Thanks everyone

[JulieR2]

Hi everyone wanted to update you after my recent scares. Firstly I was discharged by the gynae team today following a hystoscopy. Ouch that hurt. Saw my GP bloods tomorrow. Re prescribed steriods and referral to the rheumatologist. I am planning to pay privately so if anyone can suggest a good one in the Gwent area that would be fab.

Thanks for all your support and advice as ever

[SheffieldJane]

So glad to hear that that is over!

Someone will be along about Rheumies reports seem to be getting better, they are catching on.

[Blearyeyed]

Give yourself time to rest and relax and get over the current procedure , you deserve to take a bit of time for yourself and build up your reserves for the next battle.

I don't know whom works out of Gwent , is that your nearest unit .

Obviously , if you are choosing to go private and can cope with a little travel , if you are going private you can widen your options as well.

If you see a close by private Rheumatologist in Wales who is also working for the NHS whom then wishes to take you on their books , you don't have to see the one in your closest area to take up that opportunity , they are all in Wales , the locals or GP may moan but you have that right.

If you see someone in England , however , this ability is not open for you to join their NHS books easily , Welsh NHS makes it very difficult to move for care across borders unless that unit is regularly used by them and there is no alternative available in Wales.

But , if you only want to see that particular Rheumatologist once just to get a good hold on what you should be doing and then are happy to pass continuing care to your GP using the recommendations from the private clinic your options are very open.

[Jolyn]

Hi Julie, rheumatoid is so painful and such a discomfort. If you’re planning to go privately, St Joseph’s in Newport is a good hospital. They’re pricey but private medical care always is. I recently had an endoscopy there and they were lovely. All very kind and friendly. I’m sure they would have rheumatologists there but I couldn’t recommend anyone as I don’t have that knowledge. My husband always saw Dr Gabby at St Woolos hospital, he was very nice and always prepared to listen. We also went to a rheumatoid support group at Nevill hall hospital in Abergavenny. The lady who ran it was called Alison, I’m not sure if she still does but it’s worth enquiring as they had an out of hours helpline. (I don’t know if this still exists though).

Take care

Lyn 🙂

[JulieR2 in reply to Jolyn]

Thanks so much Lyn I will give St Joesph a ring😀

[Jolyn in reply to JulieR2]

Let me know how you get on. 🙂🙃