Help!

[Janrat]

Hi all! Desperately seeking rheumatologist, specialising in PMR/GCA in the north west of England. Undiagnosed as yet, but G.P dragging his heels. Serious shoulder, arm and chest pain, tender spot on forehead (discoloured) and a cpr off the scale.

[jinasc]

PMR&GCA North West have a brilliant Rheumatologist, read up about him on their website.

Vikram is his first name...........

[LeafyLytham in reply to jinasc]

I saw a lovely Rheumatologist two weeks ago, as a private consultation. You would need a GP referral though, even as a private patient. I paid £150, and would happily recommend him. He sees private patients at Fylde Coast Hospital, Blackpool on Saturday mornings. I don’t know if mentioning his name is allowed? His NHS work is within the leighton hospital in Crewe.

He was kind, attentive and thorough. He certainly gave me a thorough examination and very carefully listened to my history of illness.

My GP practice very quickly put his treatment plan into place following his report a few days later.

I’m feeling so much better now, emotionally and physically. x

[venezia1]

Depends where you are, of course. My Rheumy at Furness General in Barrow is good, but not if you're in Manchester!

[Mgt1234]

I see Dr Macphie in Preston. She is excellent for me and has looked after my care for the last 7 years. I have PMR and GCA. Previously I had several Rheumatologists before Dr Macphie but all were short term. Good luck.

[jayboy05 in reply to Mgt1234]

Could you please tell me the name of the Preston

Hospital Dr. Macphie has her clinic, then I can ask my

GP for a referral either Private or NHS. I am only 20 miles from

Preston. At the moment I am with a R. Consultant at Blackburn

and he is more than useless.

Many thanks

JayBoy

[Nidgey]

I can recommend Dr Marwan Bukhari at Royal Lancaster Infirmary, but also Dr Lesley Ottewell or Dr Marco Massarroti at the same hospital. They also visit Furness General at Barrow in Furness and Westmorland General at Kendal.

[Oldman-1]

I`m in just your situation. I`ve spoken to 2 GP`s regarding my Polymyalgia. That was in June. I have a consultation with a Rheumatologist in November. For me, it`s a long wait but I`ll know for sure that I`m not being used as an experiment by GP`s. The consultant is at Leighton Hospital.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

As jinasc says - have you been in contact with your own local charity?

pmrgcasupport.co.uk/

"PMR-GCA North West is an established support group for anyone affected by these conditions including friends, family and professionals. The aim of the group is to give people the chance to compare notes and share experiences with others affected by PMR and GCA."