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Date: 08.04.2016
From: Christie

Subject: Rheumatologist rejected referral

I saw the rheumatologist a year ago who confirmed there was a problem with my joints but wasn't exactly sure what it was. He referred me to his physio who after 3 months and little progress referred me back to the rheumatologist. I then received a letter stating that I would need a referral from my gp which I then got. My GP meanwhile did blood tests so that when I saw the rheumatologist he had as much information as possible. The blood tests have come back abnormal showing high levels of inflammation but I have now had a letter from the rheumatologist rejecting my referral. What on earth am I to do now??? Sorry for the rant but I am so frustrated, upset and angry
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Date: 08.04.2016
From: foxed

Subject: Re: Rheumatologist rejected referral

I would ask your GP to deal with it and, possibly, refer you to another hospital.
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Date: 08.04.2016
From: lois

Subject: Re: Rheumatologist rejected referral

I don't understand why a referral would be rejected. Go straight to your GP and as foxed said let him/her deal with it.
Good luck with it all.
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Date: 08.04.2016
From: Christie

Subject: Re: Rheumatologist rejected referral

Thanks, I've got an appt with my gp on Wednesday so will let you know how it goes
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Date: 09.04.2016
From: lois

Subject: Re: Rheumatologist rejected referral

Good luck Christie, do come back and let us know how you get on xx
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Date: 09.04.2016
From: Christie

Subject: Re: Rheumatologist rejected referral

I will thanks. Feeling really low today. The pain and impact on my quality of life is bad enough without the stress of this
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Date: 09.04.2016
From: foxed

Subject: Re: Rheumatologist rejected referral

Try not to let it get to you. It's a battle your GP should be fighting on your behalf but, if you get nowhere, there are complaint procedures both with the hospital and the CCG (commission group which used to be the PCT.) However, if your GP referred you, they should have no doubt in their decision and will probably be as annoyed about it as you. Are you taking any pain meds or anti inflammatories?
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Date: 09.04.2016
From: Christie

Subject: Re: Rheumatologist rejected referral

I was taking codeine and paracetamol for the last 2 years but I've recently changed drs who has put me on steroids every other week so I can keep a diary to show whether they help. The steroids are definitely helping but the week in between is hell. I can't take ibuprofen, etc as i have asthma.
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Date: 10.04.2016
From: Denise

Subject: Re: Rheumatologist rejected referral

Have you had a rheumatoid factor blood test? Before I was diagnosed with RA mine was 40, just above norm. Consultant said false positive. Hm, 18 months or so later it had risen to about 170 and at one point has been over 200. You can be sero negative though and still have RA. Inflammation factors are the only real indicators of RA and whether it is under control. Please, please get back to your gp and get this sorted because if it is RA, the sooner it is treated the better. Some years down the line I am struggling with many of my joints probably due to the fact that it was not diagnosed in the first place and then it was some time before we got the meds right.
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Date: 13.04.2016
From: Christie

Subject: Re: Rheumatologist rejected referral

Hi I've been to see my GP tonight and he was disgusted that the referral had been rejected and has referred me to a different hospital. He's also prescribed me diclofenac as my asthma is under control and never been affected by anti inflammatory. I was also sent for a chest xray as my shoulder is really inflamed and painful. Hopefully I'll get an appointment soon
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Date: 13.04.2016
From: foxed

Subject: Re: Rheumatologist rejected referral

I'm so pleased to hear that, Christie. I hope you are feeling a bit more upbeat about it all. Let us know how you get on, please.
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Date: 13.04.2016
From: Christie

Subject: Re: Rheumatologist rejected referral

Feeling a bit better thanks, my GP thinks they will see me fairly quickly so fingers crossed
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Date: 24.04.2016
From: Christie

Subject: Re: Rheumatologist rejected referral

Hi just a quick update. I have been offered an appointment at a different hospital on 30th June so will hopefully get sorted soonish. I also made a formal complaint to the hospital and have been told that I will receive a response next week. I'll keep you updated x
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Date: 24.04.2016
From: foxed

Subject: Re: Rheumatologist rejected referral

That's very good news, Christie. I know it's a bit of a wait but I hope the time goes fairly quickly for you. Well done for making a formal complaint. They need to explain why they made that decision.
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