Private Rhuemy’s names and areas covered

[Gaz227]

Hi All , I am looking for a private consultation , PMR . If any one can help with tried and tested Rhuemy’s it would be appreciated , I live in Birmingham uk , but are willing to travel . Thanks all

[PMRpro Ambassador]

You'd have to travel - but I'd travel a long way to see Rod Hughes at Chertsey! There are others I'd travel to see but they don't do private work. Just google Rod Hughes rheumatologist to get his website and see a few videos.

[Lochy]

I’ve booked to see Rod Hughes later this month (19th) and am travelling from Edinburgh. Have read so many positive comments about him.

Will let you know what I think but you might want to see him before then. Good luck

[Gaz227 in reply to Lochy]

Thanks Lochy, I have been getting his contact info together , I am seeing my GP on Friday and if I din’t Get no joy will contact him . Did you call or e-mail just wondering the correct line of approach , and do you have to give them access to your medical files or anything like that ?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Gaz227]

Sometimes you have to have a referral from a GP to see a private specialist - but if you contact RH's secretary, Jody, she will tell you all you need to know, even if you then decide not to go to see him after all.

Direct line: 01932 877 831

Email: [e-mail]

[Lochy in reply to Gaz227]

I just called his secretary, Jody directly. I didn't need a referral or anything as self funding but we agreed that I send some of my notes in advance so I can make the most of the appointment time.

[Gaz227 in reply to Lochy]

I have contacted his secretary and arranged an appointment for next Tuesday , thanks again for the info will let you know how it goes 👍

[Gaz227 in reply to Lochy]

Thanks PMRpro & Lochy fo your input to my current posting, I had an appointment with Dr Rod Hughes yesterday in Surrey and i have to say i was impressed with his approach and understanding of what PMR sufferes are going through. After reading my history and an examination, he draw a flow chart for me of his thinking and what he suggested. All my previous pain was hips and lower back , this time it was all chest upper back and neck. he referred to it as Proximal Myalgia, with my history he said he was 80% sure it was uncontrolled PMR due to a chest infection about 5 weeks ago. But 4 other things could cause the symptoms i have.

4 blood tests required, CPK, VIT D, VIT B12 and thyroid, deficiencies in any would present the same symptoms. As i haven't had blood tests for these 4 particular things in over a year i should ask my GP to do them.

Immediate plan of action was 160mg intra muscular steroid injection, and back up to 10mg for 2 weeks if that sorts it start reducing again. the injection he did there and then at my request.

So thats it up to now, back up to 10mg this morning already feeling a big reduction in pain and got a lot more movement in my neck . Fingers crossed he hit the nail on the head, even if it does feel like red rum kicked me in the back side where he put the injection lol.

This site is such a great help in situations like this, some people may not like sharing that much medical information about themselves , but if someone is struggling with similar pain, that plan of attack just might be there rest from the pains we all suffer from time to time. I'll let you now how things progress, hopefully it will improve all our knowledge of this annoying and frustraing condition.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Gaz227]

I always find it very comforting when he (or one of the others I know well) agree with some of my theories. I've been expounding them for about 8 years ...

Yes, those shots can be rather uncomfortable! But very pleased you have experienced how a medical appointment should be - and he is the same on the NHS I'm told.

[Lochy in reply to Gaz227]

Glad you feel you had a successful appointment, well worth the effort. Thanks for the update. I've got everything crossed that when I see him on the 19th I come away with slightly more definitive answers and a plan. I need something to hang onto at the moment! Will keep you posted.

[Gaz227 in reply to Lochy]

Best of luck Lochy , be sure to let us know how you get on 👍