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It's not RA it's probably a virus!

Posted , 4 users are following.

Jan999
Jan999

That's what I was told when I spoke to my GP this week. I've written on previous threads the problems I have had getting a rheumatology referral. My RF is slightly raised and my Serum Protein level is high. I spoke to my GP. Told her I was still having a lot of shoulder pain and it is swollen. My ankles are painful and on a morning I have problems walking for the pain. I mentioned I was feeling tired and lethargic, symptoms I read are common in RA. That's when she said it sounds as though I have a trapped nerve and a viral infection!

I go for more blood tests Friday and I have an appointment to see my GP next week. I will refuse to leave until I get a referral to a rheumatologist this time. Wish me luck!

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • connie49452
    connie49452 Jan999

    Posted

    This is a tough one as some gp's take some convincing. Could you maybe considered asking if you could be referred to Rhuematology anyway to confirm one way or another if you have RA. Failing that I personally would ask for& be willing to pay for a one off first private appointment. 
    • Jan999
      Jan999 connie49452

      Posted

      Hello connie. To be honest that's what I intend to do, request an appointment. I feel strongly that because my RF is raised that itself is a good reason for a referral then the rheumatologist can make a diagnosis.
  • mrsmop
    mrsmop Jan999

    Posted

    Have you tried seeing a different GP in the practice?
    • Jan999
      Jan999 mrsmop

      Posted

      Hello mrsmop. That's my next plan of action if I don't get a result next week. I just felt at the time it was better to see the same GP for continuity really but I was wrong.
    • mrsmop
      mrsmop Jan999

      Posted

      I had a long battle with my GPs, over being referred to a Dermatologist, they said an outright 'no', then 'we don't refer', until I saw a female doctor whom I didn't know at all.  She referred me straightaway but it was jolly hard work getting to that point.
  • Light
    Light Jan999

    Posted

    You may know this already, but you want want to remind your GP that the rheumatoid factor doesn't show up in 20% of RA sufferers (knonwnas sero-negative) so whatever your next blood tests shows, keep that in mind.

    A good rheuamtologist diagnoses clinicall as much as possible as well.

    • Jan999
      Jan999 Light

      Posted

      Thank you Light for that. You're absolutely right. I suppose by having a raised RF must be quite conclusive in itself. Unless anyone can tell me this isn't correct
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