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Date: 02.08.2011
From: Marg

Subject: Should I go back to GP

I wrote on this forum a while ago as I have been having painful feet, they have got worse but also now the joints in my toes are sore and keep swelling. Just lately my hands and fingers are painful and swell sometimes. I already have had a blood test and told I don't have RA. I have some form of arthritis in my spine don't know what and cervical spodolosis in my neck, could all this be related. Do not really want to go to my GP as she makes me feel I am wasting her time and was told it was an age thing last time I went.Any advice gratefully received.
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Date: 02.08.2011
From: Lynn B

Subject: Re: Should I go back to GP

Marg, I think you need to go back to your GP and say you want a referal to a rheumatolagist, you may not have RA but its seems to me you definetly have some sort of arther, its sounds like psoriatic arthritis. Dont let her put you down if she wont refer you, do you have other doctors at the practice you can go to. I realy do think you need to see a rheumatolagist asap. You most certainly are not wasting her time. Let us know how you get on and take care x
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Date: 02.08.2011
From: Dilizjo

Subject: Re: Should I go back to GP

Hiya Marg
I can empathise fully with the way you are feeling, I was made to feel the same way by certain GPs at my surgery, try and see another one and make it clear you want them to hear what you are saying not just listen, it took me 3 years of visits and blood tests, that all came back not showing the Rheumatoid factor, before I saw another Doctor on an emergency appointment due to me not being able to weight bear at all on my left knee, he sat and actually heard what I was relating to him and referred me to the hospital. After my first appt with them and more bloods I was diagnosed with seropositive RA, when I asked them what the diagnosis was based on they said they had a blood test that was not available to GPs.
So my advice is stick with it, try and see another doctor, if one is not available make it clear to the one you are already seeing that you are not happy with the way she is making you feel and to please refer you to the Rheumatologist who can with the added facilities and knowledge be able to give a correct diagnosis. Just a last piece of advice if there is a young doctor there on placement try to see them, in my experience they do actually take the time to listen and are more likely to act on your points.
Please keep us informed and take care xx
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Date: 02.08.2011
From: Lee

Subject: Re: Should I go back to GP

Marg

If you feel your GP isnt worth the hassle then try and see another GP within that Surgery as I ended up doing the same thing. I went through 5 doctors untill I got one who listened.

If none of them seem helpful then contact the local PCT (Primary Care Trust) and see if you can make a complaint or get a 2nd opinion from elsewhere.

I ended up luckily getting a GP who listened and was the last GP I could see without going elsewhere and he agreed alot of things and also gave me a referral to a different Rhumy as well for a 2nd opinion who was great and within 1hr sorted me.

If you are not happy with the way you are treated by GP or Rhumy then it is your right to be able to go elsewhere for 2nd opinion and treatment.

Hope you get someone to listen and help

Take care
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Date: 08.08.2011
From: Marg

Subject: Re: Should I go back to GP

Thanks for you advice, sorry I haven't replied earlier not been feeling to well. Have managed to make an appointment with GP at the end of the month earliest I could get in. Will let you know how I get on.
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