NHS/consultants: I'm fully aware of the nhs & under... - NRAS

NRAS

37,103 members45,836 posts

NHS/consultants

6 Replies

I'm fully aware of the nhs & under pressure..I'm fully aware they work long hours..I fully appreciate their help..I understand the work they have to undertake..its not their fault...However 5yrs ago I went to my GP. Complaining about my hands..I was given xray. Followed by scans.MRI scans.us injections as over years got worse..I've had nerve tests..blood tests.carpet tunnel op..every pain medication on the prescription list..now on morphine.5yrs on I'm going around doing the same tests but now deformed right hand & now in my left hand..pain constant..I saw my consultant in Sept 16..my next appointment due 6wks later after my MRI scan..its now may & my appointment cancelled again due on 14th June..til August..nearly a year since seeing him.!!! However I did my own research as pain so bad could cut hands off...I found a private surgeon/consultant..I contacted & was within 3wks have seen him..he had time.advice.my hero..I have to have 3 operations..my right hand basically no good..I'm possibly going to lose it as everything diseased..told if detected earlier would be better...this man is private but im getting on nhs..this due to him advising me to get referred by gp. .its free for 18 wks..anyone can go anywhere if refered...No one one told me this..so yes angry with nhs..I may have kept my hand if they had bothered to take notice...so anyone thinking no hope..look find & you will get help if they can.. Also the man I saw.am now under care of is my hero... Never give up.x

Read more about...
6 Replies
n1mble2 profile image
n1mble2

You are very lucky to have found your 'hero'. Please could you let me know who he is in case I get to the point of needing him too!?

in reply to n1mble2

His name is Alistair Phillips..at Spire in Southampton..look him up & you will understand why my hero..thank you too for kind words.x

Barb66 profile image
Barb66

So encouraging. My locum rheumatologist and nurse are awful- patronising, dismissive and unhelpful. I've been trying to raise the energy to ask for a referral else where, but have access to only locum GPs too. Your post has given me the encouragement to need thank you 😊

On no handydebs - I am so sorry that you might actually lose a hand. That is horrible.. I can't even think of my response to a situation like that., but I sure would be angry. I am hoping that there is another answer there somewhere. Hugs and prayers if that is okay with you

That is awful and frustrating. Unfortunately it is a story we hear on the RA and Lupus sites all too often, that we go around in circles and bigger picture doesn't get looked at. I am glad that you have found the right man now and I hope they can save the hand for you.

Jacey15 profile image
Jacey15

So sorry you have been left in this state. You've made me realise how lucky I am to have a fantastic NHS rheumatology team (just one dodgy locum reg seen once). I wish you successful operations xXx

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Arthritis getting worse

Hi everyone... This is my first post and my first time properly on here. I'm 27 and was diagnosed...

consultants - again

Hi all I have just had a fairly constructive appointment with a new GP at my surgery who read the...

Update on first NHS Rheumatology Appointment

Hi everyone, saw consultant today, still trying to get my head round it all as it was difficult...

NHS Rheumatology Appointment At Last 😀

So excited but full of trepidation, just had a phone call from NHS Rheumatology department to say...

Good RA consultants

Hi - I may have RA but having issue with my doctor as blood test come back negative but have sudden...