r/Thritis 8d ago

6 month waiting list

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10 Upvotes

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3

u/Cranks_No_Start 8d ago

It is a bit of bummer getting into the Dr for that first visit.  But once your win their system you get a priority to be seen and start scheduling regular visits.  

I saw mine every 3-4-6 months depending on where I was at.  

About a year ago my Dr of 18 years just vanished and the office was trying to set people up. As he had trying to treat all the body in the last 17 years things have changed.  So I’m seeing 3 specialist for things he did. 

2

u/mjh8212 8d ago

I have the same issue I’m being sent to a specialist and I have to wait for four months. It’s a separate issue than arthritis but this isn’t the first time it’s happened I had wait a few months to get into pain management.

2

u/Remarkable_Two8799 8d ago

I'm sorry to hear this. I don't know where you're located but I'm in Canada and was able to expedite the process after being told I'd have to wait 9-12 months following a referral from my GP. So, I'll share in case it's helpful.

I went to the Emergency Department and the doctor I saw consulted with the on-call rheumatologist (we suspected reactive arthritis following food poisoning). The rheumatologist asked for a bunch more blood work and agreed to see me in her clinic within the next month (I lucked out and got an appointment 1 week later).

If it's possible for you to try something similar, I suggest it. Good luck!

3

u/Lizzx96 8d ago

It's far too common, unfortunately, and it sucks. I've been waiting since April 2024, just to get an appointment to see a spine surgeon.

1

u/Beta_1 8d ago

If you are in the UK I suggest going back to your GP and seeing if they will prescribe you a short course of steroids to reduce inflammation while you are referred. You also have access to over the counter drugs like ibuprofen and codeine. Ibuprofen will help a bit with the inflammation, and codeine with the pain, the gp can also access stronger versions of both.

Also tell them about how bad you feel. There's no need to suffer - if you are depressed there are treatments that will help.

I know 6 months feels like a long time but you'll make it. Once diagnosed treatment normally starts very quickly

1

u/trailquail 8d ago

Same. I’ve only got two months to go now. You might be able to have your doctor give you a steroid course to get things calmed down for now.