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.
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J1707-
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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.
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!
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
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!
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.
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 .
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Well I saw the rheumatologist and paid .....read on
Confronting the Doctor
Shoulder op & pain in (quicker to type everywhere) 😉 you might need a coffee or tea to read this as I do tend to write war & peace 🙄🤣
And it's goodbye from me ............
Interested in your opinions on this. Autoimmune illness.
