Flare up

[sarahha]

Has anyone went private when they had a flare up

[KittyJ]

If you are flaring despite being on meds then I would contact your rheumy nurse and let them know what is happening. If you are needing to see your rheumy but haven’t got an appointment for a while it might be worth ringing to try and get a cancellation appointment.

I think some people do go private to get an initial diagnosis as it’s much quicker than waiting for an NHS appointment but I’m not sure about going to see one when you are having a flare.

[sarahha in reply to KittyJ]

Thanks will do

[FunBalloon]

I sometimes go private when I have a flare because I can get a steroid injection on the same or next day instead of waiting for the NHS to sort things out. But my NHS team is aware of that and I always phone them to let them know. It definitely saves me some hassle

[sarahha in reply to FunBalloon]

Thanks

[Ruth12345]

My rheumy won't mix private and nhs, he says it's one or the other. I started private now waiting to see him on nhs. He said to see him 3monthly but couldn't get nhs appt for 6 months which is end of this month. Hope you get sorted.

[sarahha in reply to Ruth12345]

Thank you

[Pam-51]

Hi,

I have always combined private and NHS care. When a flare or problem occurs I can quickly get an appointment in the private sector instead of waiting weeks or months. I always see the same consultant under NHS or privately which ensures continuity. I also have the email address of the consultant and can contact him directly. The last time I did so about a year ago he gave me an NHS appointment the same week!

I have had RA now for 46 years and have learned this strategy the hard way. Know private care can be expensive but nothing is more valuable than one’s health. Best wishes.

Pam

[sarahha in reply to Pam-51]

Thanks

[Ruth12345 in reply to Pam-51]

Gosh, wish my rheumy would do that