Rheumatologist appointment

[Bling123]

I have been referred to rheumatologist and had to make my own appointment from a choice of 4 hospitals and the nearest date was end of February. As this site is great with knowledgeable facts about all to do with PMR and GCA etc . Is this the normal time scale to see specialist .

[Seacat30]

Was the referral marked as urgent? Mine was and I was seen within 2 weeks in June. My 2 month follow up is at 6 months though.

[Bling123 in reply to Seacat30]

no dot think so

[Seacat30 in reply to Bling123]

I don't think you get to see anyone at all soon unless it is flagged as urgent.

[Bling123 in reply to Seacat30]

thanks

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Unfortunately sounds about right, but you have said previously there is some chance it may be GCA as well as PMR, if so then really needs to be sooner.

Since previous post have you got any further with the teeth/jaw issues, or is this referral part of the ongoing investigation?

As you’ve booked an appointment, whether online or phone, then I would be checking regularly the help phone line to see if any cancellations come up.

Plus, as stated before, if any issues surrounding jaw and especially sight suggesting GCA then ring GP, nhs111 or go to A&E as a matter of urgency.

[Bling123 in reply to DorsetLady]

Hi Dorsetlady i have a referral for a jaw clinic coming up as well 🤣 so will see how long that take . Dr has put my steroids up and my ESR levels have gone down . Still seeing dentist about sensitivity might have to take tooth out because of receding gum issue but still doesnt resolve other problems

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Bling123]

Ok-well just see how things pan out- but advice still stands on A&E etc - just hope it’s not necessary.

[Bling123 in reply to DorsetLady]

thanks

[jinasc in reply to Bling123]

Did the GP prescribe AA as well, if so stop it as some dentists won't do work on your jaw or teeth.

AS Dorset Lady has said - A&E.

[Bling123 in reply to jinasc]

changed it to something else as i found that made it worse

[Rugger in reply to Bling123]

If the 'something else' is still a bisphosphonate drug, you should discuss that with your dentist asap.

[SheffieldJane]

Sadly, this sounds almost good for nowadays. My concern for you is that if this is GCA then it is imperative that you are treated for it immediately. You get no second chances with your eyesight in particular. A&E jumps all the queues for the tests you need. I know they are creaking at the seams but my recent visit made me feel that I was definitely a priority with our conditions. I got a same day head CT scan too. You have to be prepared to wait hours for all the tests but it is worth it. Your GP doesn’t seem at all sure of their ground. I expect you have asked if there is a fast track for GCA?

[Bling123 in reply to SheffieldJane]

thanks

[PMRpro Ambassador]

At the present time I'd say it was pretty good for a routine appointment wait, in fact, in some places even for an urgent referral (that just means sooner than routine!), If there is any question you might have GCA then the GP should be sending you off to A&E with a letter pressed in your sweaty little pawand the key word is EMERGENCY!

And if the jaw pain worsens or you get any other GCA-like symptoms bypass the GP and head for A&E and emphasise the PMR diagnosis and link to your syptoms. Even regional hospitals like Scarborough have a GCA protocol so I'd hope most do these days (ever the optimist me!)

[Bling123 in reply to PMRpro]

thanks

[piglette]

That sounds pretty impressive in this day and age.

[Bling123 in reply to piglette]

thanks

[Flivoless]

I have the opposite problem. Saw Rheumy Nurse a few weeks ago, which was a complete waste of her time and mine and then I was sent another appointment for just two weeks after that, which I rejected and now have yet another one for this Thursday. Either they don't have enough customers or they think they know something I don't and I'm about to expire or something. I have steadily reduced PMR from 25 to now 13 since May with, touch wood, no problems so far. Not taken any of the "additional" drugs prescribed at the outset either, just good old yoghurt with the Pred.

[PMRNewcomer]

I was diagnosed in February 2020 and am still waiting to see a rheumatologist

[Rugger]

Five years ago, so before Covid, I had to wait 9 months to see my Rheumatologist. Do you suppose the waiting time is shorter at any of the other 3 hospitals, or do you imply that this was the best date on offer?

[Bling123 in reply to Rugger]

Checked them all soones28th Feb

[sampete]

I saw a Rheumatologist within 2 weeks of being referred in July and have seen a rheumatology nurse 3 times since then ,with next appointment next week.

[Bling123 in reply to sampete]

Where do you live ?

[Capprice]

I'd research (reviews) the best of all of the 4 locations (rheumy's) offered and wait for the one that floats your boat! Quality is imperative over speed .. unless, of course, its GCA x

[Liby57]

Think it’s a postcode lottery. I last saw my Rheumatologist in September and have another appointment for Dec. It took about 4 months to get my initial first appointment in 2020 but that was due to Covid restrictions.

[Bling123]

Thanks all for your replies. Are these rheumatologist any good at sorting problems out , it seem like mixed replies about outcomes .

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Bling123]

Like any professions, there are some good people and some not so good!