Herts or Essex Rheumy?: Hi all, just wondering if... - LUPUS UK

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Herts or Essex Rheumy?

mochamum profile image
6 Replies

Hi all, just wondering if anyone could recommend a good rheumatologist in the Hertfordshire, Essex or North London areas? I have connective tissue disease and antiphospholipid syndrome (but sero-negative) so ideally I'd like to see someone who is willing to accept my diagnosis without the positive blood tests! I have looked on the Hughes Syndrome and Lupus UK websites for recommended specialists but I can't see any in my area so I'm seeking personal recommendations. Thanks.

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mochamum
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Heatheric profile image
Heatheric

It would be useful to look at hospitals where there is a Lupus UK funded specialist nurse - they seem to pull the medical teams together and help to provide a really supportive service. I'm basing this on my experience at Addenbrookes but I guess there would be similar in your area.

Paul_Howard profile image
Paul_HowardPartnerLUPUS UK

Hi mochamum,

If you wanted to see a lupus specialist, I believe your nearest would be either UCLH or the Louise Coote Lupus Clinic at Guy's Hospital.

I see a good rheumatologist at Barnet Hospital. Ignore the name, it is in Herfordshire. Is that too far for you?

mochamum profile image
mochamum in reply to

Thanks for the reply. Barnet is not too far, what is the doctor's name please? Much appreciated.

magSLE profile image
magSLE

Hi mochamum, (East & Nth Herts NHS) Hertford Hospital has a fab supportive Rheumatologist - Dr Wijeyekoon.

Xmas 2012, I wasn't feeling well (SLE flare up) so I stayed at my mums in Herts. Jan 2013, I had burning sensations in my belly so I ended up in Lister Hospital with gastroenteritis, pneumonia, severe Anaemia, Extreme Raynauds & suspected Tuberculous. At that time, I lived in Brighton but because of my health I had to stay in hospital for 3 weeks for testing & at my mums for mths. Also an X-ray showed a shadow on my lung (which was actually a Lupus flare-up). Poor care at Lister Hospital inflamed The Rayneuds which caused my RT index finger to turn necrotic (blood cells died & went black at tip), this triggered Anti-phospholipid syndrome so I continued to have regular check-ups there for about a year. A yr later. I lost the tip of my finger.

Dr Wijeyekoon listened & took all my concerns seriously. Even when I went back to Btn, for mths I still attended Hertford Hospital for his consultations as he knew all the details of my case & continued to monitor my health.

I moved to Ldn so he referred me to Louise Cootes @ Guys/St Thomas hospital but I will never forget the care & support he gave me. I've not had that since. Due to the pressures put on NHS doctors & nurses, it's rare to find one who truly takes time to listen, empathises & offer supportive solutions. I hope the system hasn't sucked that out of him.

Hope you find Rheumy who has your best health interests at heart

mochamum profile image
mochamum in reply to magSLE

Thanks MagSLE, I'll see if I can follow up on your recommendation. Take care.

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