Requested to change consultant !

cakegirl

I feel a million times better, I have been to see the doctor this morning and finally after 18months I have just plucked up the courage to request a different consultant.

My current one has to be one of the most rudest, patronising men I've ever come across. The last time I saw him I ended up in tears, he was so matter of fact regarding my illness. He said there was no need for a stomach protector as in his opinion I was not on a lot of tablets (Diclofenac, Codiene, Paracetamol, Methotrexate)....

He examined me and even though I complained my knee was pretty bad at the time he felt it and shook his head and said no, nothing wrong there no swelling (despite the specialist nurse feeling and saying she felt swelling and heat).

I had trigger finger (as diagnosed by specialist nurse) and he said I didn't - yet he still gave me the steroid injection into palm of hand as recommended by specialist nurse ??

I just can't face seeing him again, my gp was fully understanding and said I had a right to request the change and how important it was for me to feel at ease with my care provider.

Can't tell you how much better I feel, was getting myself into a state before appointments as I'm not a confrontational person and find it difficult answering people back.

Hope this may help someone in a similar situation ? x

mig

Well done you,hope you get a goodone.Mig

barbara12

Good for you cakegirl....its not easy is it...now I really wish you well with everything, and please let us know how you get on xx

dibdab

Well done !! I did the same last year and it was amazing- after 11 chest infection in 14 months the new rheumy referred me for CT scan and then to Respiratory consultant who confirmed the RA was scarring lungs-now on appropriate meds and been infections free for more than 2 months.
It takes lots of courage and persistence, but it's so worthwhile.

Hope you get a new consultant that you feel comfortable with.

Deb x

tiggernut

The first Rhuemy I had was very rude. After he spoke to me like I was something he stepped in I decided he wasn't going to do it again! So, I treated him the same and after a while I got respect. Having said that he was a useless Dr and eventually I transfered to the Bath rhuemy who came here once a month.(I live on Isle of Wight).
The one we have now is very nice but sometimes you just feel he isn't listening!!
I do hope your new rhuemy is better.
Anita.

Puschinka

I feel for you cakegirl and know exactly what you mean (if you read my recent post re the "robotic consultant" who gave me my diagnosis this weeek...) He made me feel like I was on a conveyor belt...sort of "...yep - another biddie with arthritis... yawn. Next!" I didn't expect him to even take an interest in my personal dilemma and how I feel and have been feeling for the last 10 weeks, I know I'm just another patient to him with a very common and to him, no doubt boring 'ailment'. But I used to be friendlier and approach my "customers" in police custody with more politeness,sensitiity and humanity than this man showed me. I hope I don't see him at my next check up and hope your new consultant is nicer to you. Perhaps you'll let us know.
Kind regards.