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Date: 17.11.2011
From: deannatrois

Subject: No Help From GP?

Hiya, I am new here.

I have had what I thought was arthritis for many years. GP's of no help at all. Pain in my hips for 20 years (not constant), my hip very slightly 'comes out' (become more and more of a problem over the years, difficult to weight bear when it happens but not caused by congenital hip malformation, this was checked) and I have to wiggle to get it back in (GP always laughed at this one) but can be intensely painful. Now hips, knees and elbows really painful day in day out.., and is effecting me dressing, walking, sleeping etc etc. GP (another one) finally did a brief examination (swung my leg around) and said yes, u have arthritis.., no idea which type. I have been prescribed paracetamol and codeine tablets which do help. But, much to my astonishment he said no point in referring me to a specialist until the pain releif doesn't work.

Is this true?
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Date: 17.11.2011
From: deannatrois

Subject: Re: No Help From GP?

Ooops sorry, I am 46.., so main part of reason for GP reaction is my relatively young age. My father has had quite bad osteoarthritis for many years.
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Date: 17.11.2011
From: bsk

Subject: Re: No Help From GP?

If he doesn't know what type of arthritis you have he needs to refer you to a specialist. I would insist, or see another GP, or tell him the pain relief doesn't work!!
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Date: 17.11.2011
From: kirst

Subject: Re: No Help From GP?

definetly ask to see a specialist. If you have arthritis there are much better meds which could help and that would definetly be the case if they new exactly what type it was.
Dont put up with being told to sit and wait because by the time you have dont that it could be much worse than it is now.

Good luck x
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Date: 17.11.2011
From: deannatrois

Subject: Re: No Help From GP?

Yes, these were my thoughts.

Why are GP's so unhelpful with arthritis? Looking at the stories on here, I'm not the only one.

I've been asking for a hip xray for years lol. I've even been told (completely ignoring the fact that my hip comes out) that the pain was caused by 'bubbles' around the cartilage in my hip (in great detail).
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Date: 17.11.2011
From: Val

Subject: Re: No Help From GP?

Hi, I was told I had Osteoarthritis about 6 years ago and this was found through a blood test. It got worse this year and another test showed, by my levels, that I now have RA. Ask your GP for a blood test as this will show what it is and which type.
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Date: 18.11.2011
From: Dilizjo

Subject: Re: No Help From GP?

Hi, bsk and Kirst are completely right demand a specialist appointment, you have the right to one. Don't let them mess you around. Mine did for nearly 3 years making me feel like a hypochondriac but persistence prevailed and I finally got my appt, to be given the right tests and diagnosed with RA, which I already knew I had.
Take care xx
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Date: 19.11.2011
From: davina

Subject: Re: No Help From GP?

Hi dean sorry you have such a rubbish gp again i would ask for a 2nd opinion and insist on seeing a rheumy. you need something to stop any damage the arthritis is doing. yes pain killers help but don't stop the problems your having. hope you are well. x
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