Any suggestions for a decent rheumy to see privately?

[mrstrestle]

Good morning all, wonder if anyone can help me. I live in South Somerset with Taunton, Dorchester, Yeovil all within easy reach, Bristol, Bath a bit more difficult but doable. Can anyone recommend a rheumy for me to see privately?

Many thanks

Judith

[jinasc]

Bristol everytime......................PMR&GCAuk South West Support Group can tell you all about Consulatants in your area (South West) and they run support groups in some locations.

Go the PMR GCA UK website, the national charity, which runs this thread and get in contact. Nothing like meeting 'real' people.

[mrstrestle in reply to jinasc]

Yes, I love meeting 'real' people, but unfortunately it isn't always possible to get to the support group. I have been to our support group, but haven't been able to go for some months due to effects of the steroids: was on complete bed rest for 3 months with a ruptured Achilles tendon; then been ill for 2 months with shingles (still suffering pain from that) during which time my blood pressure was in the stroke zone and I was admitted to hospital; then admitted to hospital following severe vomiting which led to dehydration.

[jinasc in reply to mrstrestle]

Sorry to see all the extra illnesses you just do not need.

If you have a telephone number for the support group or email address, contact them, they do know consultants and will help.

[Telian in reply to mrstrestle]

Can't help you with Rheumy just wanted to say how sorry to hear you are suffering so badly and hope you start to improve very soon.

[mrstrestle in reply to Telian]

Thanks Telian & jinasc. My GP believes I have an extreme sensitivity to the Pred. and need to come off asap, but the drugs I need have to be prescribed by a consultant. Have also had hallucinations and crumbling teeth which need to come out, but maxilla facial won't touch me until I am down to at least 4 mg (currently on 5.5) because they are frightened of necrosis of the jaw - I certainly don't want that.

I am (or thought I was) under the rheumy dept. at Taunton, I saw them last year, but they are now saying I am not and treating me as a 'new' patient. I will have to wait 4 months for an appointment and I need help now. My GP has written to them twice stressing this, but they won't budge.

[Telian in reply to mrstrestle]

I'm so sorry to hear that, it can't be right ... how long is it exactly since you saw Rheumy at Taunton, did they tell you they were discharging you on your last visit? which I'm sure you would have recalled if so. I would call the rheumy secretary not the appointments line and ask why they are saying you are not under them. If she still insists you are not ask her for a copy of the discharge summary/review letter advising your GP of the discharge (which you should also have been copied into). There has to be something in writing somewhere. Failing that you could ask PALS to look into this, save you the stress. If all else fails going private maybe another option - or go to A&E if you fee so ill, worth trying!

If you've done all of this then I am sorry and can only hope you get a result sooner rather than later. What's your GP saying about it all?

Let us know how you get on please.

[Hidden]

I went to see Dr Ellie Korendowych privately at The Bath Clinic last year. Is a lovely, very good Consultant and put me on the right track. I have PMR/GCA. Now on 23mg. Diagnosed Nov 2016 started on 40mg. Hope this helps.

[mrstrestle in reply to Hidden]

Thanks rlake. I'll check her out.