Moving to Durham

[anthony01]

I am moving from London to Durham and think the closest specialised hospital will be Newcastle? that deal with Vasculitis PANCA and Cerebral? and have heard about Prof John Isaacs, has anyone experience of being treated in this area and any suggestions?

[jinasc]

There is Durham University Hospital in Durham.........

Also the Freeman has Vasculitis specialists.

The Trusts up here work closely together..........as we have a Medical School and we seem to get first choice when students make the grade............it is because, as the new GP next door said 5 years in Newcastle and you don't want to leave. His wife is an Obstetrician and both are from down South.

There is also a very active Vasculitis Support Group and I think it meets at the Freeman. Check it out with Vascultitis charity.

[anthony01 in reply to jinasc]

Thanks so much! how wonderful.. Something you worry about when moving but it look’s like you may have more than what I get in London and will look up the Vasculitis Support Group, as the one hear closest to me is in a difficult region to get to. Thank you for your time and answer.

[Suzym2u Moderator Vasculitis UK]

Newcastle do have a vasculitis Clinic

[Alpsy]

Hi, myself and Margaret organise meetings/support groups twice a year and we luckily have one due in September but we are still waiting for the Freeman to confirm the date. As soon as it's confirmed it will be on here but if you could email me [e-mail] then I can add you to our list for the group? I am under Prof Isacc's and he is an amazing man! The only concern is the last time I asked if he could take someone on he was full but don't let that stop you. There is another fantastic Doctor there called Bridget Griffiths who is also excellent and very well respected in the Vasculitus area. You also hav a fantastic specialist Nurse there called Karen Walker who is really nice and very experienced in Vasculitus. I can't recommend the Freeman enough it's one of the top Hospitals in the UK but as someone else has said Durham University Hospital does deal with Vasculitus Patients too if you don't want the travel. Anyway enough of me bleeting on welcome to Gods Country ( as they call it up here lol) Durham, when you get here that is you will love it! Hope to hear from you soon xx

[anthony01 in reply to Alpsy]

I can not thank you enough for this information, i will email you now.

[Alpsy in reply to anthony01]

No problem at all! This is why this group is so great created by 2 fantastic human beings Susan and John, they are just super ppl who made all this possible. Hope to c u soon xx

[jinasc in reply to Alpsy]

Alspy,

I knew as I posted that one of the Vasculitis Group up here would pick it up. Yorkshire people would dispute 'God's Own Country'.

I had GCA (in remission) and Chair PMR&GCAuk North East Support Charity Reg No: 1138409. It is our 'Tin' year 2018.

If you ever wanted to come to a support group meeting, as a visitor or a speaker you would be most welcome.

We meet in Gateshead and Middlesbrough quarterly.

Yes, Vasculitis is a large family.

[Alpsy in reply to jinasc]

Hi Jinasc!

If you speak to anyone e.g. From Bishop Auckland ect they wud argue until they were blue in the face that Durham is God's country 😂😂. I think the UK is in general as I'm a proper British gal lol!

I would love to attend one of your meetings thanku! I live in a Gateshead so that wud be ideal as long it's not in work time.

I'm not much of a speaker but I know someone who loves to do things like that and is raising money for VUK doing speeches so I can ask her if you like? My email is [e-mail]

[jinasc in reply to Alpsy]

Noted your email address, however we have do not have the resources to pay our speakers so far they all come free. Mind our members did hold spontaneous collections for the Air Ambulance and Northumbria Blood Bykers and the RNLI.

visit this website: www-pmr-gca-northeast.org.uk and see who we are. and you can contact me on [e-mail] using Jinasc.

Unfortunately the meetings are on a Monday, start 1.30pm finish no later then 4pm (last half hour is spent chucking them out.) Maybe have a 'sickie' afternoon sometime!!!! (naughty naughty)

I was born within spitting distance of the Tyne from the backyard on the Co Durham side. So I am a Geordie.

Not content with having a Palace, Bishop Auckland one of the most successful amateur sides, having won the FA Amateur Cup ten times and reached the final on a further eight occasions and have a Wiki page.

Yorkshire claimed GOC and we let them when we lost the Kingdom of Northumbria. (Edinburgh to Kingston upon Hull or Forth to Humber). Bring back Ecgfrith 670-685, we were successful until those Vikings came along in the 8th Century. The Tykes and the East Lowland Scots never realised they were more powerful with Northumberland and Durham.

[Alpsy in reply to jinasc]

You know your stuff! Lol! Ok noted your address and I'm only covering Maternity ( talked into it as I thought I had retired very early lol 45!) so I shud b finished by June next year fingers crossed! Will certainly like to attend one even I it is next year xx

[jinasc in reply to Alpsy]

Yes, keep on eye on the site, we do have a meeting in January, first visit FOC with a mate.

Then Tin anniversary in March, but that is a ticket thing and even the members normally pay about a Fiver because we take a bigger hall and have a buffet and a bash and a good laugh.

Keep bringing on those babies, we need them to take care of us later on...........(big smile).

[Alpsy in reply to jinasc]

Will do! Wow 10 years years that's fantastic! Congratulations! Yes my kids r my life and really keep me going 😍

[Hidden]

Hi Anthony,

It might be worthwhile asking your current Consultant if there is anyone they recommend and are willing to get in touch with them to ensure a good transition.

Dr Bridget Griffiths runs a dedicated Vasculitis and Connective tissue clinic at the Freeman and is excellent. I would make sure you have enough medication for the move and copies of clinic letters etc to give to your new GP in case your notes take a while to transfer.

I am in Scotland but we love the North East of England and holiday there frequently.

Enjoy the move. 😀

[anthony01 in reply to Hidden]

Many thanks, it was really worth asking Vasculitis UK as I have had very positive helpful replies Many thanks Ant

[Suzym2u Moderator Vasculitis UK]

There is support meeting at Newcastle in November here are the details vasculitis.org.uk/events/ne...

[anthony01]

Many thanks