Date: 02.11.2015
From: Suzi
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Subject: Newbie
Hello thought I would say Hi! I am 49 and have been suffering for the past 10 plus years with OA in knees. Over the last year it has stepped up a gear and I am really struggling with mobility and pain seems to be everywhere, in particular my feet and my fingers. I find it hard to walk very far and standing for any length of time is a killer. I am also embarrassed when I have to get up from being seated especially at work. Sorry for the rant but so fed up with being in so much pain with no plan to tackle it!
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Date: 02.11.2015
From: lucy
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Subject: Re: Newbie
Hi Suzi, Have you ever had blood tests done to see if you have any inflammation? I think you should see the doctor and tell him how it is affecting you and ask to be referred to a specialist (rheumatologist) perhaps. There are so many different types of arthritis and some types are treated with medication that only a specialist can prescribe. x
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Date: 02.11.2015
From: Suzi
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Subject: Re: Newbie
Lucy thank you for reply.... I had blood tests 18 months ago which did show inflammation. I take celecoxib and co-codamol, I also have tramadol and diazepam. Only currently taking co-codamol occasionally. I don't take the others as I don't like the side effects. I feel that when I see GP all she wants to do is find another pain killer to give me (I know there is probably not much else she can do). I did have steroid injections back in August which gave me relief for 1.5 wks. I have an appointment tomorrow but not sure what I will say to her that she doesn't already know. All I know is that I am completely fed up and feel like I am not getting anywhere.
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Date: 03.11.2015
From: lucy
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Subject: Re: Newbie
Hi Suzi, I would definitely insist that you see a rheumatologist. If you have inflammation and the pain is so widespread it's possible that you could have some other type of arthritis (there are over 200 types) OA and RA seem to be the most common but unless a specialist has said it is OA then I would want to be seen by someone that knows. If the steroid helped then I would think you could have an inflammatory type of arthritis and it could benefit you to see a specialist for the right treatment. Let us know how you get on. x
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Date: 03.11.2015
From: sleek fox
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Subject: Re: Newbie
Hi Suzi, Lucy is right, you should insist on a referral to a rheumatologist. If it is OA, they will tell you and send you back to your GP, if it isn't, you will get some proper treatment for whatever it is. At the very least, you will have blood tests, X-rays and scans so they can see exactly what is going on. If your doctor won't refer you, is there another GP in the practice who will? Also, I found, when a my last GP refused to refer me, that it effective to write a letter asking for a referral and stating why you want one. It's very, very difficult for a GP to ignore a written request as it will lay on your file. You don't have to be unpleasant in it, just ask.
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Date: 03.11.2015
From: Suzi5
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Subject: Re: Newbie
Thanks ladies I have been referred to rheumatology, apparently I saw them back in 2009 (I didn't remember this was around time my dad died). At least she listened to me and was sympathetic. X
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Date: 03.11.2015
From: lucy
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Subject: Re: Newbie
Pleased to hear that, Suzie. Keep in touch and let us know how you get on. xx
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