Cromer Hospital - blummen marvellous!

[HappykindaGal]

I recently moved to North Norfolk - not a million miles as I was already in Norwich. Who knew! Tiny Cromer Hospital has a Rheumatology clinic every Monday so off I trotted (hobbled) on Monday for my appointment.

Well, not only is the hospital amazing (not inpatient). Front door, lift immediately on the left straight into the waiting room. Brilliant!

Next, the rheumatologist. A CONSULTANT rheumatologist no less. I have never ever seen anyone at Norwich that's not either a nurse or a Doc on rotation. And it's a bit like a sausage machine.

This lady was amazing. She had time for me. Listened. I've had a really poorly knee for months - actually May 2022. Norwich rheumy kept saying they wanted to inject it and increase the mtx, but we never got past a phone appointment. They also said from looking at the xray in May 2022 there's 'a bit of osteo'.

Well, Dr Coath pulled up the x-ray and went over it with me. She said it's not a 'bit of osteo' and an injection won't make a scrap of difference. Her words were severe, bone on bone, no fluid, damaged cartilage. I knew it hurt!

Result is physio referral and no increase in meds. Then possible knee replacement - which I want to avoid.

What a difference someone that cares makes. And anyone planning to move to the gorgeous North Norfolk coast - the treatment is top-notch and it's a stunning place to live.

[helenlw7]

We hear so many stories of poor rheumatology departments, it does your heart good to hear about the good ones. At my hospital I have only ever seen consultants, and only two different ones in my 20 years since diagnosis.

[HappykindaGal in reply to helenlw7]

I was shocked! I'm so used to being ushered in and out with almost zero conversation that to be converse with someone like a human being was a pleasant surprise.

[helenlw7 in reply to HappykindaGal]

My rheumatologist is lovely, she takes time to listen, and also asks me what I want out of the appointment. She sees me every 3 or 6 months depends on how my joints are. She will also liaise with other consultants.

[OSTEOARTHRITISRA]

Good to hear HappykindaGal

[3LittleBirds2]

This is brilliant to hear..there’s still hope out there as many of us have bad experiences and like you haven’t actually seen a Rheumatologist for years! Hope it continues for you and that you get some benefit from the Physio.

[HappykindaGal in reply to 3LittleBirds2]

I hope so too! It would be a joy to be able to walk more than a few steps again. Getting to the bin shed without half dying and needing a lie-down is a goal, hahaha.

[3LittleBirds2 in reply to HappykindaGal]

Bless you! I feel your pain, I’ve been having awful problems with my left arm, starting physio next month and a long wait for a guided steroid! Good Luck, let us know how you get on x

[Green230461]

Wow I am tempted and my husband loves Cromer Crab. Glad to hear a success story for a change 😁🤞🏻🥰

[medway-lady]

What a great experience. I’ve been watching Wes about the NHS reforms and it sounds like that’s the experience he’s aiming for everyone. My friend had a knee done last year and wished she’d not put it off as hobble is right. She got put off by another friend until she could barely walk and could hear it creak. Now I can barely keep up.

[Gnarli]

Wow! That's the sort of experience that should be the norm. As we know, it's not. I wish you hadn't had such rotten experiences previously but it must feel like all your birthdays have come at once now. Happy days

[medway-lady]

I should have added when I broke my leg and ankle the other year it really hurt but at least I knew it would get better all the D3 I've taken must have done some good as it healed well in about 8 weeks but to have endless and chronic pain with no hope of respite is dreadful. I hope you find physio helps quickly. x

[HappykindaGal in reply to medway-lady]

Thank you so much. I sometimes think I'm just whining so it was good to hear that I have reason for it and it's not imaginary.

[TheBoys]

id heard this a few years ago !

Long may it continue - it’s great to find great care

[HappykindaGal in reply to TheBoys]

Isn't it! It does still exist thankfully