Rheumatologist

[ChrisinNam]

I went to see a Rheumatologist on Monday. I was quite apprehensive, having read so many bad reports on this forum. But he was a very nice young man, very thorough. He asked me how did it start, etc., He read my notes very carefully. He did a few tests of my muscle strength (VERY little) and said he wasn't 100% certain that it is PMR. I said, well, it doesn't matter what it is, if the treatment is working, surely? He agreed. I told him my lovely nurse at the local GP practice had advised a reduction of 0.5mg every six weeks, and he said to carry on doing that. I was very pleasantly surprised. He ordered blood tests - I didn't ask what for! But you see, there ARE good ones out there who DO listen.

[123mossie]

How nice to hear of a consultant that listens & prepared to work with his patient. Very encouraging, a gold star for him!⭐️⭐️

[Bachblues in reply to 123mossie]

Mine is very good too!

[SheffieldJane]

My Rheumatologist is great too. You are right, we call out the bad ones, but mainly so that people know what’s not acceptable. They are all individual like we are I suppose. Sounds like you got a goodie.

[borednow in reply to SheffieldJane]

I found myself a Consultant Orthopaedic guy a few years ago. He is lovely and I'm thinking of adopting him!!

[Longtimer in reply to borednow]

Me too, have had two terrible Rheumies, the one now is 100% different....brilliant man...just hope he stays at my hospital!

Last year the hospital asked if patients would nominate someone who is outstanding....I named him....they told him, he thanked me for that....but I think they should also ask if there are those we wouldn't recommend!...

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Longtimer]

To be fair - one of your appalling ones seems to be learning and mellowing!

[Longtimer in reply to PMRpro]

We live in hope...he was very smiley and pleasant when you went in his room.......then it all changes....I got the impression he would have been interested if I'd had GCA....couldn't be bothered with PMR....here's the sheet, follow that, drop pre d quickly, if you become in pain it's not PMR, I will never forget that, I was so glad my sister was with me...thought I was hearing things!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Longtimer]

Maybe his contacts with Sarah and Max have had an effect!

[Longtimer in reply to PMRpro]

I have in the past told Max about him when I had to tell him of my history with PMR....I hope you are right for the sake of others who maybe sent to him....🙏

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Longtimer]

I think he was present when Sarah was holding forth about what a complex disorder PMR is, not at all the simple thing it has always been dismissed as. So it will have gone up in his estimation!

[Longtimer in reply to PMRpro]

Do you think he thought...oops I've being doing this wrong!.....but seriously we can only hope he takes on board what he has heard from the best!...

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Longtimer]

Don't be silly - wouldn't goTHAT far. But realised that maybe there was a bit more to this than he had been thinking.

[Longtimer in reply to PMRpro]

Unfortunately arrogance prevails with some of his type, like we read on here most days!

[Bcol]

Hi and good morning, although to be fair it's not very inspiring with howling wind and lashing rain, however, great to hear you've had a good experience and that things are going well.

[Bcol]

I can't answer re the Rheumies as I've never had one but most doctors surgeries will have a number of doctors and you will generally get to see whoever is available.

[Suffererc in reply to Bcol]

I always ask for the same one. We don’t always agree but she does say I know my own body.

[Orla1968]

I am in UK and have had the same doctor every time. No dealings with Rheumies

[borednow in reply to Orla1968]

Yes, same here. OK if the doctor knows what he's talking about BUT ......... Jack of all trades, Master of none springs to mind.

[Orla1968 in reply to borednow]

I’ve been very lucky. My doctor is very knowledgeable on PMR and has been keeping in regular contact since diagnosed last year with phone and face to face appointments 🙂

[borednow in reply to Orla1968]

He/She's a keeper then!!

[Orla1968 in reply to borednow]

She definitely is . Had her for a few years now

[Hidden in reply to borednow]

Agree 100% Docs know a little bit about lots of thing....sadly not a lot about lots of things !! I prefer to see the experts in their field. Sadly, today it's so hard to see any of them. Trying to go back to see my rheumy via NHS proving so hard. Now have to go through triage, more paper-work, so a wait for that, then another wait to see rheumy again. So it's looking more likely I'll have to go down the private route again then back on his NHS list. Same with Dermatology, that looks private too if I want my issues dealt with asap. Having said that more and more seem to be paying these days making their private appts just as long. Where did all this go wrong. Too many in our little country and not enough money being spend wisely and not wasted in the NHS

[PMRpro Ambassador]

"Do people in the UK see the same doctor for repeat visits"

Depends - do you mean PCPs or specialists? Most PCP practices will have several doctors (officially single-handed practices are not allowed since Harold Shipman's shenanigans) and different policies. If you want an urgent on-the-day appointment you rarely get a choice, you see who is on duty. If you want/need a follow-up appointment most practices would accommodate seeing the same doctor if possible.

Specialist appointments are always at the hospital unless you go privately (separate system) and that usually means being under a team headed by a consultant grade doctor. You may see anyone but your treatment is supervised by the consultant. Then it depends on the consultant - some are very diligent about seeing their patients themselves, others less so. To some extent it also depends on the reason for the follow-up visit as routine 6 monthly monitoring may simply be a case of looking at signs and symptoms - but any red flags will be passed on to the consultant to decide on what to do next. The junior members of the team will rotate as part of the training scheme - that is anyone who hasn't yet passed their Membership exams.

[patrickd]

I am from the US and I am very pleased with my current female Rheumatologist. We currently only have 2 actual Rheumatologists (not a PA) available in my WNY area as there is a nationwide shortage. My RA does require me to have bloodwork every 3 months to check my liver enzymes among other numbers (inflammation, sugar etc). I do believe it's tricky to get a firm and clear diagnosis of PMR as there are several factors or boxes to be checked off (MRI, Ultrasounds, ESR (inflammation markers), symptoms OH, YIKES! PAIN, PAIN, PAIN (biggest maker). My RA told me that PMR is very hand in hand with RA and I believe that. Sounds though you are in good hands!

[Hidden]

Morning, what part of the country do you live in ? I have a young rheumy too.

[ChrisinNam in reply to Hidden]

I'm in North Wales.

[Hidden]

Me in Kent