Can anyone recommend a rheumatologist in East Sussex?

[seagran]

Preferably nearest to Eastbourne. Self-pay, no GP referral.

Looking for an initial consultation, hoping for confirmed diagnosis.

Thanks in advance!

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I'm fairly sure this guy has had his praises sung:

esht.nhs.uk/person/sathiana...

michelham.com/consultants/s...

[seagran in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you. I'm hoping to get to see my GP in the next two days for a referral to ESHT rheumatology. I saw him this Monday as an emergency and was expecting to be referred to rheumatology, he said he was referring me to more than one clinic. In the event, he referred me to ophthalmology twice. Got a phone call from them later the next day to tell me to go to A&E to be seen by a stroke specialist! If I don't get that referral from the GP I will be looking for a private consultation.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to seagran]

They are right enough - GCA can present similar to stroke, it is a stroke in all but name. But your GP sounds a bit doolally! In an emergency he should be writing a letter, pressing it in your sweaty little paw and sending you to the hospital that has a rheumy dept and an A&E. A phone call ahead wouldn't go amiss. Wonder what he does with his ?stroke or ?heart attack patients - medical emergencies like GCA.

[seagran in reply to PMRpro]

It's a long story. I have been monitored for years by the local ophthalmology dept for glaucoma, laser surgery, no problems since, was discharged to optician 2021. In 2011 I underwent open heart surgery. 1 month post op I experienced one episode of amaurosis fugax, diagnosed as micro clot from surgery, no treatment as at the time taking warfarin for other post op effect, atrial fibrillation. No repeats.

As reported, this Monday I saw the GP due to episode of fugax, tender forehead and scalp, aching head, following fluey cold and what I thought was a bout of sinusitis. It was impossible to get through on the phone to the GP surgery for nearly three hours, when I did I was told all appointments, phone and physical, were gone and to try again the next morning. I used engage.gp and the GP called me in urgently. Frankly, I thought he looked exhausted. He took a history, made an examination. Made provisional diagnosis of GCA, took bloods. Told me he would send referrals to more than one clinic, he would have to decide what was best, but there would be no-one available until the morning so nothing could be done now. Prescribed 30mg pred. for 7 days start immediately and told me to expect phone calls in 24-48 hrs. Surgery was closing up as I left.

I got the phone call from ophthalmology. Not to be seen. I was told the GP had said that I had been suffering TIAs since 2011 (not to my knowledge) that I should go immediately to A&E, say I had been referred to see a doctor from the stroke clinic.

I presented myself as directed and was told that I would see the triage nurse, when I mentioned a doctor from stroke clinic the response was "I don't think so!" Waited more than two hours and saw triage nurse. Explained situation. Her response was you will only see the A&E doctor, your GP should have referred you direct to clinic. According to the stroke index your problem is, for the moment, resolved, you are not an emergency, you should not have been sent here. I was told that the A&E doctor would only decide whether I should be referred to the TIA Clinic he would not take bloods or do tests as I had been told. I would have at least another hour to wait. I checked out on the basis that I would see my GP for referral, rather than waste my time or the doctor's.

Optician appointment next week for routine eye examination.

Couldn't get through to the surgery today. Will try again tomorrow and if unsuccessful will go through engage.gp again or present myself as immovable object in the reception area. I have meds until Sunday so need a prescription to give more time to resolve my problem.

I not only live near the sea, I am at sea!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to seagran]

What an appalling catalogue. Need to get their act together!

If the guy I've mentioned is locally known as Dr Sam (with a name like that he should be!) he is said to be very good.

[Smallstepsforward]

Dr Hajela is excellent. He works in Brighton, Hayward’s heath and London. He’s private and NHS.

[seagran in reply to Smallstepsforward]

Thank you!

[Seacat30 in reply to Smallstepsforward]

Interesting because I have never encountered him or seen his name on my visits to Rheumatology at The Royal Sussex Brighton. The department seems to be run by someone else and you never see her either. All appointments are with Registrars who change on a yearly basis.

[Shytot]

Hi I am coming to East Sussex tomorrow Blackboys my daughter's friend is a part time clinician and part time researcher a PMR specialist. I don't know if she would see you privately I will ask and let you know she works at Brighton university but I don't know where she lives. Regards

[seagran in reply to Shytot]

Thank you!

[Svete]

I'm from Eastbourne, but I see a rheumatologist in London, also last two years a different Registrars doctor.not really helpful.have been thinking to go private for a consultation.

[seagran]

Phone call with GP today. Bloods normal, GP says confirm not GCA. Now awaiting referral to stroke clinic for amaurosis fugax. GP apologised for confusion. Referral to Ophthalmology was whilst waiting for blood results, when he would decide whether to refer to stroke or rheumatology. Ophthalmology jumped the gun, apparently don't know how the system works. Confirmed I have not "been suffering TIAs since 2011." Couldn't explain tenderness etc. no blisters so not shingles. Stop prednisolone, double aspirin.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to seagran]

Normal bloods DO NOT CONFIRM anything. The ONLY confirmation of GCA is a positive biopsy - a negative biopsy is also NOT confirmation it is not GCA, it only means they didn't find what they were looking for. Not the same thing at all.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Okay…let’s hope they are correct and things get sorted for you.,

[Mike1964]

Hi Seagran

I live in Eastbourne and have been under rheumatology for 4 years at the DGH. I paid for a private consultation with Dr Rod Hughes at Churtsey Hospital 3 weeks ago as I’m so fed up with them! I’m sure they’re ok if you are lucky enough to have raised bloods BUT, if not avoid like the plague!! I have PMR and now looking like GCA again. I was very impressed with Dr Hughes and would certainly recommend. I hope you get some answers soon

[seagran in reply to Mike1964]

That's a bit of a worry! Blood and money, in every nook and cranny in a human being or an organisation. Follow them around it and they will uncover a lot, but still may not tell you the whole story.