Help and advice for a newcomer.

julmo · 11. Mar 2010, 13:40

Hi, I'm new to this and am hoping that someone can give me some advice. I have OA which is gradually getting worse. Whenever I ask my doctor if I can be referred to a rheumatologist he just asks me "why?" He tells me that I won't be told anything different from what he is telling me. I even offered to pay to go private but the doctor said "why waste your money?" From what I have read on this site it would appear that it is often in your best interest to see a rheumatologist. I have an appointment with my doctor tomorrow. I guess I may need to be more forceful. I would be grateful for your views about this. Thank you.

chris7 · 11. Mar 2010, 14:21

Hi and welcome to you.

I am no expert on this but will tell you how things are where I live. I have OA too and have had for about 7 years. Here it would seem that only those with RA get referrals to a rheumatologist to over see their care, medications regular blood tests etc.

I assume your OA has been diagnosed with x rays? and that you haven't had blood tests which may have indicated RA?

My journey has meant my doc, eventually referred me for Physio and hydrotherapy to try and maintain mobility. As the deterioration gets unmanageable for me I understand I will be referred to an Orthapadic Surgeon to look at surgery. I can ask for this at any time but have so far not been brave enough. :? This will depend on where your OA is I guess and whether surgery can help.

I think it may vary from area to area but unless blood tests have indicated RA and you definately have OA only you would not be referred to a rhematalogist here. Physio, pain clinics or OS referrals would be the next step. Hope I haven't confused you further this is my own personal experiencs and others may see it differently. I am sure others will be along to advise when they see this. Many of us have less than helpful GP's is there another person you could see at the surgery to answer your concerns? You could also try ringing the helpline on here tomorrow to talk it through with them.

take care, do ask any questions and let us know how you get on tomorrow.
Chris

annebr · 11. Mar 2010, 14:47

Hi,

I also have OA and as far as I understand a rheumy referral is really only if you have an inflammatory arthritis such as RA. My GP referred me to physio & I got hydro and to an orthapedic consultant who had a look and I have had surgery a couuple of times.

As has already been mentioned havd you had xrays blood tests? Have you had your meds sorted?

Anne

dorcas · 11. Mar 2010, 15:19

Hi and welcome from me too.

It sounds from what you've said that it's your doc who's said that it's OA that you have? It's hard to understand why he would not be willing to carry out more tests as you can have OA and also one of the inflammatory arthers as well.( I have PsA and some OA.......)

Also not all inflammatory arthers show up in blood tests so it can take a long time for a true diagnosis.

I agree with the others that even if you have already had them, you should have further blood tests and x rays too. that can be done without a referral to a rheummy...

It's 'no skin off your doc's teeth' to run more tests and to refer you for other investigations. You might have to be more forceful and insist! it's your body!

good luck and let us know how you get on tomorrow. Iris x

elnafinn · 11. Mar 2010, 15:46

Hi Pat

I am with Chris and Pat on this. My gp diagnosed me with OA yonks ago. I have seen a hand specialist and had surgery for trigger thumbs and also steroid injections in my thumbs and fingers. I have been referred to physio as a result of knee problems that started off and on years ago. I have been referred to a knee consultant and had 3 arthroscopies (knee washout) and had a Total Knee Replacement 2 years ago by another knee specialist and am at the mo post op 6 weeks tomorrow from the other TKR. I have been referred to a back specialist for my sciatica and as I was not keen for an op that he offered, asked if there was anything else that could be done. I was referred by the consultant to a pain clinic and had injections in my lower back and the sciatica has not returned since 3 December 2009

The second knee consultant (who later performed both my TKR's) wished to be sure and asked me to be checked out for RA with a blood test. The test came back positive. I was then referred to a rheumi who, on aspiration of fluid from my knee, said I did not have RA but OA which my gp and medics had diagnosed all along, years ago. A blood test is not a cut and dried way of finding out if the diagnosis is RA but it is a start.

I believe some peeps in some parts of the country with OA see a rheumi but I have the feeling this is not the norm.

If you can get referred to a pain clinic they are fantastic. They can suggest other means of meds too. Their main aim is to relieve your pain as the name suggests and they will point you in the right directions with your treatment in whatever way they feel best.

I hope some of this helps,

Luv
Elna x

quietwaters · 11. Mar 2010, 16:01

Hi,
I too have OA, and in all the times of going to dr/hospital, at no time has a rheumatologist ever been mentioned. I’m not sure if this is the answer for OA (could be wrong). I was sent immediately for x-rays, which confirmed OA and it could be that because of symptoms you have described to your doctor he has reason to believe that a rheumatologist may not be of help to your particular condition?
On the other hand, he should not have made flippant remarks and just dismissed your concerns about what is happening to you. When you go tomorrow, ask more questions, ask him what CAN be done if he thinks your suggestion would be a waste of money. Get x-rays done and get a proper diagnosis.
Let us know how you get on tomorrow,
Good Luck. x

09angel11 · 11. Mar 2010, 16:04

Hi Pat
I have Oa in neck and back, i did see a rheumatologist once, after that it has always been with an orthopaedic doctor for musculoskeleton problems, because OA is to do with joints and bones, soft tissue even if it involves the nerves they refer you, as you probably know.

Take care and welcome

Monica

julmo · 11. Mar 2010, 17:32

Thank you all so much for the advice. From what has been said it would appear that I don't have to see a rheumy for my OA. I now have a better picture. Much appreciated. Thanks.

skezier · 11. Mar 2010, 19:10

Hi Pat,

Welcome to the site and I agree that a rumo might not be able to help but also know that my oa was seen by an ortho surgeon and maybe your gp could be a bit more helpful if only in how they say things to you. Physio might be a very good idea and I hope you are having some pain management as well from the doctor? Anyway nice to meet you and take care. Cris

valval · 12. Mar 2010, 02:13

hi i have oa and kept getting swollen joints and a lot of stiffness so doc did refur me to rhummy and i have inflimation arther as well was getting inflimation showing in bloods as well so this the reason she sent me have you had blood test did it show any nflimation if not and no swelling of joints there prob nothing rhummy could do. i know this prob not what you wanted to here but you could waste your money and that not right do think your doc should have explained to you why they did not feel you needed to go

frogmorton · 12. Mar 2010, 04:37

Hi Julmo

Just wanted to welcome you to the forums from me too

I hope and am sure you will feel at home very soon and find us all supportive and helpful.

Love

Toni xx

Help and advice for a newcomer.

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