No one is listening

dotty_daisy

I am 45. I have had my right big toe fused and my left one needed a chielectomy and ostomy. I am in pain all the time. I broke my wrist badly a few years ago and my finger. I had surgery on my knee 20 years ago where they reported my kneecap was spiky instead of smooth. My consultant told me at my last appointment that I have bony bits in front of most of my joints, surely this isn’t normal?
My arthritis now affects my hips, my knees, my hands, my whole feet, and my ankles. I have 2 children, one has autism.
I have not had a face to face appointment with my gp despite contacting them numerous times over the past year. I either get a phone call, with a suggestion of yet more blood tests which have yet to show anything except slightly elevated platelets and a low ferritin. I have begged to be referred back to podiatry, they have referred me back to the surgeon and I really don’t want any more surgery. I have just had another bad flare up and generally I get small spots next to my toe nails and my nails are really brittle. I have suggested to the gp it might be psoriatic arthritis but they always either ignore me or suggest yet more blood tests. Am I right thinking it doesn’t always show up in blood tests? What else can I do? I am absolutely exhausted….

dotty_daisy

forgot to mention I am new here

Naomi33

Morning @dotty_dotty_daisy and welcome to the online community.

Sorry to hear your concerns about care and treatment from doctor.

Personally I would take photos and keep a diary as evidence to show the doctor and consultant when you get to see them.

I struggled at the beginning of my journey but this evidence paid off in the end and obviously persistence with doctor to get referred.

My blood test showed my ESR levels very high so I believe they do help with diagnosis.

I am sure otherothers wiwith similar or the same condition as you will connect soon.

Best wishes @