Which health care professional do I need?

[raceboy]

A couple of years ago I had a small accident that left me with a shattered kneecap, no ACL and 3 screws in my Tib, after the usual 'fixing period' and a number of months in Physio I had pretty much got back to 'normal'. The knee still hurt and a few activities had to be scalled downa little and running was never going to happen but it didn't give me too much hassle unless I pushed myself to far.
The last few weeks it's begun to really ache a lot, and the last few days it's given way on me a number of times and hurts like hell although I've not been doing anything different.
Now it in no way feels like I need to rush to A&E, I'm the first to point at the time wasters clogging up the department with a sore wrist or a splinter, but I don't think it's really GP territory either.
My guess is ring up the Physio department but do they just fix what a doctor has diagnosed, do I need to see a doctor of some sort first before being refered back to physio.

[Howitzer]

I had 10 screws and a plate put onto my clavicle last May and was told that some people need them removing after a period of years as it becomes uncomfortable.

If it were me then I would go to see my GP and have him get an X-Ray sorted and go from there.

Dave!

[fb2]

I'd pop along to your GP. You may or may not need to see an orthopaedic specialist but GP's are best at working that out and referring you if needed.

[mechsympathy]

raceboy said:

My guess is ring up the Physio department but do they just fix what a doctor has diagnosed, do I need to see a doctor of some sort first before being refered back to physio.

Depends when you last saw the physio. More than a few months you'll need a new referral if it's NHS or insurance. If you're self-funded privately then you can go straight back.

[raceboy]

Well GP has been phoned and I'll be seeing him later this afternoon.
Don't think it's the screws giving me jip as the pain is more 'round the back' but we'll see what he has to say, last time I went in to cancel my sick note he'd still not got any of my hospital notes so I'm not expected much more than a referal.

[GreatGranny]

I think a referral is the best option. The specialist will know the best way to establish whats wrong. Its just the waiting time. You could aleays go private. Not as expensive as you think. I paid about £90 a few years ago when I damaged my knee. He knew exactly what the problem was within 5 mins.

[jesusbuiltmycar]

Go to the GP and get referred to a specialist for knees...

I have just had knee surgery (nothing like as bad as what happend to you, by teh sound of things), to prevent my patella from dislocating...

[raceboy]

Well the GP was about as much use as a chocolate fire guard....basically told me to stop moaning. Get used to it, my knees fd when the weather gets cold it's going to hurt, and there's nothing anyone can do about it which is great news.

[dave_s13]

GreatGranny said:

I think a referral is the best option. The specialist will know the best way to establish whats wrong. Its just the waiting time. You could aleays go private. Not as expensive as you think. I paid about £90 a few years ago when I damaged my knee. He knew exactly what the problem was within 5 mins.

You shouldn't have to wait more than 18 weeks now, between referral and treatment....in theory anyway.