GP referral - Rheumotoligist

Phil1969

I have arthritis for a number of years now along with sciatica pain which makes it agonising just to get out of bed or take a shower.

I have told my GP in the past about my symptoms and he prescribes me anti-inflammatory medication but has never said I should be referred to a specialist. The pain pretty much prevents me from getting employment so I work part time self employed but I do not earn much. My welfare officer told me to apply for disability but I have not felt the need too as we have managed to get by with my wife working, that is until she became sick with TB meningitis in December 2017.

Now, I am a bit lost on what to do, but I am thinking I should at least ask my doctor for a referral to maybe a Rheumotoligist to find out at least what kind of arthritis I actually have.

Anyway, I am looking for advice on how to make sure the doctor makes a referral appointment for me? We are getting only a small income at the moment, so paying 50 euros for a doctors visit is a lot to us so need to make sure I get it the first time rather than umpteen visits. We already spent a small fortune on GP visits and medications with my wife before she got her diagnosis and our savings are running out

Thanks for any advice.

Vorsprung

If you've been in a few times, you might consider ringing the GP, explaining your circumstances and asking if there are long term options, including perhaps a referral to a specialist or physiotherapist.

As as aside, I've never referred a patient with back pain/sciatica to a rheumatologist.

Phil1969

Vorsprung wrote: »

If you've been in a few times, you might consider ringing the GP, explaining your circumstances and asking if there are long term options, including perhaps a referral to a specialist or physiotherapist.

As as aside, I've never referred a patient with back pain/sciatica to a rheumatologist.

Thanks for the advice, I will try ringing the doc and see what he says.

The rheumatologist was for the arthritis which is worse than the sciatica as it is more constant whereas the sciatica can come and go. I thought a rheumotoligist would be better for the arthritis?

Thanks

Vorsprung

It would be unfair of me to offer an opinion over the internet, but not every type of arthritis need a rheumatologist. Some do in fairness.

Hope the chat with your GP is useful for you.

Mrs OBumble

Get a new GP: if the current one is happy to leave you eating pills rather than referring you for treatment, they're a waste of money.

Sciatica can often be resolved with physiotherapy or osteopathy.

Also, maybe you should be applying for disability now?

Phil1969

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

Get a new GP: if the current one is happy to leave you eating pills rather than referring you for treatment, they're a waste of money.

Sciatica can often be resolved with physiotherapy or osteopathy.

Also, maybe you should be applying for disability now?

Thanks, I will speak to my doctor on my next visit and see what he says about physiotherapy referral and see how I go from there.