Should I ask for a referral?

growingpains

I am due to see a GP tomorrow to ask they refer me to Rheumatology and an Orthopaedic specialist. It seems I have osteoarthritis in my feet, right knee, both hands and right shoulder. I have recently seen an MSK senior physio who has offered to refer me for a knee replacement. He said the NHS waiting isn’t longer than 3 months as they now use a number of private hospitals in the area. I have quite a large Valgus deformity on the inside of my right knee, a fabela and Bakers cyst. I have read that this makes a knee replacement more complicated so I really need to discuss this with an orthopaedic specialist before I can make any decision.

I have never had a proper diagnosis of my ‘arthritic’ conditions and want to be seen as a whole given it’s in different parts of my body.

Am I being reasonable to ask for both of these referrals from a GP?

PeterJ

Hello @growingpains and welcome to the Online Community. We are a friendly and supportive group and I hope that will be your experience as well.

I think you are quite correct in seeking medical opinions and go to your GP to get referrals as I can see that you have concerns. I hope that you get to see your GP soon and get sorted.

In the meantime if you need any more information try our website which has a lot of useful stuff about arthritis, treatments and Hints and Tips or hopefully others on here will be able to help.

Best wishes

Peter

NeverSurrender

https://community.versusarthritis.org/discussion/63316/should-i-ask-for-a-referral

Hi GP

Really sorry to hear about your Osteoarthritis and the complications. I do feel for you - I have OA in my knees, hips, back and shoulders and most recently, my hands /fingers.

I was originally diagnosed about 7 years ago but it was just in my back then. I saw an MSK Physio, but was referred to the Rheumatology service at the local hospital by my GP. They were great and I had a series of appointments with them.

I live in Hertfordshire, and was just wondering if you would mind letting me know which County you are in please? The only reason I'm asking is that the NHS has changed things here - You have to be "assessed" by some Physio from the MSK Service to determine if you are suitable to be referred to the Rheumatology service! And then, even if you are, the Waiting List - just to be seen by the Rheumatology service is A YEAR!

Anyway I am sorry you are needing surgery, but happy to hear that you're area (Trust) have arrangements with Private Hospitals to cut the ridiculous NHS Waiting Lists.

Hope all goes well and I don't see why you shouldn't ask your GP to refer you to both.

Stay strong!

Jon