Has anyone asked to be referred to a different consultant?

[F1zz]

If so, how?

[JamieWth]

I changed consultants about 15 years ago. I asked my GPto refer me to a different one.

[hildebeast]

Yes I did. I just asked my GP. You are perfectly allowed to do that. I did time it so that I didn't have a looming appointment with the Rheumy that I wanted to leave, as it can take a few weeks to be allocated to a new rheumy. I was so pleased that I changed. My next consultant was so much better and interested in me. If you don't feel right with your current rheumy, do it, you are doing the right thing. Best wishes, Hilary

[Gizmok9]

I have I’m on waiting list for new hospital now. I spoke to my Gp, I felt consultant I was seeing never suggested much and I felt the last 3 appointments a waste of time, just check meds and keep swimming was last appointment in September a phone appointment which I couldn’t hear him!( and pool shut for COVID!) he Said I self manage ok keep going! Complete waste of time !! He’s nice enough but I feel get nothing new...

when I feel I have deteriorated lots, joints and muscles mainly. I’m 43 but feel like a old woman, I struggle with getting clothing on and get muscle fatigue very easily. My backs bugged I can hardly walk any distance now or stand long. I have had no chiropractor for a year with COVID, that was helping but consultant been no help on back when I’ve said no about it. I get pain in my hips and down legs too. So fingers crossed new hospital better 🤞🤞

I’m in west of scotland so I’m referred to Glasgow anyway so few hospitals there to choose from. Also feel as phone appointments for now with COVID I’m not missing anything while wait 🤞

[happytulip]

Yes, it was easy. I had reached the ceiling of treatment that my first Rheumatologist could offer me in the big teaching hospital where I was a patient but because I had done a bit of investigating I was recommended anothe Rheumatologist in another teaching hospital.

I went and saw my GP and put my case forward, essentially that my disease was not under control and I'd exhausted all treatment options under my first Rheumatologist. I wanted someone to look at me with a fresh set of eyes.

My GP agreed. I was referred to another hospital and the new Rheumatologist did some further testing and my diagnosis grew, as did my treatment.

The best bit is this, the two Rheumatologists know each other very well and because I had something quite unusual going on with my cytokines I am now under the care of both Rheumatologists. I see the first one once a year and when I get admitted and the second one I see once a year and they work and communicate very well.

You are allowed to have a second opinion, although it may take quite a while with covid etc.

[Insomniacette]

Hi F1zz,

Thanks to amazing advice from the people on here I am in the midst of doing this. I first complained to my GP. Then I was referred to health connect. But because I want to be referred outside of my area (I want to go to london) I will need to have an interview with the health connect rheumatologist on the phone. If he greenlights it I can escape my three local hospitals none of which have rheumys who seem to want to manage lupus patients but specialise in arthritis instead.