Anyone a patient at Royal National Hospital For Rheumatic Diseases in Bath?

[mjrminor]

My NHS rheumatology appointment has just been cancelled for the second time in 3 months. I've been trying to see someone since last June because of ongoing pain and had been added to a cancellation list, but it didn't speed things up.

My GP has been trying to help and has me on Codeine for pain, but I just can't wait any more for another NHS appointment to arrive or for it to possibly get cancelled again.

I've decided to find the money and finally go down the private consultation route.

I'm looking at the Royal National Hospital For Rheumatic Diseases in Bath. Is anyone a patient there who can recommend a rheumatologist? Ideally one who is also NHS so they could take me on.

I'm seronegative with normal inflammation levels (even at initial diagnosis), and I don't want to be fobbed off anymore.

Thanks.

[Lolabridge]

Sorry to hear your appointments keep getting cancelled and I would go private in your situation.I’ve no suggestions for a rheumatologist at Bath but I’ve listened to some of the podcasts and read newsletters they produce and I’m most impressed.

Good luck! 🤞🏻

[mjrminor in reply to Lolabridge]

Thanks Lolabridge, that's heartening to know. I still think it's madness that four years into having RA I'm forced to go down the private consultation road, but we must do what we need to survive I suppose.

[Aliceeliza in reply to mjrminor]

The Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases is now on the Royal United Hospital Bath's site. I am treated as an NHS patient there. Some of their Consultants also do private work so it might be an idea to check the RUH website and find some names.

[mjrminor in reply to Aliceeliza]

Thank you, Aliceeliza. I'll check it out.

[Mmrr]

I am so sorry to hear of your story. I to am seronegative, always have been, even in my darkest experiences with RA, my bloods, neutropenia excepted, are normal. I've had the bug fob off too, offered antidepressants ...and...and...andJust a few days ago I was diagnosed with degenerative...inflammitory....OA (alongside the RA). I've suspected and asked about accompanying/alternative diagnosis for years.

I say this as the pain and symptoms, the fobbing off for years were very difficult to manage at times...it may well be worth the private consultation to get things moving.

[mjrminor in reply to Mmrr]

HI Mmrr, thanks for your reply and I'm sorry to hear about your new diagnosis - I didn't even know that inflammatory OA was a thing! I'm hoping the private consultation will give me the answers I need - and a pathway towards being in less pain. The thing I get so tired of hearing is 'well your inflammation levels are fine so you must be fine'. So why am I still in so much pain? Why have four of my fingers started to drift noticeably in the last year and why is one of my toes now starting to sit on top of the one next to it? Cancelled appointments is one thing, but being told you're fine when you're clearly not is another.... I hope you get the treatment you need for the inflammatory OA.

[Mmrr in reply to mjrminor]

😥

[oldtimer]

I don't know what it's like now, but many years ago i had excellent treatment there. The consultant I saw has retired long ago also - so not much help except 'go for it'.

[mjrminor in reply to oldtimer]

That's good to know, oldtimer. Thanks for the encouragement.

[fred42]

I am a NHS patient at RUH Bath and have RA and am sero negative, have been with them for about 8 years now. My CRP does increase if I get a flare which is fairly rare now.

My treatment has been excellent.As far as I know all the consultants are good and some do private work - not sure about naming them on a public site but would certainly recommend mine.

[mjrminor in reply to fred42]

Thanks fred42, that's helpful to know. If you don't feel comfortable naming your consultant, that's fine. Or you could send me a private message?

[fred42 in reply to mjrminor]

How do I send a private message?

[mjrminor in reply to fred42]

If you tap on my username above, it will take you to my profile page. On the right hand side you'll see three buttons side by side - Follow, Message & Report. Tap Message.

[Briefencounter]

I am also a patient at the RNHRD at the RUH , Bath . I , too , am seronegative and have been a patient of the above , since 1989. Then it was affectionately known as The Min ( Mineral Hospital ) , situated at Borough Walls , Bath . It has always been one of the main hospitals for RA in the UK .

The old building was in a sprawling old building but is now in very modern buildings on the RUH site . The consultants there are specialists and at the moment I am being seen by a research registrar , who is lovely . Unfortunately , as it’s a teaching hospital , I rarely see the same doctor , although I remain under the same named consultant .

I get a f2f every 6 months . The last one was in September 2021 and I’m expecting another in March 2022 . I have “shared care” with my GP and always get a copy of the detailed letter , after a consultation , which has been sent to my doctor . The hospital decides on my medication but I get blood tests and the ability to order my medication online from my Health Centre .

Although , seronegative , I’ve had destruction of my joints . I’ve had a Total Knee Replacement , a Total Elbow Replacement and I have a plate plus nine screws in my left ankle .My hands are pretty poor, with ulnar drift , although not painful .

We are very lucky to have this hospital in the area and I have always been happy with my treatment . I am always listened to , questions answered and there is a telephone helpline for between consultations .

[mjrminor]

Thanks for your reply, Briefencounter. Sorry to hear about all the damage you've endured. But it's encouraging to hear the excellent treatment and support you've had at the RNHRD - and it's spurring me on to try to get a consultation there.

[Poshcards]

yes, I have been going there for over 30 years, wonderful consultant now called Dr Ellie Korendovic, I have always had excellent treatment there no matter who I see, but I think you have to be referrred to there by GP. Hope you get it sorted xx

[mjrminor in reply to Poshcards]

Thanks for that Poshcards. Makes me feel very encouraged about seeing someone there. I've contacted my GP about doing a referral and I'm waiting to hear back from him.

[Poshcards in reply to mjrminor]

All sounds good, even though I moved over 100 miles away 6 years ago, I still go back for my check ups, hope you get some good rheum help, tale care xx