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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 1,110 Location: London
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Hi I phoned the rheumy clinic again today, still no appts, but agreed to put me through to the consultants secretary. The phone rang and rang so gave up and rang clinic number again. This time a different receptionist told me that the secretary is off today, and to try tomorrow. If I have no luck, does anyone know how expensive it is to see consultant privately? I cant leave it until March, its just too painful. A friend with lupus suggested that I should give up working until the meds get sorted. But thats not really an option, as if I stop for an indefinite period the parents would have to get someone else, which I completely understand, its not like working for a company and going on sick leave unfortunately. At the same time I cant go on like this, I was ill over the weekend with high temperature and pain everywhere, which I assume is a flare, this is happening much more now, most weekends are spent with me in bed. Any advice please??  BARBARA
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/4/2009 Posts: 331 Location: South London
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Hello Barbie Girl
Usually the secretaries are pretty good in helping you get an earlier appointment. So I would call up and be very nice to get her on your side explain you are in a lot of pain and need a much earlier appointment. I think the national average is to be seen within 6 to 8 weeks. I had no patience so I paid to see a consultant and it cost me around £160 but thats London so it might be cheaper where you are. I had an appointment within a week of calling to book a private appointment.
Good luck
Mari
PS I would try calling in the morning just in case the secretary finishes early - she could have a child to collect and may work shorter hours.
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 1,740
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Hi barbs oh dear,ok right try again tomorrow earlier and see if in-just insist and explain why praying here u get a result yes i agree march to long. temp ahh no could be flare not sure. work wise its diffiuclt i know i had to give up in end basically the fatigue got so bad i was falling asleep before id even started my shift. let us know how u get on . really feel for u as its good to stay in work as u said keeps one occupied. but in end its your body your decision sometimes quite a difficult one to make. much lv hugs melly cuddly cats make my world seem so much more fun
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 1,689 Location: Durham
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Just wanted to say good luck for tomorrow - do try again to ring your consultant`s sec in the morning.If I`m feverish I always stress that fact to the sec and I`m usually seen as an urgent patient the next day. Take care, Kathleen x
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 3,157 Location: Huddersfield
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Hi Barbie,
Hope you have more success with the secretary tomorrow.
Love, Doreen xx
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/8/2009 Posts: 230 Location: Leicester
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Hi Barbie I agree that you should try again tomorrow but if still no joy then contact PALS (details on previous thread)... I don't blame you for wanting to try private, thinking you will get a better result but at least try PALS first as they are there for exactly this kind of thing. Helly x Celebrating 10yrs of National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society Doing a Tandem Skydive - May 2011 - All Sponsorship Welcome - www.justgiving.com/helencopeland Read my blog - Helly Copeland
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 1,582 Location: Oxfordshire
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Hi,
Hope you have better luck when you try tomorrow. It is totally exasperating.
I would try private care, even if it just a one off and you find a Consultant you like, then you can try and see them in their NHS clinic.
Love,
Amanda
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/4/2009 Posts: 64 Location: Sussex
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Hi Barbie,
So sorry to hear your having such trouble, I think Amanda's idea is a good one if monies allow. I actually did this myself as I had so much trouble getting gp to refer me particularly when I had negative blood work.
Then all of a sudden when I went private, attitudes changed, especially when I got a diagnosis.
Keep pushing in the mean time and I hope you have good results soon,
Ellie
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/10/2009 Posts: 653 Location: Notts
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Hi Barb
Sorry that things still aren't being sorted for you. A few of us, including me, decided to go privately to see a consultant for the first time. It cost me £120 (in 2002) and I was glad I did it. I Then saw the same consultant subsequently at his NHS clinic.
I hope you get some joy soon, whatever you decide.
Lyn
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 690
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Hi Barbara,
Can't really offer advice here, but agree with Amanda's and Lyn's suggestion. However, have you tried PALS at the hospital maybe they can liaise on your behalf and see if they can get an urgent appointment for you?
Love,
Barbara
XXXXX
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 1,081
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So sorry to hear you couldn't get through to secretary Barbara - they don't realise that every day is a nightmare when you are waiting in pain. I agree you should try secretary again before you think about doing anything else. Good luck and let us know.
Julie
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/16/2009 Posts: 156
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Hi
when you ring tommorrow if they say they have no spaces ask them if you can ring every day to see if someone cancels and tell her you will take that appoinment (if you can) but good luck tell her how much you hurt.
Audrey x
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