New Rheumy

listy

Hello there, I haven't been on here for ages & indeed I can't remember if I've ever made a post before!
I've got inflammatory arthritis, 'probably' Psoriatic Arthritis & as time goes on both my rheumy and I have veered towards PsA rather than RA. However, harmony has not reigned in every respect, unfortunately, and I'm now looking for a new rheumatologist. I've been given 3 choices & have no idea how to choose between them. I do feel that PsA has its own characteristics so I'm looking for a consultant who sees the distinction between different types of inflammatory arthritis as relevant or at least worth exploring.

So this is a plea for any PsA patients who can particularly recommend any of the following three hospital rheumatology departments to please send me a private message:
the Robert Jones & Agnes Hunt Hospital in Gobowen;
Bridgnorth;
Hereford / Ludlow.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts you may have!

frogmorton

Hi Listy

I am sorry I have no knowledge of any of those hospitals, but hope that someone else has and will come along soon. I totally understand how important it is to get someone who 'knows' about your own individual type of arthritis.

Oh and nice to welcome you back

listy

Thanks Toni! It's much harder than buying a car - any Tom Dick or Harriet up the pub would have a view on that but I don't know anyone with PsA. And anyway, I'm not too fussed about cars but this decision is hugely important of course.

stickywicket

Sorry, mine's RA, I live in Yorkshire and have always had good consultants. The relationship is important but PsA isn't easy to diagnose unless your skin obliges. In any case, the treatment is unlikely to change even if you do get a diagnosis of PsA. I hope someone from your area will see this.

dreamdaisy

It was eventually decided that I have PsA (it took years and changed nowt in the way of treatment) but as I live in Suffolk I cannot help.

Rheumatologists are like doctors or like teachers - one person's saint is another's devil. I reckon that a way to get on with any professional is to express an interest in them as a human being - and not to expect them to work miracles. I find the first easy and have learned to do the second. I wish you well in your search. DD

destiny0321

Hi have PsA & OP but i live in north yorkshire sorry cannot be of help but someone will soon be on to let you know i would think take care. destiny

listy

I don't usually fall out with docs but this particular experience was pretty dreadful. My very affable husband was with me at the last consultation & he was appalled too.
I've given a lot of thought to the issue of PsA v. RA & while I know that the treatment is often the same I feel there's some merit in differentiating, for a variety of reasons. But overall I'd be very happy to just have a rheumy who checks out what's going on with me & doesn't shout at me! At the moment I'd have to be at death's door to go back to the old one.

barbara12

Hi listy and welcome back
Sorry I wont be any help but I just want to add my support, and hope you find a good rheumy xx

phoenixoxo

Hi listy,

I'm sorry I'm not in any of those areas, but I hope you find a good rheum. To shout at a patient is unprofessional and you'd be well within your rights to complain. That said, complaining isn't fun, I know, and right now it might be enough just to move on, to someone capable of treating you with respect.

(I've tried really hard not to rant here, by the way :x )

Best wishes,
Phee

frogmorton

Gosh Listy

No-one should ever shout at you :shock:

I am so sorry.

Love

Toni xxx

petals

Sorry to hear of you bad experience with you rheumy.

I went to the GP last year after suffering from the most horrendous chest infection for a couple of weeks. I was coughing so much it was making me vomit. My appointment was with a locum, I told him what the problem was and he shook his head and said "look, do you really want me to treat you or are you just after a sick note" I said, I would like some medicine to make me better if that's ok with you.

What I really wanted to say is unrepeatable, thankfully he was a short term locum so never had to see him again.

Anyway, I understand where you are coming from and you have my sympathy. Good luck with your search for a good un.

Petals x

Suzylou

I have RA but my consultants are in the Wrexham Maelor, who have all been really helpful, but i know RJAH and Wrexham share a lot of their consultants and worked at RJAH for a while. Always heard good reviews of their service.

Good luck with what ever you decide. xx

listy

Thanks all for encouraging comments. I'm off to France on Sunday & feel like I'm playing 'flare up chicken' by delaying my decision - I'm warning my bod NOT to try any funny business while in rheumy limbo land. I'd prefer to use my rusty french to order lots of nice food & drink rather than trying to beg for a steroid injection!