Finding a rheumatologist

[spearce]

Does anyone know of one near Bristol? My present one has given bad advice in the past and now tells me to taper down from 18 preds when my symptoms,though heaps better, are still pretty grim for some of most days. According to what I have learned from you, it might be worth trying 20 for a couple of weeks then doing a very slow taper, guided by symptoms (but never going back up beyond 20). Then I might finally get somewhere after months of yo yo-ing. I do have a small supply in hand. The GP obviously can't go against what the Rheumi said. Thank you all so much for being there!

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Um, I don't see why a GP can't ignore what a rheumy says - mine did, thank goodness!!

Which hospital are you under? Bath or Bristol?

[jinasc]

Bristol Royal Infirmary have a good Rheumatology Department.

Dr Robert Marshall Bristol Royal Infirmary...............uhbristol.nhs.uk/for-clinic...

Specialisms listed GCA & PMR.

You could also contact the PMRGCAUK Southwest Support Group which runs the Bristol Meet Up Group and confirm.

Contact: Bridget Dowling and Felicity Horton

Tel: [phone]

[Sho-Sho]

I have been seeing a Rheumatologist in Bath called Dr. Ellie Korendavitch. I was diagnosed with GCA 3 years ago and I have found her fantastic - I went to see her privately as I was finding it very difficult to see anyone at the BRI Rheumatology Department ((I was diagnosed initially through A&E there). She is a great advocate of a very slow taper schedule of steroids - also very caring. She is based at the RUH or I see her privately at the Bath Clinic.

[Poshcards in reply to Sho-Sho]

I am also under Dr Ellie and she is brilliant x

[spearce in reply to Sho-Sho]

Thank you so much. I will try and see her if things stay like this.spearcex

[spearce in reply to Sho-Sho]

Thank you SO much! Saw her yesterday and she was brilliant. It is such a relief after over a year of medical mismanagement, I'd never have found her without you.xxx

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to spearce]

Did you see her privately or NHS?

[spearce in reply to PMRpro]

It was privately. I don't think there was any other way.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to spearce]

she will also have an NHS post I would think - few don't. And often they will transfer you to their NHS list

[Sho-Sho]

Delighted, she has been my saviour!