Rheumatologist?

[Tayzee]

My go has diagnosed me with pmr and is managing it with pred ... should I be referred to a rheumatologist or can I just carry on with the gp?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

It is suggested that you see a Rheumy at least once (but not sure that always happens) - but unless your PMR or you have significant issues, a good GP is quite capable of caring for you. Rheumies, like the rest of the NHS, are still struggling to treat patients at the moment, so it may some time before you can get an appointment.

[Koalajane]

I have PMR and have never seen a rheumatologist. My doctor is happy to look after me and is happy to go along with my views

[ImC_]

Tayzee, I've never seen a rheumatologist. Have been happy with my GP who seems to be largely on the case. And I check up on what she says with what this forums says!

[Exhiker]

The only reason I got referred is because after the blood test results the gp wasn't sure whether it was pmr or late onset RA. I think if she had been sure of diagnosis she wouldn't have referred me. The rheumatologist are struggling to catch up with appts at the moment. I got referred back in november and they estimate I won't be seen until August but I do think it is particularly bad in my area

[PMRpro Ambassador]

If you are responding well, your GP is being sensible and not rushing you off the pred and there are no really atypical features then in the UK it is common for the GP to continue. Often a good GP is preferable to a poor or disinterested specialist who you will find difficult to get hold of if you have a problem only a doctor can solve. In the UK, unless you go privately to the specialist, you have no guarantee of continuity and may see someone different every time you are there, who hasn't read your notes and spends much of the allocated appointment doing the same as the last and getting nowhere.

As DL says - rheumies claim they should see all patients at least once but they don't really facilitate that and it can be months before you get an appointment by which time there will be little evidence of your symptoms if you are lucky and then they may decided they want to dispute the diagnosis.

[piglette]

Around 75% of people with PMR never see a rheumatologist. If you have a good GP stick with them. Some GPs refer people to a rheumatologist as they seem worried about steroids or PMR or they haven’t got a clue.