Hi. Some advice, please. I have only just been told I need to start a biologic. My current GP & Rheumatologist are both very efficient. Should I say nothing about moving for a few extra months (and travel back) until the tests/biologic is up and running and only then transfer to a new area/GP & Rheumatologist?
Or should I transfer GP and ask to be referred to a new Rheumatologist as soon as possible and start the tests/biologic in my new area?
If you are happy with your current care and if you are prepared to travel to appointments you can stay with the hospital you are currently with. You do not have to change.
My gut reaction is to stay with your present GP & Rheumy & get your Biologic drug regime up & running….depending how far you are moving of course…….Do you have someone reliable who can drive you back for appointments? If you look back to yesterdays’s posts you will see what a dog’s breakfast changing GP’s can turn in to when you move.
Do you know how long it would take to actually get an appointment with a rheumatologist at your new location?
Remember…your GP can’t prescribe a Biologic…only your Consultant.
Do you have a GP practice in mind to sign on with? If you do…,,call them & explain your situation…including will the new GP/Rheumy just do as your present rheumy is suggesting?
You could have a long wait & would probably have to redo all the pre Bio tests.Make sure your treatment can go forward…..before you commit.
Sorry to be so negative…but I have just moved house & my new GP has never even asked how I’m getting on with my Biologic…in fact I have never clapped eyes on her…..& probably (hopefully) never will.
Oh wow. This is all frightening. Thank you so much for the heads up. I will rethink.
I didn’t mean to frighten you….but thought you would rather get the truth than end up not getting the treatment you need & having a long wait to get an appointment with a new rheumatologist.If you go through the motions to get some answers it should all fall into place OK.
I did want the truth. Bless you 🙏
Morning. I left Manchester nearly 7 years ago, but still see my Rheumatologist there. I don’t mind travelling back. My Rheumatology Advanced Practitioner nurse is lovely, and I have known her for 11 years now. She has been with me since the start. I would remain with the people you have already if that is feasible, especially if you are about to start a new treatment.
Your GP however, you will need to change, as they each have a catchment area. If you are on the cusp of starting a new med, I would get a new GP now so that they have you ‘from the beginning;’ of this. Good luck!
Saying that however, many moons ago I kept a GP despite being out of area. It was only by a couple of miles though, and I had my sister’s address as backup 😎.
Do you think the (new) GP would accept that I’m sticking with my current Rheumatologist in another county?
Yeah sure; it’s your decision. I moved to a different county and a different health authority. Not a problem. I have my 3 monthly bloods at my GPs and get my meds from the LOCAL Chemist. If you have your meds from a hospital pharmacy, you would maybe have to pick them up from there. You would need to investigate and set this up, but it IS possible.
I have a new gp but go to a consultant in another area. It has been fine so far ('touch wood') . I just have to phone to let the hospital know when I have had blood tests at the gps so they can ask for the results to be sent. I think thats the main difference if your gp and hospital are in different areas....results don't get sent automatically as they are on different systems for results. The letters re change of meds and appointment outcomes are sent through the same as anywhere would be .
Stick with current care if possible 👍💕
I would stay with your current rheumatologist at least until you are established on your new regime.
I moved areas 10 months ago - Oxfordshire to North Norfolk. I had to have a new GP and a new Rheumy team.Everything transferred smoothly including my Benepali & Methotrexate prescriptions.
I made contact with the new GP surgery before moving and made a phone appointment as soon as I moved. My old GP prescribed double meds for me to tide me over.
I was quite proactive as I had concerns I would fall down between the two areas but
everything was absolutely fine.
It can be done!!
I think you will be able to continue to visit the same hospital but definitely not your GP.
Hi 22 years ago I had an issue with the local Rheumatologist ( there was only one) who turned me away 3 times over a 10 year period. My GP begged me to go privately in a different area & so I went to my nearest large hospital an hours drive away which is where I was diagnosed. I’m still under that hospital trust & drive an hour to appointments. It’s worked well for 22 years. Although there may come a point when the travelling may become an issue for me.
My local hospital are happy to have me transfer back to them but I’m happy where I am. Regarding GP I don’t know the answer but do have friends who moved house & kept their old GP but that option may have changed. Possibly it depends on how far away you move. Have you spoken to your GP about it?
If you are happy with your current Rheumatologist then I would stay at least for now. Good luck.
Hi Garry70, my rheumatology nurse told me that I may need to check if my treatment, meaning Infusion of nails will be funded in the area where I'm going. I'm hoping to move to Wales and so I'm considering staying with my current provider for now until I can check this out.
IF You traveling within same area - i guess no problem ... it is if like me trying to move back to England from Wales. ( it FF nightmare ) hence i still here. .
Moving to Devon
Flare up advise
Review with rheumatologist 
Developing antibodies to a Biologic, stopping it working
A little good news ...............at last.
