Why doesn't arthritis get taken seriously?

DonnaBrenton

I have had arthritis for about 10 years and it's got progressively worse. My previous GP sent me to get a diagnosis via x rays and I was told from the doctors receptionist of the findings which is both hips and knees that are worse on the right side. Nothing was ever done so I have medicated myself using Co-codamol which doesn't really work now as it's a lot worse. I tried to get a Doctors appointment but was told all the appointments had gone and try next week. Some days I'm in agony and my hip locks and I cannot move at all other days I'm still in pain and sometimes have to sit up to sleep because lying down is painful. So what can I do? Any advice would be appreciated. THANKS.

MaryL44

Hi Donna and welcome to the Community. We are a friendly and supportive group and I hope that will be your experience as well.

I am sorry to hear how unsupported you feel and I would urge you to pursue an appointment with your GP - particularly if I am right in thinking that your xrays are 10 years old. Having had both hip and knee replacements, I can empathise with the pain and the frustration that you feel but your decision to contact this group is a step in the right direction. Our community members will have vast experience so keep checking back here for their responses.

Our website is a mine of information so do look at it. You might be particularly interested in:

https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2022/july/how-to-get-a-referral-if-you-think-you-have-arthritis/

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/osteoarthritis-oa-of-the-hip/

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/osteoarthritis-of-the-knee/

Please keep posting now you are here and let us know how you are getting on.

Best wishes

Mary

PS I will be messaging you privately about your login.

Trish9556

Hi @DonnaBrenton

There are some very good GP' who are understanding and caring in their treatment of Arthritis. Unfortunately my lovely GP has left our surgery for pastures new and I'm now afraid that I need to phone for anything anymore. The lead GP told me last year after a week of no sleep and chronic pain "Mrs B, you have Arthritis and you should get used to being in pain. There is nothing I can do". All I can say it was a good job it was a phone appointment!!

You need to keep trying, every day, to speak to a GP, there should be on the day appointments - at least by phone - for every surgery. I always try to phone at 07.59 just before the phone clicks over and just redial. Explain to the receptionist that your pain is unbearable and that you can't sleep. If she still doesn't help, email the practice manager and tell him you are unhappy that you are unable to get help after many attempts at getting an appointment.

You could always try 111 but I've found them about as much use as a chocolate tea pot but no harm in trying. My experience with them is my surgery doesn't follow up what 111 tell them!

If they don't get back to you contact your local health authority.

I would love all these unsupportive GP's to get a dose of arthritis pain and see how they get on!

You're not alone, good luck!

Trish xx

Michele

I can feel your frustration - I got diagnosed with osteoarthritis about 4 years ago and told after many visits to a community hospital as on blood thinners couldn't have steroid injection in hands to help with the pain, sleepless nights that there was no more they could other than consider homeopathic remedies and hand exercises. That was until I was admitted to hospital with pneumonia and then found I was missed diagnosed and I found I actually got rheumatoid arthritis and now thankfully on medication which so far is working - main point is just keep on at your doctor's surgery even though you're getting frustrated 🤞

Pickleberry

My experience is similar to yours with the exception of the diagnosis. I have been back and forth to my various GP's for 10 years with back and all I got was a diagnosis of 'lower back pain'. No further tests, no further interest and definitely no referrals. I was so frustrated and in a lot of pain, sometimes I just couldn't get out of bed or when I did I would have these intense excruciating spasms.

Then the GP's started to triage e-consults which for me were the worst and best thing for me. I got triaged to the GP surgery MSK specialist (finally) and was sent to have X-ray - result was osteoarthritis of the spine and hip, lumbar spondylosis. Referred to physiotherapy and pain medication increased.

About 4 years ago I tried to make an appointment because I was having trouble with my hand, losing grip, numbness and pins and needles. Was told I have osteoarthritis in my hand and sent for X-ray - nope! No osteoarthritis - Referred to Neurologist, I was told the wait would be years as I wasn't urgent.

Started to have a very specific pain in my forearm and was triaged to a nurse who told me it must be a sprain. Dismissal. Forward to a month ago and I get to see Neurologist who immediately diagnosed C6 radicular compromise, sensory and motor disturbance and lose of bicep reflex (that was/is the pain I was told was a sprain). Sent for MRI and cervical spondylosis and bulging discs and oh….a trapped nerve which is the nerve that affects my right arm. Urgent referral to Trauma and Orthopaedics. I just hope the nerve damage in my arm isn't permanent.

So the GP's and surgery nurses were rubbish but the surgery MSK team knew how to deal with me. I now have confirmed Lumbar and Cervical Spondylosis (lumbar and Cervical Osteoarthritis) - 10 years in the making. I am worried about my treatment going forward.

claudsl

Hi @Pickleberry and welcome to our online community.

I'm sorry to hear about your pain but glad to know you finally got a diagnosis. Hopefully now you are under the care of the MSK team they will be able to help you manage your condition better. If there is anything else you need advice on feel free to post and i'm sure someone can help!

Take care, Claudia