Hello Julie again had my appointment with my GP at last they are sending me for an NHS referral

Jewels1973

Hi everyone hope you all aren’t in too much pain. Sorry I’ve been a bit absent really dodgy tummy that left me unable to get my bloods done.

Anyway I had a telephone appt with my GP after waiting 2 weeks praise the lord & do a tiny dance he’s said of course I will refer you to see an NHS Rheumatologist. If you don’t know me I’ve had excruciating pain since middle of March 2022 decided to go privately worst decision of my life didn’t even touch me.

Anyway after being pushed around from one Consultant to another and not getting any answers and my healthcare provider (private one) telling me that I would be best served by going through the NHS because in their words Rheumatoid Arthritis is a long term condition and they only treat things that will get better (I know!) no one has confirmed I have Rheumatoid Arthritis but that’s what my GP thought I had.

Today at 8.30am my GP said of course I can refer you I don’t know how long it will be, that’s up to the Rheumatology Team so I’ve got to get my bloods done on Monday then I wait. I was so happy he said yes. I live in Birmingham don’t know if anyone knows how long wait lists are here I’m hoping not too long as I’m on tramadol and co codamol and nurofen and still am in excruciating pain in my hands, fingers, wrists, shoulders, toes, back of my knees and my lower back. So it’s a start isn’t it and I just thought it might help someone if you have been pushed around and had no answers properly ask your GP to refer you again.

I’ve also knocked my leg I have lymphoedema and it’s bled so I’m sitting here happy that sometime I will get a consultation but hoping nothing more happens with my leg.

Life this week has been strange but I’m positive thinking about it all.

Just wanted to say a big thanks to everyone and anyone that reads this and sending lots of love your way let’s hope this way ends up giving me answers ❤️

Loggiemod

Hi @Jewels1973 glad you are feeling a bit better and that is good that your GP is referring you, lets hope it doesn't take too long. Glad you are staying positive and wishing you all the best.

Jewels1973

@Loggiemod Thank you so much I’m hoping it isn’t going to be a long wait & trying to stay positive about it all.

I have a tendency to get shingles a lot I have ME as well so my immune system isn’t great and spots have now started to appear on my feet I don’t know if anyone gets this? I started having shingles after my mum died 8 years ago the first year I had it 5 times now it’s down to probably 3 times a year I’m hoping it isn’t that as I have to go and have my blood test so that it can be seen by the Rheumatologist so positive thinking it isn’t that.

love Julie x