What to expect from your rheumatologist

[123-go]

This is fitting for anyone with a chronic disease:

creakyjoints.org/doctor-pat...

Sorry folks- the link isn't working: will try again🙁.

Ok now.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Unfortunately, brilliant as Creaky is, this applies to the USA. You get stuck at the first hurdle in the UK ...

[123-go in reply to PMRpro]

I know and of course the health system there has its many problems. Doesn't hurt to aim high, though 😉.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to 123-go]

Once you have discovered the person you were referred to is less than ideal, you have lost the freedom to choose for your first referral. The alternative is to go privately - and that is no guarantee you will get someone any better without advice from here. The only guarantee is your pocket will be lighter! In Scotland you can't choose at any stage unless you go private, And in Wales - first, find a rheumy!!!!

[Cantfindanam in reply to PMRpro]

I live in Wales and have been seeing A Rheumatologist for nearly 2 years no problem!!!!!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Cantfindanam]

Then you are a very lucky person - where do you live? Near Cardiff? If you live in rural west Wales you can struggle.

[Cantfindanam in reply to Cantfindanam]

Only actually see in person every 4 to 5 months the Rheumatologist but have contact with nurses regularly by phone who are very supportive and helpful. I have been asked to take part in research into GCA which starts next week .

[123-go]

All true. Add Northern Ireland into the mix where the people are in unimaginable dire straits.

[Theziggy in reply to 123-go]

You are not wrong - I'm in Northern Ireland

[123-go in reply to Theziggy]

😔💐