤️

[YuliK]

Maybe those folks who know that their GP is not “knowledgeable friendly” to PMR, should try and put some prednisone away on one side for “a rainy day”. ( or flare)

It’s not the first time that someone on this forum has told us about their unsympathetic GP, who hasn’t a clue as to what we suffer during a FLARE...

It saddens me, that so many GPs are not so informed as they should be.

YuliK 😷

[Jackoh]

Yes agree here- try to change your GP. What an unnecessary stress and worry for you. It can make you very annoyed when you read things like this. Complete lack of understanding from your current GP. I must admit I always try to have a little stock of steroids in my cupboard ( being careful to watch the expiry dates) It might be worthwhile for you to do this in the future- just in case! X💐