GP suspects CFS and Arthritis

Leelitsa
Leelitsa Online Community Member Posts: 15 Listener
edited April 19 in PIP, DLA, ADP and AA

Hi everyone,

My GP since mid 2024 told me that he suspected CFS and Arthritis in the hands and we have discussed both several times. The symptoms have worsened since then and he made a referral for me to see a Specialist/Rheumatology but that’s not till June and my PIP review form needs to be sent before that time!

Can anyone tell me if it’s a good idea to include these two conditions obviously aswell as the rest of my conditions?

How do I refer to both ‘suspected Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and suspected Arthritis when I explain how it affects me on the Pip form, not sure?

Many thanks on any thoughts. 🙂

Thanks.

Comments

  • Yani09
    Yani09 Online Community Member Posts: 34 Contributor

    Just be open about your symptoms.. how they affect.. and what your GP has said and done so far. Definitely add the info. You can add extra if nowhere seems appropriate.

  • Leelitsa
    Leelitsa Online Community Member Posts: 15 Listener

    Thank you Yani09,

    I appreciate your input.🙂

  • luvpink
    luvpink Online Community Member Posts: 1,966 Championing
    https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1018705#Comment_1018705

    Hi if your GP suspects arthritis of your hands he/she should refer you for x rays

    That is how I was diagnosed.

  • Leelitsa
    Leelitsa Online Community Member Posts: 15 Listener

    Hi Luvpink,

    I have had an X-ray already and some arthritis confirmed last year. Am waiting to be seen by Rheumatologist at the hospital.

    Thank you.🙂

  • Leelitsa
    Leelitsa Online Community Member Posts: 15 Listener

    Also last year I had blood tests done specifically for arthritis on both hands one was at the same time as my X-ray at my GP surgery there was some inflammation arthritis showing on the X-ray but GP blood test didn’t flag this up clearly hence why not sure and waiting to see Rheumatologist.

  • noonebelieves
    noonebelieves Online Community Member Posts: 630 Championing
    https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/133147/gp-suspects-cfs-and-arthritis

    Hi @Leelitsa,Sorry to hear about your health issues. I had a similar experience, getting caught between referrals. What really helped was explaining in detail how my symptoms affected my daily functioning, using the descriptors as a guide. I also attached GP consultation printouts-most GP surgeries will provide these for free. If you have online access to your GP records, like I did, it becomes much easier to gather this information.

    In addition to what our members have suggested……Always remember, whatever medical evidence you provide, it’s important to include a clear, comprehensive narrative that links it directly to the relevant descriptors.

    Hope all goes well for you. Best wishes.

  • Kimi87
    Kimi87 Online Community Member Posts: 5,037 Championing

    Are you getting assistance with filling in the form?

    https://advicelocal.uk/welfare-benefits

    This is something I always recommend.

  • Albus_Scope
    Albus_Scope Posts: 9,556 Scope Online Community Coordinator

    Heya @Leelitsa and a big welcome to the community. 😁

    I can see the community has leapt to your aid with your queries, but I just wanted to drop in and say a quick hi. 😊

  • Leelitsa
    Leelitsa Online Community Member Posts: 15 Listener

    Hi @Kimi87,

    Thank you for your response. Yes I am waiting for an appointment for some help with the form.


    Wish you a good day.🙂

  • Leelitsa
    Leelitsa Online Community Member Posts: 15 Listener

    Hi @Albus_Scope,

    Thank you for your message and wish you and everyone a good weekend. 👍🙂

  • Leelitsa
    Leelitsa Online Community Member Posts: 15 Listener

    Hi @noonebelieves,

    Thank you so much for your response to my previous message. On accessing my consultation printouts do I need to request this by emailing my GP surgery or by ringing them. Don’t have online access to my GP medical files.

    Thank you. 🙂

  • noonebelieves
    noonebelieves Online Community Member Posts: 630 Championing
    https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1019062#Comment_1019062

    @Leelitsa -You’re very welcome! 😊

    Yes, you can definitely call or email your GP surgery if that’s how they usually operate.

    When I didn’t have online access or a printer of my own, I just walked into the surgery, gave them the dates and the time period I needed the GP notes for, and they printed it off for me then and there.

    It did take a bit of effort to get there in person, but it helped reduce the back-and-forth.

    Try giving your surgery a quick call to check what works best for them.


    Wishing you the best of luck!

  • Leelitsa
    Leelitsa Online Community Member Posts: 15 Listener

    @noonebelieves - Thank you very much. Am like you will be difficult getting to GP, there and but it’s important so many thanks again. 🙂

  • noonebelieves
    noonebelieves Online Community Member Posts: 630 Championing

    You’re welcome @Leelitsa . Best wishes 😊

  • Minnie18
    Minnie18 Online Community Member Posts: 20 Connected

    @Leelitsa I agree with earlier comments that if no place seems appropriate to talk about your problems, then just add an additional sheet to your form where you describe your on going issues and what is happening at the moment. I found that worked for me. Good luck with everything xx

  • Leelitsa
    Leelitsa Online Community Member Posts: 15 Listener

    @Minnie18,

    Many thanks for your advice. 🙂👍

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