Alternative therapies - doctor’s notes

rose_99

Hi all, new to the group. Having being diagnosed at 19 i have only just (now 26) processed things after being swapped to injection medication and struggling mentally with this. My main question for those in similar situations, how do you go about getting notes from your practitioners to sign you off for other treatments? I struggle with knots in my shoulders that press on my neck (not RA related) but my therapist will not carry out dry needling without a letter from my GP/Consultant to say it is safe for me to have done. I have spoken to my GP and my Consultants twice and they have both refused to do it saying the other should do it. The consultant at the hospital has said its fine but won’t put it in a letter as its my responsibility if something goes wrong. Any advice here? Thanks!!

claudsl

Hi @rose_99 it's lovely to have you on our online community.

I have had a similar issue to this before. I asked the GP/consultant to write a letter saying that they have no objection to me having it done but that they have warned me they will not take any responsibility should anything go wrong. I would try it from this approach. Please let me know if that works for you!

Claudia x

rose_99

https://community.versusarthritis.org/discussion/comment/728403#Comment_728403

Hi Claudia!

I have tried this and they are both refusing! Consultant was happy to tell me over the phone but of course that’s not good to the massage therapist and for their insurance. Very frustrating feeling held back by my condition here! I will speak to my therapist again but without her bending the rules I think i’m stuck!

Ellie 😊

helpline_team

Hello @rose_99 and welcome to the Community. We are a friendly and supportive group and I hope that will be your experience too.

I am sorry to hear that it has been such a struggle to obtain letters from your GP and consultant to give the go-ahead for other treatments. @claudsl has given a helpful response.

It sounds as if you have rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Changing from tablets to DMARD medication injections is quite an adjustment. It is understandable that it has taken time for you to mentally process this change.

There are a variety of alternative treatments and therapies on offer, some of which can be helpful. However, it is always wise to talk this through with your rheumatology nurse, consultant or GP before you start any of these treatments. Ultimately, it is your choice whether to go ahead or not as long as you feel fully informed about your decision. It seems reasonable to ask your GP or consultant to write a letter saying that they have no objection to you having the treatment but making it clear that they will not take any responsibility should anything go wrong. It is understandable that your therapist would prefer the go ahead in writing from your doctors rather than just a verbal 'It's OK'. We are not medically trained.

If you would like to have more replies to your post, you are welcome to repost on our Living with Arthritis forum which is a supportive space where you can ask questions and share experiences with others. You are also welcome to call our Free Helpline if you would like to talk things through informally and in confidence on 0800 5200 520 weekdays 9am - 6pm .

The National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) is the specialist association providing advice and support for people living with RA. They have an informative website and helpline too.

I hope you find the information given below of some help.

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/treatments/drugs/disease-modifying-anti-rheumatic-drugs-dmards/

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/managing-symptoms/

https://nras.org.uk/

Please keep posting and let us know how you are getting on and I'm sure others will connect with you as well.

Best wishes,

Fiona, Helpline Advisor