Off topic - NHS waiting lists

[Dobcross1]

Hi, like everyone else I've read that the NHS has long waiting lists but, like anything in life it doesn't really hit home until you have personal experience of it. My GP referred me to a Neurologist as tremors in my hands are getting worse (not RA related I don't think). I've just been told by the Appointments department that the wait in my area is 71 weeks! I had to repeat what she said back to her as I thought I'd misheard - guess I'll just forget about it and crack on as I have been doing then!!

[Hidden]

Oh dear. What a shock. Everything is crumbling around us atm. ☹️

[Dobcross1 in reply to Hidden]

Agreed!

[Biofreak]

Oh that's ridiculous Dob! But I can't say I'm surprised unfortunately. My neighbour needs a surgical extraction of a back tooth so has been referred to hospital. He's been waiting and chasing the hospital and has been told it could be a 12 month wait. Meanwhile he's in pain and the painkillers don't have any effect. It's no wonder some people get the pliers out and try to do it themselves. I hope you don't have to wait 71 weeks.

[Dobcross1 in reply to Biofreak]

Thanks, I'm not holding my breath!

[nomoreheels]

That is a long wait. I was fortunate & seen within weeks of symptoms from leflunomide, & then again for repeat tests once off it, but that was pre Covid.

Could you go at quick notice if you asked to be added to the cancellation list, of request another hospital? My hospital don't do the tests but the one in the nearest city does, even though it’s in a different health authority, so had to go there.

[Dobcross1 in reply to nomoreheels]

Thanks NMH, will enquire about that.

[AgedCrone]

Get the name & number of the neurologist you have been referred to & ask if you could go on their cancellation list.I know it’s not what you want, but it does keep your foot in the door…..please don’t just give up….you could be lucky & get an appointment soon.These days with NHS waiting lists  you’ve got to take every chance you can…..because I don’t think things are going to get better any time soon.

[Dobcross1 in reply to AgedCrone]

Thanks AC, I'll do that.

[Leics]

Oh my goodness that’s obscene. I thought a four month wait for an ultrasound was a lot and as the rheumy did a quick scan in clinic I cancelled it as it was a waste of resources in my case. I gave the appointment to someone who really needed it. Try the cancellation list route and I will keep everything crossed for you.

[Mmrr]

It is all quite unbelievable

[Sheila_G]

I know someone who just last week has been given an appointment for Neurology in Feb 2024.

[Dobcross1 in reply to Sheila_G]

Not just in my area then!

[Sheila_G in reply to Dobcross1]

No. I think it is nationwide and very worrying indeed.

[StormySky]

That is such a very long time Pre-Covid I had over a year's wait from having an ultrasound scan to seeing a consultant to discuss the ultrasound result (during which time I lost my job as my employer would not wait any longer for a diagnosis and prognosis). That discussion resulted in a referral to a rheumatologist - another year's wait. That rheumatologist wrote back to the initial consultant with a diagnosis asking for them to see me to start treatment and for some more tests to be done (13 months ago and I am still waiting for those tests). I didn't know any different when I was waiting, but I think we are supposed to be allowed to choose where we are seen? Perhaps see if another hospital could see you sooner? I really hope you do not need to wait 71 weeks, that is such a long time to be struggling for!

[Dobcross1 in reply to StormySky]

Wow, you have really had some terribly long waits.... we're all just putting up with it because it's so widespread isn't it. N

[Monkeysmum]

wow, that’s a pretty depressing wait time isn’t it?! No surprise people are being forced to pay for private. My Dad has been waiting since last December for treatment for kidney stones, and still doesn’t even have a date! Xx

[dinahdough]

Don't give up hope, you might get lucky. I was referred by my doctor to a rheumatologist at the end of July and told it would likely be more than six months. So I was very surprised to get a letter last week offering me an appointment on 23 October. It's actually on a Sunday so I guess they are putting on extra clinics to try and get through the backlog which is good to know. And it's always worth a phone call to the department. I was also referred for an x-ray and when I was phoned by the hospital they offered me a choice of appointments the same day! When I went along, the radiologist told me that they had plenty of appointments, the problem was the hospital didn't have enough admin staff to ring patients to make appointments. So it's definitely worth ringing up, just in case.

[Dobcross1 in reply to dinahdough]

You are right, I will give Neurology a call as I spoke to a central appointmentshub. Thank you.

[Dobcross1]

Yes, I must admit going private crossed my mind... Hope your Dad gets treated soon.

[orange33]

hi Dobcroos1. I have RA and peripheral neuropathic. I saw a neurologist 6 to 7 years ago because my right leg was not behaving properly and I had numbness in my feet. I had all the usual tests and that was the diagnosis he came up with peripheral neuropathy but I also noticed a slight tremor in my left hand.

this tremor has become noticeably worse and it’s also in my right hand now I consulted my neurologist who basically said I’m going to have to live with it.

I recently saw a young actor talked talking on the television he had developed these tremors in his hands and had mentioned an organisation who can help you with the information concerning this distressing condition I myself have not gone into this yet.

My brother has just recently developed these tremors or shaking in the hands he consulted a Doctor Who referred him to a neurologist. He has now received a letter to tell him there are no appointments available for him at the moment.

I hope you find some answers to your particular condition and I wish you all the very best.

[Dobcross1 in reply to orange33]

thank you for your support, I appreciate it.

[Runrig01]

it’s ridiculous. My sister in-law lives In Belfast where the current wait for seeing a rheumatologist is 8yrs and 7yrs for urgent. Clearly there was already an issue pre-pandemic. So many having to choose private to get their foot in the door.

[Dobcross1 in reply to Runrig01]

that is truly shocking.

[Happy5]

oh lala

[Moonart]

Yep. Sadly that seems to be the norm now. I was referred to cardiology back in February after seeing my GP with breathlessness & unusual palpitations. My ecg showed an anomaly so she spoke to cardiology and they said to refer me to them and request tests. 3 months later had the hospital tests and it’s showed a mild problem with my heart. I’m now on the waiting list to see cardiology and I’ve been told I’ll see them next April 2023. Apparently I’m routine! Like you I’ve had to try not to think about it, just try to get on with things and hope for the best before I can actually be seen. All I’ve been told is to report any changes to my GP so if things get worse they can write to the department to expedite the appointment.

[rabbits65]

don’t come off the list . Stay on it anyway. I have had up to two years wait for Eurology last year , it is all ridiculous, but what else can we do.

[Dobcross1 in reply to rabbits65]

Thanks, I will definitely stay on the list