Leeds rheumatologists

[lg2019]

Hi, After another bad few days, I'mjust wondering if anyone does have any recommendations for private rheumatologists in Leeds at all? Thanks

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK]

Hi lg2019 ,

There is an excellent team of lupus specialist consultants on the NHS at Chapel Allerton Hospital. This includes Dr Ed Vital and Dr Shouvik Dass but neither of them have private clinics that I can see. I've had a look on specialistinfo.com and there is a Dr Andrew Barr at the Nuffield Leeds Hospital who states they have a specialist interest in lupus. I don't know them though, so I couldn't make a recommendation.

[lg2019 in reply to Paul_Howard]

Thanks Paul - yes it is Chapel Allerton I have being referred to - just not sure how long the appointment will take so feeling at a bit of a loss at the moment. I will look in to Dr Barr - thanks for your help.

[Apricot100]

Hi lg2019, I have attended chapel Allerton for a while now. I am under Ed Vital who is excellent. I have been on a number of clinical trials with them and that last, most recent, one worked for me and holds a number of my lupus symptoms at bay.

Ed is brilliant, as are 99pc of his research team. One Dr/ clinician is appalling in my view (see a previous post of mine) but I believe he only works on the trials.

The nurses (Isobel and Ella in particular) are always there on the phone or email for support of queries.

I've not gone private with any lupus symptoms so dont have a comparison but, as many on this forum will tell you, plan all you want to discuss before your appointment to ensure you get the outcome you want. And don't be afraid to disagree.

Pm me if you'd like to chat more. Good luck x

[lg2019 in reply to Apricot100]

Thank you. I'm not sure when my appointment at Chapel Allerton will come through and I don't feel I can carry on like this for much longer, seem to be deteriorating every day. I noticed that Dr Barr at Nuffield who Paul mentions also holds an NHS post at Chapel Allerton so perhaps I will try and get an appointment with him. Was going to pay for GON blocks to try and treat chronic migraine but I'm now wondering if the money might be better spent getting a quicker appointment with rheumatology. Thanks for your help x

[Apricot100 in reply to lg2019]

Best of luck and keep me posted. I've not done it myself but I know others on here who, when things have got too much, have presented at A&E. X

[lg2019 in reply to Apricot100]

Thank you - I actually tried that last night but it got me nowhere really. The dr just seemed baffled, said he thought I did need more tests but itd be better to wait for rheumatology and offered me more painkillers which is one thing I'm not sure of at the moment! x

[Apricot100 in reply to lg2019]

I'm so sorry to hear that. I would advise calling chapel Allerton and chasing the appointment. I hope you get it soon x

[lg2019 in reply to Apricot100]

Thankyou - I think I will try that on Monday - I guess if they can give me a vague idea of timescales I can decide whether to book a private appointment or not x