Dr Ray Armstrong Southampton

[Petrapayne]

Hello 😊

I’ve been referred to a Rheumatologist as I have a positive RA test and symptoms. I’ve got insurance so am lucky I am able to go private.

Has anyone seen Dr Ray Armstrong in Southampton please? I’ve heard it’s important to find a recommended Rheumatologist

Thank you 😊

[helixhelix]

It’s good to get recommendations, but it is also something quite personal. Chatting in waiting room to another patient she said she hated the rheumatologist - who I love!

I like the fact that she is no nonsense, direct, very fast, doesn’t do chit-chat and expects you to be the same. She will answer questions well, but unless you ask one won’t volunteer info. The other patient hated this and found her brusque and rude! So what suits one person may not suit you!

[Petrapayne in reply to helixhelix]

Thank you

[AgedCrone]

Just make sure the rheumatologist you choose works in the NHS as well as privately…& will put you on his/her NHS list ……if in the future you need to be prescribed Biologic drugs… these can only be prescribed on the NHS.

[Petrapayne in reply to AgedCrone]

Thank you, he does so that’s good 😊

[fred42]

Have you looked at Dr Davidson at Southampton?I saw them both under NHS

A very personal decision as the replies indicate

I moved away from Southampton 8 years ago so not up to date any more.

[Petrapayne in reply to fred42]

Thank you for replying 😊 Dr Davidson isn’t one of the consultants that my insurance said will cover. Dr Holyroyd was the other one but he has a really long wait and I’ve been poorly for so long now I’d rather be sooner quicker. Appreciate it’s a personal decision, what was your view on Dr Armstrong please? I have a few choices in Bmth but I heard Southampton was the better hospital to choose, thank you

[fred42]

Maybe it was the bedside manner not so good. I was transferred to Dr Davidson who was easier to talk to, not at my request it just happened.

Sorry not much information there, such a personal thing. I can understand you being desperate for treatment.

Is Salisbury too far to travel?

[Petrapayne in reply to fred42]

Ok thank you. I don’t think the insurance had to ate consultants in Salisbury

[Emye343]

Hi Petrapayne,As others have said, it’s very much a personal decision. For my two pennies’ worth, I saw both specialists and got on much better with dr. Holroyd. I found him much more empathetic and with a much friendlier bedside manner. Obviously, what suited me might not suit you at all, but that’s what l found. I hope you find a specialist to your liking and one who can help you. X

[Emye343]

Perhaps another thing to add is that dr. Armstrong must be pretty close to retirement whereas dr. Holroyd is probably late 30s , early 40s, so he’d probably be around for longer!

[Littleam]

Exactly my opinion of Dr Holyroyd!