I'm not happy with my current Rheumatologist in Essex. Has anyone had any good experiences?

[MsKG]

I don't feel like I'm listened to or examined properly. Just rushed in and out and told it's really not that bad.

[Matilda_1922]

I would love to know what part of Essex you are talking about. Sounds very much like my Rhuematology service in Essex

[MsKG in reply to Matilda_1922]

I’m in Chafford so use Basildon and Thurrock service. I was diagnosed about 13 years ago so have had quite a lot of experience with them. I honestly feel like crying every time I walk out and then have to wait another 6 months or a year to be seen again. The rheumatology nursery on the helpline are also a bit hit and miss. Especially if your blood results show no inflammation and they want to see your swollen joints for themselves so you are believed. Had enough now, there must be someone better!!

[Matilda_1922 in reply to MsKG]

I’m under another hospital but Basildon is my local hospital. I have a couple of friends who are under them and they say the same as you. So decided not to transfer better the devil you know than the Devi you don’t.

I’ve been diagnosed for 2 years and my first year was hit and miss.

I was placed on the early inflammatory pathway but my appointments were cancelled and rescheduled until I called and complained. They soon found me an appointment.

You could speak with PALs

[MsKG in reply to Matilda_1922]

I might try that. It can’t do any harm x

[Tiggytiger88 in reply to MsKG]

I have been attending Basildon Hospital rheumatology dept for over 30 years and have been well looked after all that time. I wouldn,t want to change. Funding does'nt seem to be much of a problem when it comes to offering biologics etc. I attend my appointments with a list of all the things that are a problem to me this seems to work well. I have heard worse stories from other people attending other hospitals so be careful.

[Jay-bird]

I'm under Professor Cope at Guy's and see him annually. I also have a specially trained RA nurse consultant who is available to speak to over the phone pretty much on demand. She can give me a depo every 2-3 months to help reduce pain and she also has regular clinics for the patients on her list. There is also a Registrar's clinic at the same time as her clinic so she can pop in for a signature for the depo or approval for a change to any of my RA prescriptions. She's always given me as much time as I need to ask questions and have things explained to me. This system works very well for me. There are patients at Guy's from all over the South-east so maybe you could ask for a referral if you think this system would work for you. I'm very pleased with the way Guy's has organised my care. All the best, Jay-bird

[MsKG in reply to Jay-bird]

Thanks Jay-bird. I did actually see a different consultant last time and she was brilliant. I’m going to stick it out for a while and see how it goes. Just waiting for my etanercept to start. I keep thinking it’s going to save me from the every day agony I’ve been in for the last six months. I just hope it works for me x