1. Community
  2. Brain and nerves
  3. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Is there any way to see a specialist without a referral?

Posted , 13 users are following.

Cae
Cae

Hi,

I've posted about being shrugged off by my GP before, so I hope you don't mind me ranting a little bit more.

I saw my GP today about my persistent feelings of fatigue - this is the third time I have been to see my GP about this, except this time I mentioned I had heard of CFS and could relate quite strongly to the symptoms. I was told he couldn't diagnose me with CFS because I haven't had a viral infection, and there was no point anyway, because "there isn't really any way to treat CFS". My GP then told me I just had to do more excercise and go out more; he insisted this is the only way things could get better, despite me mentioning that I had tried excercise and it always resulted in my headaches and dizziness getting a whole lot worse. Apparently I can't trust anything I hear about CFS on the internet because if the people on there spent half the time they do complaining "getting a life" (his words), they would feel a lot better.

As you can imagine, I'm kinda ticked off right now. I got "just excercise more" the last time I saw my GP too, so it's basically looking like I don't stand any chance of getting a diagnosis or referral from this practice.

Is there any way for me to see a specialist without a referral? Or should I register with a different GP?

I'm 16, if that makes any difference.

Thanks.

1 like, 16 replies

16 Replies

Prev
  • Longtallval
    Longtallval Cae

    Posted

    Hi Cae, I think that your message is very sad and awful that your GP won't help you.  I thought mine was bad enough, but yours is dreadful.  If I was you, I'd definitely change your GP, not all of them are that ignorant.  Luckily, I was diagnosed with M.E/CFS at my previous long-term surgery, so my new one has to follow on from that.  i had to change because I moved home.  You really MUST get a new GP and keep changing till you get a decent one who will listen to and help you.  Try to find out if you have an M.E/CFS Group near to where you live, and contact them.  You have to be referred by your GP, but persevere.  I've had M.E since 2011, but they reckon I had it earlier.  I have lots of pals and family who tell me that i must exercise and get out more, and 'shake myself out of it'!!!  I used to listen to them, but they are all wrong and ignorant of the illness.  I only listen to the professionals now.  Isn't it funny how GP's tell you to look on the Internet for some things, but others, they say are no good!!  I don't know why some of them get the extortionate wages that they have?

    Anyway, Cae, please look for another surgery, and sometimes you can look online and see if they have any stars/recomendations, as these let you know if the surgery is any good.

    Best of luck with everything.  I am struggling at the moment to change from the work-related ESA Benefit, to the Support group, as I cannot work it's impossible as I tend to spend 3, 4 or 7 days a week in bed or having to rest or lie down.

    Keep pushing for more help, it's a struggle, especially when you don't have the energy to fight for your rights, but you will get there, I promise.

    Take care, and the best of luck to you Cae.  Val Twine x

Back to top
Prev

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.