I need som advice on changing consultant?

[Maddymay65]

I have been having a bad flare the past 2 weeks. My consultant is anti steroids and very un empathetic. I have had to make phone calls to my gp, nurse and consultant and fight for a injection. I am exhausted.The conversation with him today has been the final straw . How do I change to the other consultant in clinic without upsetting the apple cart? Has anyone done this? How did it go?

[miccika1]

Im in the united states so we just call around read reviews and choose another rheumatologist. I changed them two times. Can believe a rheumatologist wouldn't give you steroids when in flare! I wouldn't be able to function...

[Maddymay65 in reply to miccika1]

I am in the UK so things are a little different. I did get a steroid injection but a huge fight, I have had enough not doing it again, I wouldn’t mind but I have not had steroids for 2 years, and yes I know what you mean at least I can start to function again. A flare is so ridiculously debilitating. Thanks for responding,Take care

.M

[miccika1 in reply to Maddymay65]

I never had a steroid injection. When in flare i take 20mg three times a day, then 15 three times a day and so on until my maintenance dosage of 3mg

[Maddymay65 in reply to miccika1]

Hi Miccika1I have tried oral steroids when flaring and dont seem to get any better. Unfortunately I.m steroids works best . It’s interesting how we react differently . Thanks for sharing

Take care M

[Chanpreet_Walia LUPUS UK]

Hi Maddymay65,

I'm sorry to hear that you've been in a flare and are unsatisfied with your consultant's performance and lack of empathy.

We published an article on 'getting the most from your medical appointments' which has a section on how to change your consultant. Learn how to do this at lupusuk.org.uk/getting-the-....

Best wishes,

Chanpreet

[Maddymay65 in reply to Chanpreet_Walia]

Thank you i appreciate your help, I will have a lookM x

[AndrewT]

Dear Maddy,

I don't know which Country, you are in, or what their 'System(s)' is/ are but.... Here in the UK, we would go back to our G(eneral) P(ractitioner) and ask him/ her suggest a new/ different Consultant. The Doctor (GP) would, almost certainly, ask 'Why' we Wanted A Change.

My suggestion is to Simply explain, to him/ her/, exactly what you have 'said' on here. Perhaps emphasising just 'how upset', you are by your current Consultant's Attitude/ Actions.

This should resolve 'things', for you.... If not, you may have to 'put' this in Writing but, I'm fairly sure, it won't come to that. Maybe it's just a 'Mis-understanding'.... maybe.

Either way, I Hope/ Pray, that this is soon Sorted for you Maddy.

AndrewT

[Maddymay65 in reply to AndrewT]

Hi AndrewI am in the uk, thank you for your helpful advice , my gp is very good. I am happy to stay at the hospital I am at I just want to switch consultants in that department without upsetting the cart. I live in the North and travel nearly 100 miles to clinic , I had an excellent consultant she left , it’s the one I have been left with ,

Take care

M

[AndrewT in reply to Maddymay65]

Why not just explain, your Feeling, in those 'Terms' Maddy? I would.

AndrewT