HIT THE JACKPOT!

[J1707-]

I’ve been without a rheumatologist for nearly 18 months after my last one suddenly left.

met my new rheumatologist today and what a breath of fresh air he was.

A young consultant ( very young ) energetic engaging sense of humour . We really hit it off.

Best of all he wants to turn rheumatology dept around to the great department it use to be.He has got the staffing levels up the whole team are vibrant . He had pre read all 10 years of records had a spread sheet of misinformation or contradictory information in my records. All then addressed . First thing he wanted to check was my FEET . YES MY FEET . Never have my feet been checked before was always told that feet weren’t part of RA checks .😵‍💫said I have pressure sores and clubbed toes need to be seen by nhs podiatrist and will fast track appointment as I have been neglected . Achilles is in flamed and has been for over 16 months so needs to be addressed . Next is fibro asked if I wanted to go to the fibro clinic. Said didn’t know it existed. So doses of meds adjusted. Said I needed to loose weight . How I ask tried everything . But fibro dictates my energy . Told to use weight loss injections but trust doesn’t do them and if I have the money to go for it . Thinks I’ll benefit all round if I loose weight.

He was born 3/4 mile away from me and now lives same road as my sister .

I’m a happy girl . I can see light at the end of the tunnel.

[Deeb1764]

makes such a difference when being heard AND assessed properly and look into why things aren’t right.

Fibro clinics - who knew there was such a thing

Ra and feet it’s almost like feet are not part of the body no one seems to check them when so many of us have issues!

YAY woohoo and all that jazz 🥰😀

[J1707- in reply to Deeb1764]

😃happy girl. Nice to have a good looking young man to.

[hazelcats in reply to Deeb1764]

On my initial ( and only) rheumatologist appt the very first thing he said was 'well we wont be doing anything about the fibromyalgia or the osteoarthritis ' ..... No wonder I lack confidence with medical professionals. Am finally getting my follow up appt (10 months late) with a new consultant. I can only hope its a better experience!

I also am having feet xrayed as they are particularly painful now.

Fantastic outcome for you J1707 😁

[Fluffontoast]

Hurray!

[rabbits65]

Brilliant, wouldn’t it be lovely if everyone had his personality and great interest.

[Madmusiclover]

I share in your joy at a decent rheumy and systems!

[Neonkittie17]

I’m so pleased to hear this! Sounds a fantastic guy. Have a lovely weekend. 🩷

[sylvi]

Wow where was he i could do to see him. You are lucky to have such a good rheumy. xxxx

[helixhelix]

joy!

[Otto11]

That’s wonderful news. It sounds like you made a good connection already. This is what a lot of departments need.

[Hisue]

Great post. I don't understand why rheumies don't check the feet, since RA damage is often the worst on hands & feet. I have to take my shoes & socks off- and put them out there, (on display) to get my rheumatologist to look at them!

[stbernhard]

Wow! So happy for you. Finally real cause for hope.

[Flinda]

Brilliant news! There is hope after all. x

[Biofreak]

That's good news. Let's hope he can turn things around both for you and the rheumatology department. Xx

[J1707- in reply to Biofreak]

Lovely to hear from you. Thanks xx

[Peptink]

Wow, did you get lucky! So happy that someone listens and is finally addressing your problems. 🌻

[Rubygirl08]

Fab! So glad you've finally got a good one 😀The more I read on here, I feel really lucky to have my mine. Got my fingers (nearly!) crossed for your ongoing treatment x

[Pastels]

So pleased for you!!

[bienassis]

Heavens! He wouldn’t like to come this way, I suppose! My Rheumy suddenly took early retirement in 2021 - no replacement has been appointed. Since then the head of the department has disappeared. Locums are in place, and all is upside down.

I feel sorry for the newly diagnosed. They need intensive advice in order to get started on treatment. I’m at the other end of the scale, so not too bothered, but wouldn’t mind a consultation or a sensible chat from your chap!

[GranAmie]

So glad for you! (and for your feet). xx

[ABwn]

Wow! How has he managed to get more funding. All we have are cutbacks. It's a good outcome for you and hopefully will give a boost to improving how you feel. Good luck.

[J1707- in reply to ABwn]

Well one of the reason I chose this hospital is because it’s linked to the university and my old consultant did research and tutoring. When he left the team disbanded I presume because there wasn’t a replacement. My new consultant is a tutor from Oxford University and he wanted to come home to Birmingham. I imagine the trust had to offer him funding to set his team up . I imagine tutoring/research/consultants are as rare as hens teeth .

[Abwn11]

Probably. We could do with a few here.