Umm whaaaat?!

Starburst
Starburst Member Posts: 2,546
edited 5. Jul 2011, 03:19 in Living with Arthritis archive
I popped in to the drs surgery to ask for a copy of my blood test results to take to rheumy appt and the receptionist said my GP will call me regarding a concern. Two hours after my allotted timeslot, I'm finally speaking to a doctor who is concerned because my ESR is 40. I said my ESR has been abnormal since October 2009 (ranging from 30 to 90) and said my rheumy has told me it's due to arthur. No, argues my GP, your 'arthritis marker' (CRP) is fine. :shock: I told him that sometimes it's high, sometimes it's fine but my ESR has not been below 30 at all. Clearly not taking this on board, he concludes that the abnormal result is probably due to my polycystic ovaries!!!!! Then, he says goodbye and hangs up before I can get another word in!

A misdiagnosis of arthur? A misinformed GP? Doubt it, probably just poor communication and a lack of reading of notes. Blimey, these lot never talk to each other!

Comments

  • keith1971
    keith1971 Member Posts: 302
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hmmm....doesn't exactly inspire confidence now does it!?

    At least YOU seem to know what's what & perhaps that's the most important thing.

    x
    315yexv.jpg
  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 30,027
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Oh starburst

    that doc seems to not know his stuff at all :roll:

    so long as you are ok???????????????

    Love

    Toni xx
  • julie47
    julie47 Member Posts: 6,041
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    well starburst I hope you get to the bottom of this soon.

    Dont really know what else to say :shock:

    Juliepf x
  • barbara12
    barbara12 Member Posts: 21,281
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I honestly think that we know more about Arthur then our GPs, good luck with everything.
    Love
    Barbara
  • hileena111
    hileena111 Member Posts: 7,099
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I second Barbara....we do know more than our GP's about arthritis.
    Mine is asking my physio to check me out and make a diagnosis??

    Love
    Hileena
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Well, that must have been quite frustrating, Starburst. I have to confess I know nothing about ESRs, CRPs or any other CRPpy letters. I do know that GPs & rheumatologists do sometimes disagree (Hence my endoscopy, colonoscopy and Barium enema just because my iron levels were sinking a bit - no, no problems) but I suppose we should be glad they're both monitoring us well.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • traluvie
    traluvie Member Posts: 2,579
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    None of my doctors talk. I had to remind one doctor to check my med's before starting me on something else, it was a good job I did as I wasn't meant to take them. . They are in the process of putting files on computer. . This should have been done a long time ago so every doctor can get a full medical history at a click of a button. Good job we know what's going on eh. . Lol
    th_tn_TisFORTIGGER.jpgxxTracyxx
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I think that ESR is another measure of inflammation ijn that I have always had both measured at the same time. I reckon you are right so leave it to the rheumatologist to deal with etc. A GP is just that, a generalist, not a specialist. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • Rosycheeks
    Rosycheeks Member Posts: 84
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi, I have my crp and plasma viscosity measured. Often my crp is normal, but my plasma viscosity is high. My rheumy and rheumy nurse told me that some people can have very swollen joints and a normal crp as not everyone gets a raised crp. Thats why they check my plasma viscosity every time as well, which is almost always raised and shows inflammation.
    You could be one of those people (like me) that does not always have a raised crp, but does have other markers raised.
  • Starburst
    Starburst Member Posts: 2,546
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Even the specialists aren't 100 percent sure, so really what chance does the GP have?! All we know is that I have an inflammatory autoimmune arthritis-type problem that is looking a bit like Lupus without positive antibodies but also a bit like RA without positive antibodies. I've seen 2 experienced rheumatology consultants who've agreed on the diagnosis which is kind of a non diagnosis really. :lol: My new rheumy is currently calling it seronegative RA but I may have a different label by Thursday! All I know is that the treatment is important and the name is a lot less important. Oooops, rambled on a bit!

    I do get a bit frustrated though when doctors don't bother reading the notes.

    Thank you for letting me rant,
    Sophie x
  • tillytop
    tillytop Member Posts: 3,460
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello Sophie - "umm whaaat?" indeed!

    Wot are these docs like eh? Sounds as if this one doesn't have a clue!

    Thinking of you.

    Love Tilly xxx