moving to Newport Wales

[Bowtruckle]

Hi All,

I am currently in the midlands (mid 30s) and have been on b12 injections for probably almost 9 years now. I am on 8 weekly but self inject around once a week which seems to work for me.

I am going to be moving as the title says to Newport in Wales before the end of the year and just wondered whether anyone had any experiences, preferably good, with GPs here. Any that anyone recommends?

I am also under Rheumatology for Arthritis and take medication for this also, but currently in a battle with them as I don’t think medication is right and they do.

Obviously moving means I’m going to have to move everything so starting to prepare to have to fight again with all new docs but thought I’d ask if anyone can recommend anyone first.

My issue is nothing ever really shows up on my bloods for either condition. My arthritis only showed up because of an ultrasound, and although my b12 levels were low at 172 when diagnosed, I didn’t have parietal cell antibodies or IFA.

Thanks

[Sleepybunny]

Hi,

PAS (Pernicious Anaemia Society) is based in Bridgend, about 40 minutes by car from Newport.

Might be worth joining if not already a member.

PAS membership is separate to membership of this forum. You don't need a PA diagnosis to join.

pernicious-anaemia-society....

I think that forum rules (see pinned posts) prevent the naming of most health professionals on forum but there is nothing to stop someone sending you a private message(PM).

There are two PAS support groups in Wales...useful places to swap information eg helpful GP practices.

Scroll down page in next link to see list of groups and dates of next meetings.

pernicious-anaemia-society....

"so starting to prepare to have to fight again with all new docs"

If you have the time and energy, I suggest you track down the B12 deficiency guidelines used by the Welsh Health Board that covers Newport area.

gov.wales/nhs-wales-health-...

I think it is Aneurin Bevan Health Board for your part of Wales.

abuhb.nhs.wales/

I cannot find B12 deficiency guidelines for any of the Welsh Health Boards online so the best way to access these is probably to submit a FOI (Freedom of Information) request to Aneurin Bevan Health Board asking which B12 deficiency guidelines they use and for a link to or copy of them.

Aneurin Bevan FOI

abuhb.nhs.wales/about-us/fr...

Try to get the exact title of the document.

Might also be worth contacting the local MP and the local MS (Member of the Senedd) if you still can't get hold of them. Health is a devolved matter in Wales.

There are several links specific to Wales I think will be useful in the thread I started about Patient Safety.

healthunlocked.com/pasoc/po...

There are other forum members who live in Wales.

I think    JanCymru is one of them.

The use of NICE guidelines is not mandatory in Wales.

See gov.wales article below.

gov.wales/national-institut...

"I didn’t have parietal cell antibodies or IFA."

Link about Tests for PA/B12 deficiency - mentions other tests besides PCA and IFA.

healthunlocked.com/pasoc/po...

Might be other useful info in this thread.

Help Needed! Have I got Pernicious Anaemia?

healthunlocked.com/pasoc/po...

I'm not medically trained.

Good luck with your move...it's always been my dream to move to Wales.

[Bowtruckle in reply to Sleepybunny]

Thanks for all this information! Very helpful.

Yes I have been a member of the PAS since I was diagnosed, but didnt realise it was based in Bridgend. I actually went to University in Carmarthen so it is lovely to be moving back down that way.

I suppose it was more if there are specific GP surgeries that were better to sign up with (or avoid) rather than specific doctors per se. I think its also more knowing what I am going to be facing so I can mentally prepare myself. 😂

I'll definitely look at all this later tonight, (busy day at work today) and I'll update especially once the move has happened.

Thanks