Raised ESR & crp

[HarriH92]

Sorry me again!
Just a bit of a rant - felt "unwell" for years now and constant blood tests always coming back with same results and a 18 month waiting list to see rheumatologist :( fed up of just feeling Crap and not having the energy to do things with my little boy! I know a lot of people are worse off in life and I generally don't whinge -
Just the last few days
Anyone any ideas to what's causing this?

[BareGrylls]

I'm in the same boat though hoping it will be more like 8 to 10 weeks wait. 18 months sounds a long time, even the NHS has an 18 week target, are you in UK?

[ICantThinkOfAUsernameH]

In South Wales. I was referred to see someone about a chronic back problem when I was 10 weeks pregnant and didn't get an appointment until he was 18months!

[ICantThinkOfAUsernameH]

Hope you get yours sorted soon :)

[Kayden]

18 months?!?! Where are you based? That is not acceptable. Do you know how high your numbers are?

[ICantThinkOfAUsernameH]

Pembrokeshire South Wales, I think crp is 32, can't remember ESR. Had yet another blood test today (had them 2 weekly all year!) so will find out when I've GP appt next Monday

[Kayden]

Oh sorry, saw you did post but name changed. What does your GP think?

[ICantThinkOfAUsernameH]

My bad :) erm I've seen so many different GPs (they keep leaving) and first I was told pregnancy (3years ago) then told it was because my gallbladder was removed, then recently been diagnosed with PA and endometriosis so was told could be that raising it. But now they've mentioned rheumatoid arthritis or another auto immune disease

[Bibitybobity]

Because of waiting lists where I am, I eventually paid to go private. The guy took pity on this obviously poor person turning up without any insurance and dodgy blood test results in hand and charged me £150 instead of £250. A week later I got a letter from his secretary for an appointment on the NHS. Timing was perfect as I took a really bad flare and needed immediate treatment. I went against my principles by doing this but it was a necessary evil & really kick started proper treatment and support which was very much needed

[ICantThinkOfAUsernameH]

Ah that's a good idea, I just can't afford private :( I'm so glad you've got sorted!

[ICantThinkOfAUsernameH]

update Booked an appt today for painkillers as my current ones aren't keeping pain under control. Not much the nurse could do but my bloods from yesterday have come back and she said they are getting worse so have been booked in with regular Gp in the morning instead of waiting until my appt next week.
Fingers crossed something finally gets sorted!

[bestguess23]

Were you told the wait would be 18 months or are you basing this on previous experience? If the latter, call the hospital you are being referred to and they should be able to tell you the current wait time, it probably will be much less.

[ICantThinkOfAUsernameH]

I was told 18months :(

[bestguess23]

I don't know if it is the same in Wales but when I needed a referral and the wait was long my GP was able to send me private for free. Maybe ask your GP? I know it's a long shot but maybe worth a try.

[sksk]

I would ask the GP. If you don't get anywhere, find out who your local MP is, because by 18 weeks you should have been seen at the very least!

[ICantThinkOfAUsernameH]

Ah that's worth a shot thank you bestguest23
I shall try that too sksk

[ICantThinkOfAUsernameH]

Had my appt - they think it's rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, they rang the hospital and said I need to be seen more urgently so the consultant is seeing me within 2 weeks

[bestguess23]

I'm glad you're being seen sooner. I hope the appointment gives you the answers you need.

[ICantThinkOfAUsernameH]

Thank you :) after years of thinking its in my head finally getting answers