Rheumatologist recommended in uk

[Bagginswoodman]

Hi, I'm considering going private to see a rheumatologist and wondered if anyone has done this and could recommend someone who has good knowledge of PMR please as I'm not having much luck with my GP who seems to not relate any symptoms and dismiss any links which I am convinced of. I do not fancy the long wait for a nhs appointment as I've already been struggling now since January Thx

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Plenty have seen a rheumatologist privately - but might be useful if you narrowed it down a bit… by stating approximately where you life - and how far you are willing to travel..

[Bagginswoodman]

Thank you for the reply,I'm based west midlands/ Worcester/ Shropshire border and I would Go as far as Manchester north and Bristol south, I was thinking also video appointment but I am not sure if that would be helpful as if further tests were needed would you need to travel anyway?

Regards

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Bagginswoodman]

That’s gives a better idea, thanks. .. and I think most good ones would want a F2F appointment first time around.

Hope you get some names….

[Bagginswoodman in reply to DorsetLady]

Yes I agree thx 🙏

[Marypatmorgan in reply to Bagginswoodman]

I have an appointment booked to see a Professor Ben Parker in Manchester in a couple of weeks time and am happy to report back.

I haven’t had a recommendation for him but he seems the best option as I have GCA as well as PMR. He does initial F2F then remote if preferred/easier.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

There was a very good PMR chap in Telford/Oswestry I think but he may have retired and I don't remember the name. MrsNails may know. Manchester has been a bit of a desert in the past. Part of the problem is that often very good PMR people don't do private work.

Our favoured go-to for the southern half of the UK is Rod Hughes in Chertsey. We know that he does a f2f for the first consultation and subsequently does video calls.

Joel David in Oxford seems promising.

[Bagginswoodman in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks for the reply, I'll check those out, shame mr Hughes is 3 hours+ 😞

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Bagginswoodman]

But if it is just once it wouldn't be so bad. I'd travel a lot further than that to see Rod!!

[Bagginswoodman in reply to PMRpro]

You may right , I'm definitely considering it, I don't know how it works if he wanted blood's, scans etc would I have multiple visits or can he refer locally

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Bagginswoodman]

No idea I'm afraid but if you contact his secretary Jody I'm sure she'll explain.

finder.bupa.co.uk/Consultan...

and I also have this phone no

02 07031 3403

[Estellemac in reply to Bagginswoodman]

Could have a nice break away? Overnight treat yourself.

[Bagginswoodman in reply to Estellemac]

Yes very tempting 😋

[Sallyaches in reply to PMRpro]

QI saw JoelDavid when living in Oxford and he was very good and treats the whole patient.

[Joann63 in reply to PMRpro]

I'm from Manchester and would be unwilling to recommend my Rheumy Consultant. After my last consultation I came away shaking my head, wondering if he was deaf as he didn't listen to a word I said.

[Bagginswoodman in reply to Joann63]

Thats awful sorry to hear that , I guess there's good and bad hence seeking recommendations

[Marypatmorgan in reply to Joann63]

Can you name him? I’m searching for a good one in the Mcr area so it would be helpful to know who to avoid!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Marypatmorgan]

Maybe best not to on open forum…perhaps Joann63 could PM [Chat] you with name…

[Marypatmorgan in reply to DorsetLady]

Yes of course 👍

[Joann63 in reply to DorsetLady]

If I click on Marypatmorgan will that take me to private chat. I didn't want to name in an open forum

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Joann63]

Yes that’s the right way to start a chat…. and agree that’s the way to do it 😊

[Joann63 in reply to Marypatmorgan]

It's not who your booked to see.

[WhiteRabbitty]

I sympathise as I have had similar not good experiences with GP.

Although not in your area, but might be helpful to others, Dr Shahid Jawed is excellent as well as being a thoroughly lovely person. newvictoria.co.uk/our-consu...

I see him ( I have osteoarthritis and PMR) he is based around London / South and very forward thinking. I would recommend if anyone is looking in that area.

Also, hello to everyone, my first post here.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to WhiteRabbitty]

Hi and welcome! Maybe your first post - but you know how we work I assume? If not - just ask!

[WhiteRabbitty in reply to PMRpro]

Yes, thank you for asking. Been on here for a while, reading and observing others posts, also ages of the zoom/ podcasts via the charity.

Very helpful & informative

[redyrun]

Hi , in reply to your message Re: Private Rheumatologist , I highly recommend Dr. Bawa who diagnosed and treated my PMR at the Nuffield Glasgow . I have since recovered from this condition .

Phil

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to redyrun]

As Bagginswoodman lives in England, not sure he can access Rheumies in Scotland nowadays.. but will be useful for many I'm sure.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to DorsetLady]

You can go anywhere privately ...

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to PMRpro]

Blimey - I’m surprised at that…

[Bagginswoodman in reply to PMRpro]

Do you need a referral from your GP too?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Bagginswoodman]

Don't know - some doctors don't, some do.

[Wouldlovetorun]

Good morning Bagginswoodman!How are you? Have you made any progress with getting an appointment?

I would recommend Prof Hughes.

The difference a good rheumy makes is so valuable.

You know your own limitations in travelling but I think he would be such a great help and worth the long distance.

Best wishes

🤗x

[Bagginswoodman in reply to Wouldlovetorun]

No joy jet, I tried a recommendation local to me and had a reply saying that I needed a GP referral and next appointment was 4th September? I think I will book Mr Hughes and travel, hopefully if he wants scans bloods etc they can be done locally

[Wouldlovetorun in reply to Bagginswoodman]

🤗Are you able to ask your gp for blood tests and take the results with you?

Prof Hughes looked at my blood test results from (my gp was so v supportive) when I was first diagnosed and a number of months later. He listens. And took my (what seemed to me) huge burden and dealt with it. Reassuring, caring and experienced. I very much value his help. With his support and guidance I feel so very much better than I was. It's not magic. These things take time. But I was told by one of the 2 rheumies i saw (nhs) I wouldn't get below 10mg prednisolone: with Prof Hughes I have🙂

Best wishes

🤗x

[Bagginswoodman in reply to Wouldlovetorun]

Unfortunately I haven't had much luck with my GP despite 2 months of symptoms he can't seem to move from thinking it's tendonitis, old age etc hence the reason for a more specialist opinion.

[Wouldlovetorun in reply to Bagginswoodman]

I went months and months before seeing my gp. And grew worse and worse. I was ready for a wheelchair. I hope you get the help you need.🌸