Rheumatoid Arthritis at 39-GP refuses to help

[Scareofgettingthiswrong]

I have had RA symptoms for the past 6 years. I have been to the GP numerous times. Blood work has been done and I have raised white blood cells and a moderate RA factor.

Over the past two years the symptoms have been getting much worse. I have almost completely lost my pincer grip, particularly in my left hand. I struggle to stand or walk for long periods and cannot do things like tie hair bobbles or do buttons (which is an issue as my 7 year old has hip length hair and wears collared shirts and cardigans to school as per the uniform policy).

I am a single parent to an only child so have no-one to do these things for me. My hands and feet regularly swell and I am always in pain somewhere.

The GP’s have been less than useless. Apparently I am not bad enough for any form of treatment, and the advice to help with my hands was to “use them less”. I am a 39 year old with a rapidly lowering quality of life and a 7 year old to dress and feed! I cannot “use them less”!

The last time I saw a GP about it was 6 months ago, and she refused to re-do the blood-work to see if the RA factor had increased because they had been done 4 years ago.

I am being made to feel like a drug-seeking hypochondriac. I have a fairly high pain tolerance, but even if I didn’t, would that make me less worthy of treatment? I’m too ashamed and embarrassed to make another appointment but I am now struggling to lock the front door etc. Does anyone have any advice?

My GP told me I was just getting old.and had to put up with pain.... I was 45. I thought I just had a bit of osteoarthritis, as had been told this about a different joint by ortho team. I saw a rheumatologist privately who told me in the first consultation, without any blood tests, that just by physical exam he could see several concerning issues and thought I had inflammatory arthritis. The GP has never commented and continues to be difficult about prescribing meds. Other GPs in the practice are much better.

See another GP and ask for a referral as per the nice guidelines a pp posted. If they refuse, ask why and then ask for a meeting with the practice manager to ask why GPs are not following nice guidelines......

Edited for typo....

Thank you all so much for your help.

My daughter does have additional needs-she has cerebral palsy and autism, Again, the CP has just been diagnosed at age 7.5 so
I’m already a bit “fought out” trying to get that.

I have changed GP practises as I have lost faith in the one we are with. They didn’t listen to me about me or my daughter, but am worried that the new one will be no better.

Thank you all so much again for your help, you are wonderful x