South West - rheumatologist

[C101]

I am not really happy with the consultant I see at the moment. I live in the south west and wondered if anyone has had goo experiences with anyone in the area in relation to mctd / lupus. Any help appreciated.

[Hollydebs]

Hi I live in South West & my Rheumatologist Consultant is Dr Manhas at NDDH. Get on ok with him, find he listens. Usually see him every 6 months ongoing.

Who is your Consultant at present?

[misty14 in reply to Hollydebs]

Hi hollydebs

Small world I see Dr Kyle, dr Manhaus's colleague at NDDH!. They're a good team aren't they?. Where do you live?. X

[Hollydebs in reply to misty14]

Ilfracombe!

[misty14 in reply to Hollydebs]

Hi hollydebs

I used to live in Ilfracombe, higher slade, went to the Comp there!. Live in Barnstaple now. Whereabouts do you live?. X

[Hollydebs in reply to misty14]

Nr Belmont so not too far from Slade! Like you said small world x

[leannehowis]

I live in South West and am going through diagnosis at the moment, I have seen rheumatologist 3 times and he's been lovely although don't know what I should be told or be having so can't say he's good and I've not really had any information but also not asked much as don't know what to ask, so sorry that's probably no help, seen through RCHT

[Fennella02]

I also live in the South West. My local hospital is Taunton, my Rheumatologist (1 of 3 or 4) is great - considerate, decisive and pro-active however money in the Trust is so very tight. I think that financial pressure on the dept is huge. Appointments are promised but just don't materialise until anxious GP's start making a fuss. I also go to a clinic in the Midlands where the budget is greater but I never see the same Doctor twice so all continuity is lost.

The Rheumatology centre in Bath comes highly recommended and seems to offer a very holistic approach.

Good luck with whatever you decide x

[snowcrystal]

Hi I live in Plymouth and my Rheumatologist is at Derriford hospital. My rheumatologist is pretty good and he's kind and attentive but the department suffers the usual lack of funds, so my appointments are only every 9 months unless I'm struggling, then I ring the Rheumie nurse and they fit me in. X

[misty14]

Hi C

I live in the Southwest and see a Dr Kyle at North Devon District Hospital. He is tough but fair and was very good with a fellow lupie I knew with MCTD. I would recommend him , have also been seen at Derriford and would recommend a Dr Robertson. Who do you see?. Hope I've helped. X

[C101]

I am in Plymouth and seen Dr Robertson. I was not happy following my recent appointment as I did not feel she was listening rather I felt rushed out. I am considering asking to be referred elsewhere

[misty14 in reply to C101]

Hi C

That's a shame about your last clinic visit seeing Dr Robertson. I didn't like her as a person but felt she was a good doctor and she was very willing to help me. Think very carefully about changing Rheumy's because a lot will change our drugs and diagnoses if they don't agree with previous Consultant. That is what happened to me and it's happened to others on this Forum!. Good luck with making that decision, not easy.X

[Hidden]

Hello. I live just south of Gloucester and go the RNHRD in Bath (Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases locally known as "The Min" because it was originally the Royal Mineral Water Hospital). They have a really excellent department for our kinds of issues and the SW Regional Group of LupusUK meet there.

[Poshcards]

I also attend the "min" at Bath, excellent hospital. I have recently moved to the Midlands but I am still going to the min. For my consultant! Been going there for last 20 years xx

[Briefencounter]

Another "shout out" for the RNHRD at Bath . I have been going to "the Min" , now in sparkling new premises at the RUH , Bath , since my diagnosis of RA in 1989 . I've had three joint replacements there or in the Bath Clinic , that are all working well .My consultant is lovely, although being a training hospital I often see a registrar . The last registrar was a research fellow and she was really thorough .