how bad do you have to get before your gp refers you to a rheumatologist i have been ill nearly 2 years coz blood tests within norm range

[amet47]

[anya_marie]

Hi there,

I was diagnosed in February2011 for a Raynaud's disorder by my GP. It had taken four visits to persuade them for further test. Until, one day I find it so difficult to breath in, because its so painful. I said this has to end, so I went to see my GP and Literally, cried in front of her as Its making my daily life so unberable. It was only at this point she then wrote a letter to a Rheumatologist. I am now receiving a proper treatment for my Tissue disease in my lungs, however the raynauds and tissue disease have connections. So my advice is to persuade your GP to refer you, before it gets worst.

Any

[MARCY]

Shame on your doctor for not listening to you. This is a continual problem with GP's, as they only breeze over autoimmune information in school unless they get specific and go into this area, They always miss the important signs. Trust yourself...listen to your body...do your research, then go to a country hospital with all your information where they have seen it all.they will be more helpful! This has been my ppersonal experience.

[LynnCox]

I think it depends on the GP and their knowledge of the conditions. You haven't mentioned what condition you have but if you're unhappy with your GP can you change to a different GP in the same pratice a different practice or ask for a second opinion. For example: within my GP practice I prefer to see one particular GP in relation to my hypothyroidism because he knows what he is dealing with and listens to me and others have proved they're not as knowledgable about it.

[GatsbyGirl]

As patients and consumers we have to take matters into our own hands. Be very frank with your GP and tell him/her to write you a referral to a rheumatologist. And don't stop there. In my case I live my rheum but he didn't seem focused on my GI issues so I emailed my GP and asked her for a referral to a GI doc. As pts we have to be extraordinarily proactive about our own care.even if it means changing docs or getting second opinions.

[amet47]

i haveconfirmed reynauds,carpel tunnel and dry eye, with unknown type of autoimmune arthritis,query sjorgrens and confirmed osteoarthritis, he cant seem to pin down what autoimmune it is and totally discounts sero neg ra

[Revsma in reply to amet47]

hi, amet47-

you sound a lot like me, so I'm curious, have you had a positive ra test yet?

[clogsy]

This is the same problem I am facing- my Raynaud's has worsened since. All three blood tests have shown nothing