Any good rheumatologist Dorset Hants or beyond? desperate!

greengrass
greengrass Member Posts: 10
edited 14. May 2010, 05:35 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hello again everyone. I am not getting anywhere. Osteo arthritis in fingers wrist ankle now very severe. Waiting for rheumatology appt RBH but not hopeful about consultant. GP very unhelpful. Fingers distorting, ankle very bad. If anyone has a name and would share it I would try to get an appointment. Thank you , Greengrass

Comments

  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I cannot help, I'm so sorry, I live in a different part of the world. Perhaps there's something on the interweb - try googling rheumatology consultant and your county and see what comes up.

    This post is just to say I'm thinking of you and to re-assure you that it will pass, it always does. I can't tell you when tho! Dreamdaisy
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • skezier
    skezier Member Posts: 11,333
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Greengrass,

    can't help either cus not in that area. I used to work for the NHS in Portsmouth and there was a very good rumo in St Mary's bu its 20+ years ago and it will have changed. A mate of mine told me over my eyes to google centers excellence..... maybe that would help you there?

    I know there was an incredibly good ortho in Basingstoke as he rebuilt my spine but not very helpful when its from so long ago.

    Could you see a different gp in the practice and ask them if they can recommend someone? I am sorry I am not being too helpful here but hopefully you will hear from someone who does know. Take care Cris
  • chrissie691
    chrissie691 Member Posts: 50
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I attend the Rheumatology department at Bognor Regis War Memorial Hospital and they have got a very good reputation. However, I know West Sussex is still quite a long way from where you are.

    I hope you manage to get a good consultation.

    Luv Chrissie xxx

    greengrass wrote:
    Hello again everyone. I am not getting anywhere. Osteo arthritis in fingers wrist ankle now very severe. Waiting for rheumatology appt RBH but not hopeful about consultant. GP very unhelpful. Fingers distorting, ankle very bad. If anyone has a name and would share it I would try to get an appointment. Thank you , Greengrass
  • greengrass
    greengrass Member Posts: 10
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thank you so much for your support Dreamdaisy Skezier and Chrissie. Does anyone else have an idea?

    If I manage to find someone to see privately do I still need a referral from my inert GP? Going down the GP route =more time wasted and more damage I think.

    I tried googling, but how do you know if someone's good? One trawl came up with the ortho guy who was responsible for my chronic nerve pain, another with the practice partner of the man who offered ankle surgery but without apparent understnding or interest in the nerve pain issue.

    We went to a very good podiatrist (recommended by friend with bad bunion). He adjusted my orthotic. I had hoped I could avoid ankle surgery as the risk for me is so high. No miracle results yet from the adjusted orthotic, and day before yesterday the worst ever stabbing pain suddenly when ankle cricked.

    Several of my fingers that have been so painful have now settled, but distorted so I can't use them properly. GP and referral for second opinion so time consuming and I've been fobbed off for so long now I am desperate to just talk to someone who can advise about the arthritis in both my ankle an my wrist/hands and advise or refer me. --I think its osteo arthritis-- blood test before did not pick up RA.

    Best wishes and thank you , Greengrass
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello. Regarding the googling, well, you don't know if anyone's good, it's just to supply a list of names and possible alternatives.

    Regarding the ankle surgeon, well, that's his area of expertise, tinkering with ankles. He would not be able to offer advice on pain because it isn't his field.

    How about asking friends what their GPs are like and then change doctors if any appear better than yours? I live in a fairly urban area and doctors' surgeries are plentiful but that may not apply to your area, of course.

    Regarding the referral for a private consultation, I've always done it off my own bat. I saw my ortho surgeon on the NHS and had my two open synovectomies on my left knee. When the time came for a closed syno on my right knee the waiting time was horrendous so we went private (where I experienced some of the worst and most careless nursing I have ever had.) I have seen my rheummy consultant privately so I can have a decent consultation session - one always feels in a rush on the NHS.

    It is a battle to find the right people to help, it is a long, long process. I have found that a great deal has to be instigated by me, the patient, and that is what I do. Good luck with it all. Dreamdaisy
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben