A Rheumatologist who Understands

[cycli]

Finally, after a year in no-mans-land with them I have just had a consultation with one who listens and will work WITH me to resolve my condition. I was nearly in tears on the way back and so relieved. A complete suite of blood tests to rule out anything else, and to study effects on muscle tissue. Consideration of a collaborative venture to do some studies and constructive advice on a gradual taper with a staged steps up if the reduction threatens a flare. Dr Plant of James Cook in Middlesbrough was everything I had hoped for. Maybe there are more like him. I sincerely hope so.

[Kendrew]

That sounds such a wonderful thing to hear....and how reassuring for you. I feel quite envious of you, and like I'm kind of just missing out on such good care......some of my husband's family were from around the North East and James Cook has often been the hospital they've attended when unwell. I have such a close connection with there and yet unable to access it's rheumatology dept myself of course. It's the same with Leeds and Dr. Sarah Mackie..... I was born and raised in Leeds and didn't move down south till I was 33yrs old. Had I still been in Leeds, I'd probably be availing myself of her wonderful care.

I was under the care of Prof Dasgupta but he's recently retired from his NHS practice so I've no idea who I'll see next!!

It sounds like you now have a knowledgeable and understanding rheumatologist who'll listen to what you have to say, and is prepared to work cooperatively with you when deciding on the management of your condition. 👍👍👍

[cycli in reply to Kendrew]

thank you Kendrew. Yes it is a relief.

[123-go]

So pleased for you! Being under the care of someone you can talk to and who will listen promotes the positivity that's needed to cope with a long term illness. Trust and mutual respect cannot be underestimated.

[cycli in reply to 123-go]

absolutely

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Good news…so pleased you’ve found a good one!

[cycli in reply to DorsetLady]

at last

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Have to say it - told you so!!!!!

[cycli in reply to PMRpro]

yes you did and as usual quite right

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to cycli]

Sorry

[cycli in reply to PMRpro]

no need to be. thank you

[jinasc in reply to PMRpro]

Snap.

[cycli in reply to jinasc]

so you did but still grateful

[Longtimer]

Yes there is, and I felt exactly the same as you after seeing him...Dr Max Yates at the N&N.......it is so sad hearing how arrogant Rgeumatologists can be.....have had two of them till seeing Dr Yates....it makes such a difference to how we feel.....

[cycli in reply to Longtimer]

I felt on a high and so good afterwards. Yesterday was busy. walked Rex, drove over to James Cook 100miles, Had the consultation, did the weeks shopping on the way back. Drove straight to a flock club meeting almost the same distance in the evening with a farm tour on grass management and worm control in sheep. Got back at 10.30pm. legs swollen but otherwise ok. Bed at 1.30am after my meds. Tired today and slept till 8am. I'll see how things go today. Not going to do much of anything if I can help it.

[Longtimer in reply to cycli]

I need to lie down after reading what y you did yesterday!

I now went and had an early morning no steroid cortisol test, OH took me, going toward surgery my GP who I haven't seen for over two years got out of her car and said hello Linda!....I asked her how things are now at the surgery, she said as you can see our door is open..(it was) if you run g me unwell today, I would see you she said...why aren't all surgeries like that...once again I am lucky....

[cycli in reply to Longtimer]

my surgery is also patient friendly. glad you have a good rheumy.

[123-go in reply to cycli]

Rest today defo.

[cycli in reply to 123-go]

good rest day and literally wasn't able to do much. Much the same today. It certainly drains one an active day.

[jinasc]

Mike was the 2nd Consultant Rheumy (the 1st was much younger) who helped start the North East Support Group. Providing a meeting room free of charge and encouraging his patients to come to the very first meeting in the South part of the North East. The 1st one did the same for the North.

Without them and their help and expertise the DVD would never have been made.

The day we made the video was fun although I did have to tell the medics many times - 'no jargon please'.

NB: The DVD "You are NOT Alone is on You Tube and the link is in the FAQ section.

Without Grammy80 the DVD would not be on You Tube.

BTW: There are more like Mike.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to jinasc]

"There are more like Mike."

And we have hotlines to several of them!

[cycli in reply to jinasc]

I'm so glad he's not the only one.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to cycli]

Even so - they all need cloning!!!!

[cycli in reply to PMRpro]

if only.

[cycli]

He's now in charge and such a nice man. Pleasant, informed, understanding and inquisitive. I passed on your good wishes as requested and he smiled remembering the connection. So much to be thankful for. My gratitude to all who made this forum a reality.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to cycli]

The first 3 are always important - but the fourth is what we need to make things better, A friend on the Lupus forum calls then "True detectives"

[Temoral]

Brilliant! Hope now things go more smoothly...and you get more pedal power. 🚲

[cycli in reply to Temoral]

oh how I so hope so. 2 years and none so far.

[SheffieldJane]

Hurrah! for you finding one of the precious good ones. It is so therapeutic in itself.

[cycli in reply to SheffieldJane]

yes exactly. thank you Jane

[Nextoneplease]

Brilliant news cycli 😊 Here’s hoping you go from strength to strength with the help of this rheumy 🤞x

[cycli in reply to Nextoneplease]

Thank you. Yes I do hope so. I'm sure I could have been in a better condition if I'd had him from the very start.

[Romilly2]

Wonderful to hear 👍

[cycli in reply to Romilly2]

thank you

[Jackoh]

Brilliant news! So encouraging to hear! 💐

[cycli in reply to Jackoh]

onwards and upwards hopefully

[Croft9232]

Dr Plant is my Rheumie too. 3 years PMR. I speak to him again in September. He went beyond for me in that when at the last appointment I mentioned the pain in my hip, he ordered an X-ray and called me back a few days later on a Saturday morning to tell me there was no cartilage left at all, hence the pain plus some cysts. He kindly wrote to colleagues in Ortho and here I am waiting for a Total hip replacement.

Fortunately at least my PMR is behaving itself, unlike my hip.

Yes I have to agree he is Tops.

Margaret.

[jinasc in reply to Croft9232]

Pleased to hear that Mike Plant is your rheumy and you followed up on the two reccomendations you got in answer to your post.

[cycli]

So pleased for you Margaret. Makes such a difference if someone listens and takes us seriously. Hope the hip works out for you. How are you doing with the reduction of pred?