Consultant Rheumatologist

[Froggie70]

Hi everyone. Bit of a daft question coming but does anyone know if you are able to see a consultant out with your own health board area? My previous consultant was fantastic but transferred to one of the Greater Glasgow Health Board hospitals from Lanarkshire. Since then I’ve been seeing another consultant and putting it bluntly they are dire and my health has gone downhill. I don’t mind travelling or waiting to see them if it’s a possibility (I haven’t seen my current consultant for 2 years, passed to a different registrar each time so don’t mind waiting). Just wondered if this was possible. Thanks. X

[PMRpro]

You would have to ask around in Scotland - the system is different there. In England you CAN go outside your local area, I suspect it is rather more difficult in Scotland.

[Froggie70 in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks for replying, I’ll see if anyone from up here has any experience of this. I’ve got a sneaking suspicion that we probably can’t but thought I’d ask as she was such a great doctor. Thanks again.

[CarolMcl]

Hi, I'm actually an in patient at the moment and have just asked one of the doctors. His reply was that you see see the doctors in your own catchment area, the other possibility is going private

[Froggie70 in reply to CarolMcl]

Carol thanks so much for asking, that is so good of you especially when you’re in hospital. I hope you’re ok. I looked on the BMI and Nuffield websites and she doesn’t do private work. I might just see if there is someone else on there. Thanks again and you take care of yourself. Sending you hugs 🤗🤗

[CarolMcl in reply to Froggie70]

Hi thanks for that 😁. Went to the jubilee for lung biopsies nearly 4 weeks ago then ended up in Monklands after a day and a half home. Looking good for discharge tomorrow 🤞🤞. I really do hope you find a consultant you can have faith in

[Froggie70 in reply to CarolMcl]

Thanks Carol and hope you get home tomorrow.

[CarolMcl in reply to Froggie70]

Many thanks

[PMRpro in reply to CarolMcl]

Yes - I thought that was the case but wasn't sure. Beware where you live springs to mind!!!

[CarolMcl in reply to PMRpro]

Exactly, it's a lottery

[CarolMcl]

Yes that's correct, I was referred out of catchment area for procedure then back to the care of my usual consultant

[Froggie70]

Hi there, consultant is awful but I doubt the health board would agree with that. Thanks for replying. X

[UCTD]

If you had a great relationship with your original Rheumatologist then I would write her a letter and ask if she could see you. If you don’t ask …. You never know she could have a solution

[Froggie70 in reply to UCTD]

Thanks UCTD, that’s a good idea. As you say if you don’t ask.

[Jerg]

Thank you I have ask to see another consultant and waiting for a reply, will keep you informed.

[Froggie70 in reply to Jerg]

Do you have the same issue as me?

[Jerg in reply to Froggie70]

Yes my previous consultant left for another hospital and the new one I saw recently was clueless so I ask for another consultant.

[Froggie70 in reply to Jerg]

I know the feeling, exactly the same thing here.

[Cowsaresweet]

It all depends on where there are contracts. So for example here there are contracts with two different health trusts one in the county and one outside. it is very difficult when you get 'stick' with a consultant you don't feel confident in to get it changed.

[Froggie70 in reply to Cowsaresweet]

She is very stern, any time I did see her I felt as if I was up in front of the head mistress. 😮

[SadGirlRaceClub]

A lot of NHS Rheumatologists do rounds in private clinics as well as their NHS clinics. It may be worth researching the doctor and seeing if it is possible to see them privately if you are having no luck being referred to them through your GP

[Froggie70 in reply to SadGirlRaceClub]

Hi there. I already checked and she doesn’t do private work.

[hatshepsut]

I do know of several people who live in Lanarkshire, and attend hospitals in Glasgow......it's quite common.I suggest you do write to the consultant and ask. You would not be the first.

Good luck!x

[Froggie70 in reply to hatshepsut]

Hi there. Thanks I think I will do that. Nothing gained and all that.

[Mystik]

M having the same issues seeing a rheumatologist it’s been 18 months

[Froggie70 in reply to Mystik]

I know covid is causing such an impact but surely that can’t mean that everything else goes by the way. Hopefully you’ll see someone soon.

[eekt]

Hi Froggie70, after a dingdong with the sole rheumy at my board (20th Mar 20....he was claiming pandemic guidance said all treatment should be stopped..), the board offered to transfer me to Edinburgh...clinical guidelines say one rheumy 86,000 population so there's no other option...however it could be a wait of years to get on another rheumy's list on the NHS in Scotland due to the pandemic...I paid £175 for a private Appt

Be safe and well xx

[Froggie70 in reply to eekt]

Hi eekt thanks so much for replying. Unfortunately this consultant doesn’t seem to do private work (checked both Nuffield and BMI websites). Hope you got on ok. Take care. X

[eekt in reply to Froggie70]

Hi Froggie70, I saw a new rheumy privately just for a look at the bigger picture as the NHS one was the 'that's not lupus' type..! xxx

[Froggie70 in reply to eekt]

Hi eekt. There’s a lot of that type about. I think I’m going to go private even just for a second opinion. My new(er) consultant is so dismissive even tried to put me back on tablets I’d previously had a bad reaction to and since covid it’s been different registrars I’ve spoken to/seen and they just kick the can down the road. The previous consultant was great, it almost felt like a partnership and she was really proactive (got things moving when I had knee pain which resulted in a replacement as my joint was apparently like honeycomb when it came out). Only thing that worries me with going private is that I can afford a consultation but funds won’t stretch much further so worried if they say they want to do any further tests. Suppose I’ll cross that bridge if I come to it. Thanks again and take care. X

[eekt in reply to Froggie70]

So sorry to hear that.

I was asked to re-start hydroxy by the aforementioned rheumy after having palpitations and an all-over rash that kept spreading for a week after I stopped...and that was from just two weeks on it! 😜

The private rheumy was happy to refer me back to the NHS for all tests...it'll be a couple of years' wait for an MRI though (possible anklosing spondylitis), so I'm saving for that! All the best! xxx

[Froggie70 in reply to eekt]

Hi eekt, I was the same on hydroxy, palpitations, thought my heart was coming out my chest and that was after 1 tablet. Had to get taken to hospital. She wanted me to give it another try and I wasn’t keen (obvs) so she got grumpy about it. My GP actually contacted me to say he had seen the notes and he wasn’t happy to write the prescription and thats been me since, still on the MTX and between 6 and 8 cocodamol every day. I’ve decided I’m going to go private. You take care and thanks for reaching out. XX

[eekt in reply to Froggie70]

Shocking. Some docs seem to think prescribing something (anything) is better than nowt....my rheumy tried to persuade me to re-start HCQ with the words 'it DOES do something...I've read about it'...😅

Fare well with your new private rheumy! Take care xxx

[Froggie70 in reply to eekt]

‘It does do something’ 🤔 That’s a corker. So does poking a finger in your eye but I would’ve recommended it😉. You wouldn’t trust some of them with your shopping list let alone your health. Thanks eekt and you take care too.

[eekt in reply to Froggie70]

😅👍 xxx

[Greentomatoes]

HiYou can ask your GP to refer you to a Consultant In a different health board. Hopefully you have a good GP and he / she will understand your predicament.

Good luck!