Frustrated

My doctor agreed to my request for a blood test, which I have just had. I needed it to judge the level of PMR inflammation as some of my aches and pains are starting to return. After having it done I have found it was just a routine blood test and no ESR or C-reactive protein test was included. I have asked for a telephone consultation with a doctor today. I feel that now I have had PMR for two years that my medical care has lapsed, as I haven’t seen my rheumi since last year when his report diagnosed me with a bad foot, which I haven’t got. He got it mixed up with my husband’s. He hasn’t acknowledged the latter. It would be amusing if it wasn’t so frustrating 👀 Admittedly things could be a lot worse and I could be in terrible pain, but this lack of action is rather depressing.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Sorry - I don't find it at all amusing that a doctor has confused two patients - even if they are married! I would be making a formal complaint - there are things that can be excused under current circumstances but that isn't one of them!

The markers don't always help and symptoms are often much more reliable - but a further contact with the GP asking for ESR/CRP to be done seems a good place to start. However - "routine" blood tests in a patient with an inflammatory disorder should include inflammatory markers.

[Hidden in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks PMR. Feel better with your supportive reply.👍

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Dear PMR,Have spoken to the doctor who says that they have the C-reactive protein level (14) and this has now been added to my results. I still don't have the ESR and the doctor has now made blood tests for this available. My last C-reactive protein result in November was very low (4). Do you think that it's worth checking the ESR ?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Hidden]

I'd accept that that raised/rising CRP suggests you might be flaring - and the GP ought really to check it again next week to see if the trend continues. You should be aiming for that low level - and if it starts to go up, be watchful. It could be a cold or something, CRP and ESR are very non-specific, but if it were a flare then you would expect it to keep rising unless you raise the pred dose.

[Hidden in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks PMR, I'll keep an eye on it.

[jinasc in reply to PMRpro]

I would add that this time you ask for a full spectrum blood test as this includes all minerals etc.

[Hidden in reply to jinasc]

Thanks Jinasc. 👍

[piglette in reply to jinasc]

I am not sure that a full spectrum would include CRP and ESR. Perhaps better to just ask for them separately.

[123-go]

Hi, bluepuddy.This is all less than satisfactory and you deserve better.

It will absolutely do no harm to write to your rheumatology department and say exactly the same as you've told us, e.g. that you feel your care has lapsed and that this has left you feeling anxious. Politely say what you would like to happen, for example, a date for a review of your condition, blood test forms to include CRP (and to be sent the results) and confirmation that your record is changed to reflect the fact that your husband had the foot issue and not you.

Hospitals and outpatient departments have been under a lot of pressure as we all know, but sometimes a nudge is needed along the way to avoid that feeling of being forgotten. Stress is not good for us. Good luck.

[Hidden in reply to 123-go]

Thank you, I will see to this.