Rheumatology referral

[cath39]

Hi I’m in Midlothian and trying to find a really good rheumatology department except for The Western General Hospital. I went there and saw a German woman and she was nothing short of a biatch. I refuse to go back to that department as they are hell bent of diagnosing you to go to physio when I can’t even walk around.

They refused to take into account I’ve had autoimmune illness since birth and that they are effectively keeping me in exceptional pain and disability.

Is there a rheumatologist at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary?

I’m going for a second referral now.

[Shalf]

Hi Cath sorry to hear this. I'm actually not too far from you and I attend Western General. There is no Rheumatology department at the Royal Infirmary.

As far as I know, the German woman has left the department. There are several Rheumy's there and you can ask to be referred to someone else via your GP.

Another option is private care but that will probably be expensive.

I presume you are on meds that aren't effective?

[cath39 in reply to Shalf]

Hi Shalf thank you for replying. I’m only on pain relief opioids and just trying naproxen as the pain and swelling was just too much to bare.

The Consultant was just horrible and dismissive. I put in a complaint about her but of course it went nowhere. I don’t understand why they are happy to leave you disabled and refuse to try treatments.

I feel she lied saying if I had anything wrong it would show in my blood work but i’ve Had serious illness before but bloods were apparently normal. I had thyroid cancer and my thyroid and blood results were normal.

Sadly I’m not in a position to pay for private health care but am considering going to Benendon health which I have to wait 6 months to access. It’s affordable though £11 a month.

I will ask about ERI I’ve been treated there a lot and it’s been great for me.

Thank you.

[cathie]

I know who you mean at the western. She was a disaster for me too but she has gone - to Birmingham. I now see a very competent male consultant who has really helped. We’re not supposed to name names but if you message me privately I could give more details.

[auldreekie2 in reply to cathie]

Hi I also go to the WGH Edinburgh, I can put my hands up I can not fault them, I have had the best of care from them , my consultant phoned me on Friday to see how I was. sorry you've had a bad time there, give it another try.

[cathie in reply to auldreekie2]

I’m happy with the treatment I now get from them

[Mmrr]

I now have a good consultant at the Western General Hospital, having had a poor start. Happy to share if you PM me.