Help for contact details of good Rheumatologist 1st privately paid for appointment

[Seasidesuki]

Hi

Can anyone advise a good rheumatologist for a 1st appointment in Sussex area. I have to pay, as I am too unwell for waiting months on NHS.

Symptoms are pain from inflammation, don't know what's been wrong for many months. Multiple severe pain areas with severe day and night pain, difficulty walking, moving, sleeping. Nausea, vomiting, red face cheeks and neck rash etc. Dry eyes, sores in mouth. Cold extremities.

Thanks

[bones-bones]

Dr Elizabeth Price at the Great Western in Swindon is very good . She also sees private patients.

[Seasidesuki in reply to bones-bones]

Thank you x

[bluebell99]

Professor Edwards has private clinics at London Bridge, and two in Southampton area if that is any good for you?

[Seasidesuki in reply to bluebell99]

Thank you x

[Seasidesuki in reply to bluebell99]

Hi

Have you been treated by him? I could get the train to London, but at huge physical cost as I have major problems walking and sitting.

[bluebell99]

Hi

I see him on the NHS at Southampton General Hospital. He is very knowledgeable in his field, friendly and approachable.

There are two private hospitals nearby where he also has clinics.

I used to go to Louise Coote Unit at St Thomas', (now I think Guys?) some years ago but found the journey and the lengthy waits to be seen in the clinic were too much sometimes.

I have found Montefiore Hospital Brighton and Hove, and Nuffield Chichester, by googling and you could google for private rheumatologists if these are too far away.

Perhaps ask your GP for advice and referral, he can always mark your referral urgent if you are using the NHS. Failing that, ring the NHS hospitals in a radius of how far you want to travel and ask how long their lists are. I think you can ask to be treated at any hospital in England, so don't be fobbed off!

Good luck!

[fusedesigns in reply to bluebell99]

I’m guessing your blood levels are high? Just to say that I only waited about a month (urgent referral) to see a rheumy at County in Brighton (this time last year)... I know any wait feels dreadful ....mind you I had really waited for almost a year, my gp was so bad at connecting the dots, I virtually diagnosed myself- perhaps that’s why the wait didn’t seem so bad. Best of luck with whatever you decide to do- so sorry you are feeling so awful. It will feel better once you know what you are dealing with even though a diagnosis is bitter sweet. Gentle hugs, ness

[Seasidesuki in reply to fusedesigns]

Hi, my GP looks blank and says he doesn't know what's wrong. Of all bloods done, only ESR, iron and liver are showing high. I have a frozen shoulder and other shoulder with pain, severe restriction in movement since May. Two months ago pain and stiff in hips, groin pain radiating down to knees and spine pain made walking very difficult. Sitting difficult as pain from buttocks. Severe pain in mid lower spine, had tens unit going 6 hrs day. Been unable to sleep through severe pain since last May. Malar rash, neck rash, painful fingers one hand. GP put through a non urgent referral, wait is 30 weeks. Very sad situation.

[Seasidesuki]

Thanks that's really helpful. Best wishes x