Recommendation for private rheumatologist

[treeplant]

Hi, this is my first post as I've just joined. I have just spent a week in hospital as my elbow hasn't been able to straighten for 4 weeks and I became crippled in pain. I was seen by the orthopaedic team who diagnosed me with bursitis and cellulitis. I am concerned that I have rheumatoid arthritis and this has been missed. Please can anyone recommend a rheumatologist that you have seen privately based in the SE England? I live near Guildford, Surrey. Thanks so much in advance.

[Hidden]

I'm not sure, but I think you need to be referred by your GP unless you're going private. May I ask what makes you think you have RA?

[treeplant in reply to Hidden]

Ive had an elbow that cant straighten more than 60% for last four weeks. It is very painful to reach to my back. It didn't come on as a result of an injury. I just woke up with it. I have had pain in my foot (tendon) for last 10 months and when I had agony in my arm my foot also became so painful I couldn't walk. My CRP in hospital was 130.

[Hidden in reply to treeplant]

As I am not medically trained, all I can say is that I have never heard of RA starting in elbow or heel. Usually it affects the hands (both) and sometimes knees If you visit this website nras.org.uk/what-is-ra- it will explain more about what RA is, and how to get a rheumatoogist appointment. But nowadays, it can take several months to get an appointment as Rheumatologists are in great demand. Then there may be another few months of blood tests before any drugs may be prescribed. Anyway, look at the website and you may be able to decide for yourself if it's worth following it through. Good luck.

[treeplant in reply to Hidden]

Thank you. Im keen to visit a rheumatologist privately to discuss the symptoms. I was looking for any recommendations of a doctor who I could visit? Thanks

[helixhelix]

Well bursitis and cellulitis are horribly painful, and will raise your CRP levels.

Have you discussed your concerns with your GP, and asked to be tested for the rheumatoid factor? It’s not very accurate as a test, but if it is positive and you have the other classic signs of RA then they might refer you to an NHS rheumatologist. Yes you can see a private rheumatologist, although they usually will only see people with a referral as well. But it will cost you, as not just the cost of the consultation (£150 approx), but could also be costs for blood tests (£75 approx), x-rays (£100 approx), scans (£500 approx) and so on.

[Matilda_1922]

Hi

I have a similar problem as you. Have RA but Rhuematlogy specialist said it’s not due to RA. My right elbow is swollen and painful. Specialist said swelling is fatty tissue. But it feels spongy. They didn’t examine my elbow and bloods showed no inflammation.

I’m now waiting for a MSK referral by GP as X-ray showed normal elbow joint but said something must be stopping me straighten my arm so above referral. I’ve had 3 lots of steroid injections into elbow joint 2 worked for a while but 3rd one no improvement that was a year ago. Now it’s a waiting game been told no appointments for new referrals in my local hospital. Have waited 2.5 months.

I don’t live near you so can’t recommend anyone

Hope you get sorted soon

[treeplant in reply to Matilda_1922]

Hi I was in hospital for a week and they looked at my elbow once! So frustrating! They just went by my crp rate. Sorry about your elbow. Do they know what it is for you? Any ideas? Such a shame the third injection didn’t work

[Lolabridge]

There’s a Dr Richard Hull who is a private Rheumatology Consultant at The Spire in Havant Hampshire. He was head of Rheumatology at Queen Alexandra’s Hospital (NHS) in Portsmouth until he retired several years ago. He is very well thought of by both patients and professionals.

I think you will still need to be referred by your GP (I was as the wait to be seen in NHS was long at time of my diagnosis). having seen seen him I was soon given an NHS appointment at QAH Portsmouth and I always wondered whether he helped to speed that up for me!

Good luck!

[treeplant in reply to Lolabridge]

Thanks that’s helpful

[AgedCrone]

Why don’t you ask your GP to get the RA blood tests done?

If you don’t test positive for RA they can then start looking for what you really do have .

Bursitis is often associated with RA... but on the other hand many people have bursitis who do not have rheumatoid arthritis .

Your symptoms don’t sound typical RA......but until you have tests you won't Know.

I believe Kingston Hospital have a good Rheumatology Department, as does St George's in SW London,

[treeplant in reply to AgedCrone]

Thanks, they have tested me for ra markers. Waiting for the blood test to come back

[Hidden]

also NRAS gave some great advice about private and NHS and worth calling them but basic form of chat I had was make sure if you see a private one they are in the same area you live and that they do private and NHS as this helps keep the line of info ......best call I did this week and made me more focused on what I needed to do. What they said made sense and could save you lots of money in the long run.

Dee x

[Bhasvic64]

Hi there I can recommend Dr Stuart at Nuffield Haywards heath. But you will need a g p referral as others have said. She works at Nuffield but also nhs in same town. Hope this helps good luck.

[Pasjc]

How very painful I feel for you. I was in hospital a few weeks ago with the same problem but in the hip. I have RA and the two were connected according to the consultant. It's sad that you feel you have to go private have you considered asking for a second opinion.

[Robin0]

I saw a Dr Chan privately in Reading at. The Spire- he was excellent

[treeplant]

Thank you

[Troygirl]

When you were in the hospital, did they check your blood levels for RA? That would have been the time to check!

It could have been confirmed right then & there & then you could get a referral for a RA doctor.

[CarolineGN]

If you're okay to travel into London, I can recommend Dr Gayatri Mittal who is at The London Clinic. I saw her privately when I was first diagnosed as I was living abroad at the time. You don't need a GP referral just book directly. Good luck - I hope you get some relief soon

[Ontwowheels]

Col Mistlin at Frimley Park is private and NHS

[lovemydoggy]

I have palindromic rheumatism. The flares can last a long time, but they eventually go. Later the pain pops up somewhere else and goes away. It's a migratory arthritis. It can also affect soft tissue. It does no lasting damage. Anyway, just a thought you could bring up to your doctor. I thought I had RA, but have been told I don't.