Hello Everyone

thanks for all your support to my last problem - I need advise from anyone who has had a problem regarding their consultant.

When I have attended my consultant appointments at the hospital I find that I am waiting for ages in the waiting room but when I get in to see him I am only in for 5 mins !!!!

He reads through my methotrexate book to check the readings - I try to tell him my concerns (I really do have problems with my feet - now my ankles knees and elbow too. I have more care from my foot consultant than my RA constultant.

I went to my GP this morning for bloods and whilst I was there I questioned the nurse about the rising levels of my liver count which is going up each month- we looked at the computer screen and it said abnormal - but the nurse said it was still just within the limit . She asked me if the hospital has contacted me at all - I said that this has never happened. When I told who my consultant was she told me that another lady with RA has also complained about him !!!!!!! I asked her how I could change consultants but she did not know -has anyone got any advice for me or have you experienced similar problems?

I know that medicals may be reluctant to give advice but I really want to be able to speak to a consultant that will give me some time and listen to my concerns rather than just up the mtx and send me on my way - help please !!!!!




Jane

Hello Jane,

Yes this is concerning and I agree you must have time to speak to you. I find that my Consultant never has 'enough' time on her
hands to speak with me although she is very nice. However, my RA Specialist nurse always has time to listen and certainly puts
me at ease and I know my records are update accordingly. What frustrates me is the length of time between chatting with them then the changing
of medication and then the trail as to whether it works.

I woiuld try explaining your thoughts with your RA nurse give her/him a call today.

Good luck let us know how you get on


Rose

I agree with Jean 100%. You have to let him know how you feel. If an appointment isn't long enough, ask for a double appointment. I know you can do this at GPs but not sure about hospital. As Jean says, you are entitled to a second opinion or to change your Consultant. You don't say where you live but there will surely be someone else within travelling distance. Good luxk

Sheila x

My hospital has a PALS contact there most of the time that you can talk to (Patient Liaison). I've found them very useful. Polly