Referral to haematologist by my GP: I have been... - CLL Support

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Referral to haematologist by my GP

Feestvarken profile image
22 Replies

I have been diagnosed with CLL in 2014. I saw a haematologist/oncologist for 5 years, but as my blood tests were fairly stable he said my GP could take over and this has happened since then. When my GP checked my lymph nodes, she felt that she wanted me to see the haematologist again, so made an urgent two weeks referral on 11 August. On 9 0ctober I got the appointment and it will be 10 May 2023!!!!!!

I live in the UK and I now really think the NHS is broken. I despair.

Feestvarken

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Feestvarken
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22 Replies
Nickos66 profile image
Nickos66

Hi there,that is simply not good enough.You must get back in touch with the department where you received your initial treatment and bypass your GP.I hope everything is ok,but the stress must be terrible!

Feestvarken profile image
Feestvarken in reply toNickos66

We are trying another hospital and hope for a quicker response.

mrsjsmith profile image
mrsjsmith in reply toFeestvarken

Agreed that is not good enough. Is your GP aware of this appointment delay. This shouldn’t happen. Is the GP going to refer you to another hospital. But yes you should also call the appointments department and ask why the delay and say it’s urgent.

Good luck

Colette

Feestvarken profile image
Feestvarken in reply tomrsjsmith

Yes, we are trying another hospital and hope for the best. I will call the hospital today to check.

mrsjsmith profile image
mrsjsmith in reply toFeestvarken

It could also be a clerical error because I remember receiving an appointment for 12 months instead of 12 weeks.

At least in London you have a choice of several hospitals.

Feestvarken profile image
Feestvarken in reply tomrsjsmith

I will call the hospital today to check.

Walkingtall62 profile image
Walkingtall62

hi, sorry to hear that. It is so sad it is almost laughable. It has to be a mistake. I wonder where in the UK you are. Does your GP know. I would make an urgent call to your GP. I am finding the NHS quite proactive still. Maybe you could make contact again directly with the original oncologist? Take care

Feestvarken profile image
Feestvarken in reply toWalkingtall62

I live in London. We have applied to my original oncologist again, but I didn't like him, so I wanted another hospital. But I better stick with him.

Walkingtall62 profile image
Walkingtall62

also, I think it is important to be happy with your oncologist. It isn’t unknown to change to one you like and trust. Important to do it now before treatment starts, I think, which will be a more stressing time possibly

Feestvarken profile image
Feestvarken

Yes, that's true. It's the Royal Marsden in Kingston, so I am sure there will be a few oncologists working there. Fingers crossed.

mrsjsmith profile image
mrsjsmith in reply toFeestvarken

A friend of mine was a patient there until she moved to the north of England and she said it was always chaotic and busy. Although a number of clinicians some hospitals try to keep you with the same person. Were you ever given the contact details of a CNS that you could contact and express your concerns.

Feestvarken profile image
Feestvarken in reply tomrsjsmith

Yes, long time waiting and then 5 minutes at most with the consultant. What is a CNS?

mrsjsmith profile image
mrsjsmith in reply toFeestvarken

A Clinical Nurse Specialist. I didn’t know I had one for years, sadly hospitals usually only tell you about them when you start treatment. I always call/email mine about any queries. When you do get a sensible appointment ask who yours is.

Write a list and try to bring someone with you and try to get the time you need.

Feestvarken profile image
Feestvarken in reply tomrsjsmith

Thank you. I've learned something.

jonathan7176 profile image
jonathan7176

Jesus wept - that is obscene. I trust your GP will help you fight for a timely appointment.

Feestvarken profile image
Feestvarken in reply tojonathan7176

We changed hospitals, and I got a call today and expect an appointment quite soon.

Newdawn profile image
NewdawnAdministrator

I had a much needed chuckle at that Jammin. Something tells me that neither myself or Colette mrsjsmith are viewed as ‘easily manageable’ by our medics 😉

Newdawn

mrsjsmith profile image
mrsjsmith in reply toNewdawn

Me too 🙂

Newdawn profile image
NewdawnAdministrator

No offence taken Jammin and I know that sometimes medical services will attempt to get away with as much as they think the patient will tolerate. At the moment the NHS has changed from being a maze to an obstacle course! 🙄

There’s times even the strongest of us need support and advocacy particularly if we are feeling vulnerable.

I feel for your mother as I’m having a root extracted on Friday and extensive dental work done. Hoping my immune system can handle it.

Newdawn

mrsjsmith profile image
mrsjsmith in reply toNewdawn

Good luck,

And the old fashioned warm salty water is still a great remedy. X

jonathan7176 profile image
jonathan7176

Good to hear that.

mrsjsmith profile image
mrsjsmith

Thank you,

All my friends would find me being ‘ manageable ’ very amusing. I am on three hospital patient groups and I am forthright when I think things are incorrect or progressing too slowly. My lovely GP is referring me to another consultant and with the covering letter she described me as an informed patient.

But thank you for your thoughts and the two times pre treatment one of my stepdaughters comes with me and takes notes.

Colette

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