Elevated bloods for years, GP ignores. Help!

[brokenblood]

I've had elevated blood test results showing inflammation (results twice as high as upper limit) for many years yet my GP has constantly maintained there is no matter requiring input. Yet my corresponding symptoms point to rheumatoid arthritis, myasthenia gravis, psoriasis and a couple of others. This GP is extremely unlikely to take things seriously, proven in a couple of other incidents, so what am I to do? The practice assign a GP, so cannot see another. They are a close knit practice anyway.

I'd complain, but don't much like the idea of being removed from the patient register, the practice manager has a certain reputation.

Have NC but long time poster.

I also get inflammation and autoimmune issues - can I ask what you want him or her to do? Are you not under a specialist with your rheumatoid arthritis?

What symptoms do you have that points to rheumatoid arthritis? Genuine question because believe me you would know if you had it.

Change doctor? I did when I got some poor care.

Does it say in the NICE guidelines they should refer on the basis of those results? Or do more tests? If so, ask politely but assertively to be referred. If they refuse, ask why they won’t refer. You can say, if they insist on not referring: ‘are you refusing to refer?’ Sit with a notebook and make notes. Then complain.

Which marker for inflammation is it?

Twice as high can sound v alarming, but if the worrying level is a hundred-folden it really won't be cause for concern.

It's unlikely to be psoriasis, if you have never had the distinctive scaliness. Do you have any other symptoms ? Why were the blood tests carried out in the first place?

Take a friend with you who can sit in the corner with a notebook and also pull out your phone and record the appointment. Have written what you think is wrong and what you want done. Rehearse with your friend how to push back against the stonewalling.

Are you not under a specialist with your rheumatoid arthritis?

I'm under a specialist for nothing, as she refuses to refer for anything.

What symptoms do you have that points to rheumatoid arthritis?

Searingly painful, stiff and swollen knees, feet and hands. Am anaemic, have dry eyes and substantial (all) tooth-loss.

Which marker for inflammation is it?

IGA.

Are you self diagnosing? Or has she told you that you have these diseases but won’t refer?

It's unlikely to be psoriasis, if you have never had the distinctive scaliness. Do you have any other symptoms ? Why were the blood tests carried out in the first place?

I have the scales and itching when I get a flare up. Detailing why, and other symptoms, would be highly identifiable.

I've had numerous medical professionals suggest I do.

Can you change practice? Can't you see another GP at your practice?

IGA can also be a sign of chronic infection.

Who are these numerous professionals that suggest you have these diseases? Are they doctors?

If numerous medical professionals say you have the symptoms then why didn’t they refer you?

Can you not change GP surgery? I don't know why you would fear removal from the register for complaining if they are so crap. You may receive much better treatment at another surgery.

At the risk of sounding like House ... Lupus? Massive overlaps with arthritis symptoms and skin issues too.

How do you know your levels are double the normal range? Has your GP told you this? Surely if you presented suffering with the symptoms at the time they would refer you to a rheumatologist? What drugs have you been prescribed for the inflammation?

Don’t complain if the practice has form for removing people as it may be harder to get a new practice to accept you.
You could request a second opinion
www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/nhs-services-and-treatments/how-do-i-get-a-second-opinion/
based on the fact that you have a marker significantly outside the reference range and no diagnosis yet, or check here to look up alternative practices and move GP
www.nhs.uk/Service-Search/GP/LocationSearch/4

• take control of your health.

Finally if you can afford it you could request your medical records and see a private GP - you can slot straight back into the NHS once you are diagnosed.

Have no other blood markers been raised at all during this time e.g. ESR, CRP? Without this I could possibly understand why the GP hasn't referred, depending on symptoms etc.

Having said that however, I would ask your GP to investigate the possibility of psoriatic arthritis seeing as you have joint and skin problems. This can often be seronegative (meaning nothing will show in the blood) but can still cause joint erosion so would still require the input of a rheumatologist

You either need to insist on referral , change GP practice or go private either to a GP or a suitable consultant . I will say that I have raised blood results for a few things that my GP treats as normal because the levels are indeed normal for me however my GP is always happy to refer on my request .

Something beat me to House

Whatever you do don’t watch it , OP.

Or do, but you have been warned.

Who are these numerous professionals that suggest you have these diseases? Are they doctors?

Yes. Registrars and Consultants with no power to refer internally.

Have no other blood markers been raised at all during this time e.g. ESR, CRP? Without this I could possibly understand why the GP hasn't referred, depending on symptoms etc.

Yes there are a few, more than three others, raised over the same period. Blood results, including levels, are accessible to patients.

Ok, former Practice Manager..... move Practices if you cannot see another GP despite complaints. If you do not wish to complain, then the current practice aren’t going to be doing anything different. If you do want to complain you can go through PALS if you aren’t happy with what the surgery says. The GP surgery can’t off list you without good reason, if this is your first complaint that in itself isn’t a reason. Unless there is a big backstory, they have no reason to cite breakdown in relationship.

Yes. Registrars and Consultants with no power to refer internally.

Surely if a consultant thought you had one or more of the diseases you listed they would at the very least write to your GP with their findings. In what specialist have you seen consultants?