Any recommendations for a rheumatologist please . Surrey,London Home Counties.

[SurreyFlower]

I’m having a telephone consultation with my GP today and am considering asking her for a referral to a rheumatologist (can go private) From reading previous posts there seem to be a variety of experiences.

I feel that since the initial response to 15mg of Pred back last December I’ve been yo-yoing trying to control the pain. I managed to get to 11mg back in April, almost at a tolerable level but after a flare of diverticulitis have gone back up to 15mg for almost a month but the pain in my hips, buttocks and legs is still dreadful.

I’m going to ask the GP if I can have a blood test but generally feel this going up and down in dose can’t be good , particularly if I can’t get stable at a dose that keeps things manageable. I’m also wondering if a referral to an empathetic rheumatologist would be a good thing . I’d be grateful if anyone has any recommendations for the Surrey,London Home Counties area. Thanks,

[Marijo1951]

I can recommend Dr Pamela Mangat. I see her at the Royal Free which is probably a bit far for you to travel, but she also has a private clinic in central London.

[linda49]

Dr Rod Hughes at Chertsey seems to come highly recommended by many on here.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Another plug for Rod Hughes at Chertsey - he is approachable and caring and, above all, listens.

drrahughesrheumatologyltd.com/

Often he will transfer patients who first see him privately to his NHS list.

You do know there is a Surrey support group? Obviously not meeting at the moment but I'm sure they also provide info during the lockdown.

pmrgca.co.uk/groups/

pmrgca.co.uk/group-pages/su...

Listed under Surrey, also meets in Chertsey

[SurreyFlower in reply to PMRpro]

Yes thank you. I have been chatting with the support group and we are currently having Zoom meetings.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to SurreyFlower]

Oh that's good. EVERYBODY could "go" - brilliant group!

[jinasc in reply to PMRpro]

And another plug for Rod.

[suzy1959]

Yet another plug for Rod Hughes.

He knows his stuff and is empathic and reassuring. I got through 3 other Rheumy's before finding him and finally feeling he was on my wavelength. I think he now gets all the "difficult" cases (like me) and so has a lot of experience!

I have been signed off for a while now because I have spent the last 2 years having 4 replacement surgeries, but may need a referral soon to see hime again.

By the way, he works for NHS at St. Peter's Hospital, Ashford and privately at The Runnymeade Hospital. The NHS service there is very good.

[SurreyFlower in reply to suzy1959]

Thank you .I’ve managed to get an appointment to see him on Monday🎉. The wonders of health insurance 😊

[Telian in reply to suzy1959]

Can remember your surgeries- you doing okay now?

[suzy1959 in reply to Telian]

Yes, thank you, although the PMR keeps interfering with my rehab/exercise regime- I've had to increase the Pred. 3 times so far. So annoying! In much less pain however.

[Telian in reply to suzy1959]

Sounds like the body is objecting a little but you seem to be managing it well. Being pain free is all we can hope for.

[suzy1959 in reply to Telian]

So true!