Recommendations for a rheumatologist in Merseyside area please.

[Pennypip]

I was 65 in August, about six to eight weeks ago I started having really painful hips, fatigued, night sweats, eye and temple pains.

I have mild lupus (remission) so was discharged by my rheumatologist in January 21

My GP recently did some bloods. ESR 10

He told me to contact rheumatology department. I spoke with nurse who reassured me that bloods were fine.

I’m still having these symptoms some days more than others so I am thinking of seeing a private rheumatologist, any recommendations please.

My GP said it could be 3-4 months to get NHS referral through. He is sending me for MRI on head and neck.

Rheumatologist Merseyside region please 🙏

[piglette]

You could be one of those people who do not have raised inflammation markers. Why can’t your GP treat you? The waiting list for a rheumatologist seems to be months nowadays unless you go privately.

[Pennypip in reply to piglette]

GP didn’t want to put me on steroids, would prefer I see Rheumatologist first.

He wants me to have repeat bloods and requesting an MRI

Thanks for your reply 😊

[piglette in reply to Pennypip]

If you can see a rheumie reasonably soon fair enough, but if you have to wait in the NHS queue that is asking you to go through possibly unnecessary pain. Would your GP give you steroids for a week as a test?

[Pennypip in reply to piglette]

He said no. I woke with an awful cough and cold yesterday and weirdly didn’t have as many symptoms of PMR/GCA I wondered if because my immune system was fighting an infection it wasn’t attacking me 🤷‍♀️

[piglette in reply to Pennypip]

I think sometimes are brains block out one thing when something else comes along.

I cannot believe that your GP is happy for you to be left in pain for probably six months or more. It is totally wrong.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Out of interest - did you have a good relationship with the previous rheumy? Do they do private work?

[Pennypip in reply to PMRpro]

I’m not sure, I’ll find out.

Yes I did have a good relationship with rheumatologist, but because my bloods were negative and I seemed to be in a remission. I think that’s why he discharged me. He didn’t inform me he just sent letter to GP saying to refer back if I started feeling ill again.

My GP is going to write to him but told me it could be months before I get to see him because recent bloods are ok.

Thanks for responding will ring his secretary today 😊

[CarolF1312]

I saw Dr Zoe McLaren privately at Spire Liverpool.She was very knowledgeable on PMR.

She also has NHS clinics at Aintree/Broadgreen hospital.

I am currently being treated on NHS Dr Jennifer Christie at Broadgreen. She is also very understanding and has a collaborative approach to treatment plans.

Good luck

[Pennypip in reply to CarolF1312]

Thank you ❤️