How do you get diagnosed on the NHS

[Treetop33]

Hello all. I've just joined this forum and have a bit of a perplexing question. For years I've suffered from food intolerances and mild allergies. I have had (and still have) various autoimmune issues. Post Covid in 2020, I developed hay fever along with an increasing number of food intolerances qand gastrointestinal issues. Post Covid 2023 these went into overdrive with skin, GI, cardiovascular etc. symptoms and fatigue.

I was already on permanent H1 antihistamines. A couple of months ago I started on Famotidine, mainly for the acid reflux. It kinda helped a bit with the GI issues temporarily but really helped with everything else - the fatigue, joint pain, skin swelling etc. I don't want to be on it long-term however.

It's occurred to me before I might have issues with mast cell activation. However, GPs don't know anything about it and I have no idea how to get diagnosed, what treatments are available and whether specialist services are there in the UK. Can anyone tell me?

For example, having done some research, I asked my GP whether they could prescribe Cromolyn, but they have refused (and then did nothing else except put me on a waiting list for an appointment).

Very much obliged!

[Swissgirl]

Hi. I suggest you also post this on the UK Mastocytosis Support Facebook group. They are much more active than the group on Health Unlocked. Hopefully you will get some support there. facebook.com/ukmasto/

There are also members with MCAS in the group. I have both MCAS and autoimmune thyroid disease, amongst others.

[Treetop33 in reply to Swissgirl]

Thank you!

[Marcilhac]

Guys and st thomss’s hospital london

Dr grattan in immunology . I think he also sees patients privately

[amadamico]

I went to my GP who referred me to dermatology who in turn referred me to haematology. They worked together to get my diagnosis. All on NHS.