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movanna
movanna Member Posts: 4
edited 28. Nov 2023, 14:10 in Living with arthritis

Hello I have joint issues and have been referred to rheumatology but 6 month waiting list. I read that damage to your joints can happen with RA. What should I do?

Any advice welcome please.

Movanna

Comments

  • Anna
    Anna Moderator Posts: 1,179

    Hello @movanna and welcome to the online community,

    I understand you have joint issues and have recently been referred to rheumatology where there is a six month waiting list. You are wondering what to do since you read that joints can be damaged with rheumatoid arthritis.

    You don’t say whether you have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, or you are being referred for further tests. I’ve posted a link below for people who have been recently diagnosed or who are waiting for results. There’s some useful information about the different types of arthritis, treatments, what to expect from your appointments, as well as some useful suggestions for how you can help manage your symptoms.

    https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/newly-diagnosed/

    All our members have experience of living with arthritis and everyone is very supportive and friendly. I’m sure others will come along with their advice.

    Do have a look round the forum and join in wherever you feel comfortable, or ask any questions you may have.

    Best wishes,

    Anna ( Moderator)

    Need more help? - call our Helpline on 0800 5200 520 Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm


  • movanna
    movanna Member Posts: 4

    I haven't been diagnosed yet but from Christmas I have had daily issues and 3 bad flare ups. GP did bloods esr raised is all I can see from my blood results.

  • movanna
    movanna Member Posts: 4


  • jonr
    jonr Member Posts: 428

    Hi Movanna and welcome.

    Treatment and examination delays on the NHS are really frustrating and sometimes it takes a bit of knowledge to understand the potential routes to quicken things up or bypass the bureaucracy.

    In my case, my GP referred me to an organisation called Connect Health which offers specialist services to the NHS. Having done so sped up the consultation process considerably. This is the link to their website - there is a lot of good information and advice, so perhaps take a bit of a tour before calling your GP to ask if he could refer you in order to beat the minimum 6 month NHS waiting list:

    https://www.connecthealth.co.uk/


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