Treatment of patients by rheumatologist

[Linlang]

Saw a registrar this week at Hemel hospital. She was the only rheumatologist there- no consultant and five patients in front of us so we waited 1 hour 15 minutes before I was seen.

As you all know patients with pmr and other chronic diseases wait on average 5 months to see a rheumatologist and need time to discuss concerns and symptoms their g.p. doesnt know. The poor doctor looked exhausted and harassed but did listen and give helpful advice.

My main concern now is painful swollen ankles and insteps and she suggested an X-ray. When I phoned radiology at my nearest hospital in the group was told all X-ray requests are sent electronically and a form needs to be brought in accessed by a radiologist and the patient will then be contacted with an appointment if appropriate!!

So with my mobility issues I am expected to go to Watford General - fortunately I have a g.p. Apointment booked and will ask her for an electronic request.

How pathetic and not as it was when I was a radiographer.....

[SheffieldJane]

It’s quite frightening really, not being able to rely on the NHS like we used to. Sorry you’ve had this stress on top of everything else.

I declined 3 proffered dates for my next Rheumatologist appointment because I will be away - I then received a letter to say I have been discharged into the care of my GP. I have never missed an appointment in 3 years!

[Linlang in reply to SheffieldJane]

Thanks Sheffield Jane

My local m.p. Told me to direct my concerns to the

Department for health. I spoke about the long wait for people with chronic conditions to see a rheumatologist and the problems seeing a named g.p. who knows the many side effects etc. I had a reply from Nicola Blackwood who spoke about medicine shortages nothing about waiting times for people like us and only mentioned that GP determine how they run their surgeries. I feel it was a waste of time to write. They are really not interested.I would welcome the chance to meet the minister in person.

[SheffieldJane in reply to Linlang]

Good for you. I am surprised she raised medicine shortages, bit of an own goal for the government, and worrying.

[Rugger in reply to SheffieldJane]

Jane, I'm sure if you ring or email Sally, our Rheumy's secretary and explain the situation, she will be able to reinstate you onto the system. PM me if you don't have the contact details. x

[Telian in reply to SheffieldJane]

Not acceptable SJ. Contact the Rheumy secretary they usually are understanding.

It’s not as if you’re a serial non-attender!

[SheffieldJane in reply to Telian]

I did and they said they’d get back to me and haven’t yet. The number I have is a sort of central booking service for Leeds. The woman I spoke to initially was quite passive aggressive as if I had no right to proffer dates when I could get a lift and no right to go away either. The letter makes it sound like I didn’t even phone. Sigh! I will ask for Rugger’s hotline.

[Telian in reply to SheffieldJane]

That’s the problem, we don’t seem to get a right to reply - the appt. call centres can’t make any decisions only follow instructions- three strikes and you’re out. Good luck with Rugger’s hotline, think you’ll get a result. My Rheumy’s Secretary is always so helpful.

Makes me nervous that I’m leaving it all behind soon!

[SheffieldJane in reply to Telian]

What do you mean? Leaving it all behind. Have I missed some news?

[Telian in reply to SheffieldJane]

We're moving from South to North - have such good healthcare here but needs must. Will be 3mins walk from eldest son. For health reasons we've decided, I care for hubby and it doesn't get any easier as you get older so we're going! Waiting for a date..... Son's been pestering for years but I wouldn't - then we found this house..... So probably see the same Rheumie as you, once I get my bearings.

[SheffieldJane in reply to Telian]

I hope that your move goes smoothly and that this new house just wraps itself around you. 3 minutes walk! You lucky people,

[Telian in reply to SheffieldJane]

Thank you Jane - it’s what’s needed now. The house needs an update but I really don’t care.

There’s still the void of no 2 son in Oz!! Never gets any easier even after 15 years! Hubby told him yesterday the next time he comes over he’s nailing the doos shut to stop him going back!

[SheffieldJane in reply to Telian]

I think that you will be delighted with Sarah Mackie. As well as her vast knowledge of and interest in our conditions, she is one of those doctors with a healing presence.

My eldest daughter has been in NSW for 15 years plus. I was there when she and her OH bought a beautiful old style cottage, with wrap around veranda, with a wonderful huge,mature, garden and a swimming pool. The schools are great, medical care is great. They just wouldn’t have this lifestyle here. Now my other daughter is building a great life there too. Broken heart aside, I have decided that love can be letting go. Son off to Scotland in September to do a masters in Psychology. To my much grieved for, old home town of Edinburgh.

I wish you great joy in your new situation and much relief. We never know what life is going to throw our way. You’ll arrange for bits to be done to your new home as you grow to love it. 🌷🌷🌷

[Telian in reply to SheffieldJane]

Thank you Jane, in our conditon we need those qualities and it is reassuring to hear it.

You are right the quality of life in Oz cannot be replicated here and I know that they're there to stay. I have become used to the girls having such a good life and wouldn't change it. They're doing well in their studies and hopefully will have a great future. The depression I had when they first moved is deeply hidden in us both, it will never go but we accept the situation and am happy and immensely proud of them all.

You'll miss your Son being at home but you know he's not that far away. You can look forward to visiting him and your old home town.

I do wait for the relief once we've moved, and am really positive deep down. At the moment we're here and want to be there and it feels so stressful. I can't wait to put my stamp on the house.

Thank you for your kind words Jane, very much appreciated. x

[SheffieldJane in reply to Telian]

Don’t hide it too well Telian, my daughter accused me of not missing her at all and only being bothered about the boys. You can’t win mum!

[Telian in reply to SheffieldJane]

Not intentionally anyway. Thankfully I haven't been accused of that.

When Rebecca talked about moving to England for two years while her boyfriend finished his internship as a paramedic, my Son said 'for the first time I think I know how you must have felt when we left Mum!'

[Constance13 in reply to SheffieldJane]

I'm really pleased I don't live in England now!!!!!!

[Telian in reply to Constance13]

Where I currently live we have very good healthcare Constance.

[Constance13 in reply to Telian]

Sorry! I just get the impression that most of the doctors/specialists don't get the time to really take care of their patients.

I know some areas of the NHS are excellent, but if you happen to live in a poorer (not money wise) area it's rather 'dodgy'.

[Telian in reply to Constance13]

Some are better at it than others - don't know if we've been lucky (or not - having so many ailments) but we are well known in the system and get on really well with all the Doctors. They do all they can to help us when it's needed.

Hope you are well Constance. x

[Constance13 in reply to Telian]

Have you any idea how they are in your new town? Probably your son has informed you.

I'm doing OK. You get used to 'coping', as you well know. Age catches us all up (at least us 'lucky' ones).

Life is good for an 80 year old.😂🍾🍸💃

[Constance13 in reply to Constance13]

Having said that 'coping' - I da..we.. can't with this weather!!!🥴🦟

[Telian in reply to Constance13]

The weather is not good for anyone ne’er mind ‘us oldies’. We’re just not used to it. Do you have air-con in your lovely apartment?

[Constance13 in reply to Telian]

No, it's not really necessary. The roof sticks out about a yard (not too near the windows) so it keeps pretty cool in here and we have an electric fan to do the rest.😀

The courtyard is shady with plants and trees so it makes a pleasant place to sit.

It's too hot for me to go into the Spar gardens (not enough shade)!

Hope your move goes well - it's always traumatic! Don't forget to rest (as often as possible)!

Hugs and best wishes. Constance

🍀🌿💐💐

[Telian in reply to Constance13]

We have the fans too. It’s a big old house so nice and cool.

Sound an idyllic place really. Me too can’t be out in the sun. It’s enough getting to the car from the supermarket!

Thank you for the good wishes when moving. Over 30 years since our last move and it wasn’t this stressful then. Must be our age as well. Wrong time of life but it’s a means to an end now.

Take care 💐 x

[Constance13 in reply to Telian]

👍🍾🍸🍸

[Telian in reply to Constance13]

I have looked into it and seems like any other - proof of the pudding is in the eating! They have different Services come to the surgery weekly - saves a journey to the hospital! My biggest yearn will be travel distance to the hospital as we are spoiled here. All within 2 mile radius. Suppose once we get there it won’t seem as daunting.

Son’s surgery is In the next village as he preferred to stay with them when he moved last. That’s another option if necessary.

Good to hear you’re ‘coping Constance - we are lucky really. X