Dr Hakim

[Monsoon1]

Hi there, after plucking up the courage to see my GP she agreed EDS looking likely. She agreed to refer me (obv privately) to see Dr Hakim as I requested. The referral was sent last week and I know some of you lovely people on here had said the wait time was approx 3 months. BUT, I’ve just read on another forum that Dr Hakim is taking a sabbatical in February (don’t know why/for how long). Don’t know who his referrals will be passed on to in his absence? I’ve heard such great things about him and I’m gutted that after finally getting somewhere I probably won’t see him afterall

[Steenygirl1]

Yes I have heard the same. I take it the referral is to him at St John and St Elizabeth's hospital? Perhaps phone them and ask? Explain the situation.

[Monsoon1 in reply to Steenygirl1]

Yes, I asked the GP to refer me to Dr Hakim. The letter was sent last week but I’ve just looked on their website and it says they’re closed for enquiries until 3rd Jan now. Where did you hear about him taking a break? Do you know how long it’s for? I’d be happy to wait 6 months to see him as long as he is coming back! 😧

[Steenygirl1 in reply to Monsoon1]

I heard it from a member on a social forum, they said he was taking a 12 month sabbatical from February. Have you gone through insurance? A self funding referral doesn't need gp to refer, you can self refer. Might need another consultant 🤔😔

[Monsoon1 in reply to Steenygirl1]

12 months?! Nooooooo! 😥. I could’ve self referred but decided to go through GP (who was very receptive to the idea 👍🏻). To hear that I probably won’t see him afterall is really disappointing. I’ve heard of Dr Mittal and Dr Kazkaz too but the reviews seem to be a bit mixed for them 😕

[alanhakim in reply to Steenygirl1]

NO - don't phone them - you'll just confuse them about something that IS NOT TRUE!

[Monsoon1 in reply to alanhakim]

Ok, thank you 😃👍🏻

[Aishah50]

Mmmmm strange. My friend has an appointment with him in February. Not sure what’s going on there.

[Monsoon1]

Maybe your friend’s appointment is just before he takes a break?.. I’ll definitely be giving them a call after Christmas to find out what’s happening 😬

[Steenygirl1]

I think sometimes the reviews are mixed regarding the other consultants depending on whether they have been see through the NHS or privately. Shouldn't be, perhaps there is so much pressure upon time on NHS?

[Debra0001]

If you're gp thinks maybe Eds than is there a possibility of referral to NHS Stanmore hypermobility unit? I saw hakim and stanmore and it was Stanmore that was more through and diagnosed HEDS (more issues came up before Stanmore visit and had more info to give)

[Monsoon1]

That’s interesting to know. I’d only really heard of ST J & E Hosp so asked the GP to refer me there. I’ll have to wait until new year to see what they come back with regarding an appointment. Who did you see at Stanmore?

[alanhakim]

Hi - this Dr Hakim - I've just posted a message on this site but I'm not sure where it's gone!.

It is simply NOT TRUE that I am going to be away.

Could I ask you all to let anyone you know from any of the chat rooms where this message has landed that it is just wrong!

Thank you

Alan Hakim

[Steenygirl1 in reply to alanhakim]

Hello Dr Hakim, so pleased to hear this, I have posted this information on other social forums. Thank you for clearing that up.

[leakeadea]

I have just emailed Dr Hakim about something and I mentioned the sabbatical and he responded immediately asking me to put up a post saying that he is not going on a sabbatical, it's not correct, just gotta figure out how to do my own post!😯

[Monsoon1]

Oh wow! That’s is just the best news- you’ve made my day. Thank you so much for posting on here to let us know 😃

[Daisy50]

Dr Hakim is amazing. He was very good with my daughter. Took his time and explained everything, wish we could go back and see him as I find she has got worse. I hope your appointment was helpful