When the Diagnosis Isn’t Obvious: Investigating Complex Inflammatory Illness
When a patient becomes seriously unwell with symptoms that do not clearly point to a single diagnosis, the journey to understanding what is happening can be complex and emotionally challenging. Some inflammatory conditions behave in unusual ways, involve several organs simultaneously, or mimic multiple diseases at once. In these situations, the diagnosis is rarely obvious, and finding the underlying cause requires persistence, broad clinical knowledge and coordinated teamwork across specialties.
A recent family described their experience while supporting their father during such an illness. They shared how difficult it initially felt when no single explanation fully accounted for his symptoms. What they valued most was the way Dr Singh approached the uncertainty:
“It is rare to encounter a doctor who combines deep clinical knowledge with such genuine compassion and humility.”
From the very first consultation, they felt he “treated him not just as a patient, but as a person,” taking time to listen carefully, explain clearly, and offer reassurance during a frightening period.
Investigating undifferentiated inflammatory disease often requires a wide diagnostic lens. While some conditions fall squarely within rheumatology, others span haematology, infectious diseases, oncology, immunology or general medicine. Early on, it may be unclear which direction the investigations will lead. In this case, although the final condition did not ultimately “belong” to rheumatology, it was Dr Singh’s dual expertise in rheumatology and general internal medicine — combined with his ability to coordinate multi-specialist input — that allowed the diagnostic picture to come together. By bringing together colleagues from several disciplines, reviewing evolving results, and ensuring communication remained seamless, he was able to help the family reach a definitive diagnosis and organise the treatment pathway that was ultimately required.
The patient’s relative reflected on this multidisciplinary approach, saying:
“What truly sets Dr Singh apart is his unwavering commitment to his patients. He goes beyond the expected, offering not just medical expertise but genuine care and emotional support.”
They emphasised how his “humility, empathy and authenticity… gave my father excellent medical care but also hope, trust and dignity.”
Complex inflammatory illnesses remind us that medicine is rarely straightforward. Reaching the correct diagnosis often involves piecing together disparate clues, reconsidering the possibilities as new information emerges, and working collaboratively across specialties to ensure nothing is overlooked. For families, the experience is shaped as much by communication and compassion as by the science itself.
As the relative concluded:
“We are deeply grateful to have been under his care… Thank you, Dr Singh, for making such a difference.”
Please note, these posts are for general information only and do not constitute medical advice. Dr Singh would encourage you to speak to your healthcare professional to be assessed and managed for your specific symptoms.