Moving to Shrewsbury. Recommendations of RA and Osteo consultants would be great

[coralflux]

be really good to make this transition well. I am quite nervous about it, my consultant and nurse in London are at Kings, and seem lovely - but I have only seen each once in this year since diagnosis. Sometimes I read on here that people stay with previous consultants even if they move? How is that handled? I am on MTX and a biologic by fortnightly injection (which has been a godsend)

[Amnesiac3637]

You’re lucky to be moving to Shrewsbury as just up the road in Oswestry, 18 miles away, is the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt world class orthopaedic hospital. I trained at King’s (about a hundred years ago…….) and if I were going to swap hospitals I couldn’t have wished for a better one in terms of the orthopaedic facilities here. Google the hospital and take your pick of the consultants and rheumatologists. There’s also plenty of very good GP practices here in Shrewsbury too so hope you find what you’re looking for when you move here.

[coralflux in reply to Amnesiac3637]

Thanks for the reassurance!

[Runrig01]

I was diagnosed with AS by a specialist 250 mile away, who worked with Nass the AS charity. I had been under local rheumatologists for 4-5 yr, and got no where. I was keen to remain under this great team, but was informed as I needed to urgently go on biologics, I had to be local due to the funding issues. Apparently it’s too complex being out of area, when expensive drugs are involved. I was gutted as it meant I was back with the useless local team.

I also enquired about the process of moving area, as my hubby is looking for working elsewhere. I was hoping the rheumatologist could refer me to a consultant in the new area, but was informed I would have to go through the GP and be referred again. This has resulted in hubby feeling he should remain where he is, as the prospect of being without biologics first bare thinking about. I already have heart & lung damage from years of uncontrolled inflammation, I had AS for around 25yr before diagnosed. This has left me feeling guilty, as I’m holding him back. Hope you find her process easier, and that you’re not left without meds, whilst waiting to see new team.

[coralflux in reply to Runrig01]

Hi Maureengibson, that does sound rotten. Although I said I am on a biologic, I am actually on a bio similar and they are much cheaper, but said to work the same. I pushed for this as I figured their reason for not prescribing a biologic was financially driven. You have to be so vigilant and proactive these days...

[Runrig01 in reply to coralflux]

I’m on a biosimilar too, benepali. Unfortunately there is not a huge difference in cost. The nhs pay £656 for 4 injections, compared to £715 for the original enbrel. Obviously that’s just the nhs toons, there is the added cost of the training that’s provided, the support and delivery costs. So biosimilars have to go through the same rigorous funding. I’ve been n benepali 6yrs, and thankfully it is still working. I also take methotrexate for peripheral symptoms, but rheumatologist says it also helps prevent your body creating antibody’s against the biologics. So hopefully will keep working for a hood while yet 🤞🤗

[coralflux in reply to Runrig01]

That is a different cost to what i was quoted. (I am on a idacio adimumlab which maybe why) I was quoted £50 per injection. Perhaps the cost has come down in the last 6 years? Though obviously the training would be/was the same. It has made such a difference for me - all the fatigue disappeared almost straight away. It is unbearable too think of stopping it.

[Runrig01 in reply to coralflux]

no yours are similar to mine. This is the current bnf with up to date prices

Idacio

[coralflux in reply to Runrig01]

Well that does seem like a lot even though it is two syringes so equals a month's supply. The nurse definitely quoted me £50 per injection.

[oldtimer2]

What a wonderful place to move to! Owestry just near-by, so get yourself referred asap.

[coralflux]

Thanks!

[jayne17]

Definitely Oswestry Orthopaedic without doubt. I have had 2 ankle replacements there and they are so professional and caring.