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Advise about Consultants Options
Jane-o
#1 Posted : Monday, September 05, 2011 10:58:31 AM Quote
Rank: Advanced Member

Groups: Registered

Joined: 3/14/2011
Posts: 38
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 !!!!!

Confused


Jane
bevie
#2 Posted : Monday, September 05, 2011 11:43:14 AM Quote
Rank: Advanced Member


Groups: Registered

Joined: 12/4/2009
Posts: 346
Hi Jane sorry you are having problems with your consultant. Maybe you could ring nras and ask for their advice about this. The other thing i thought was that if you have a rheumatology nurse could you ask for an appointment to see her/him as they do tend to spend more time with you and listen to what you have to say.

Bevxx
Rose-B
#3 Posted : Monday, September 05, 2011 12:55:50 PM Quote
Rank: Advanced Member


Groups: Registered

Joined: 4/20/2010
Posts: 1,749
Location: Somerset


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. Sad

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

Good luck let us know how you get on


Rose
jeanb
#4 Posted : Monday, September 05, 2011 1:17:43 PM Quote
Rank: Advanced Member


Groups: Registered

Joined: 12/3/2009
Posts: 3,006
Location: Timperley
I think it would be a good idea to write to your consultant, telling him basically what you have told us. Stress that you don't always feel that you are listened to and are having significant problems with your feet etc. If you want a second opinion, it is your right and you need to ask your GP for a referral.

With regard to the rising liver levels: I have this from time to time, but no-one seems to panic until it is about double the "usual" reading. However, I would have thought this was something you could discuss with your GP.
Love Jeanxx
sheila_G
#5 Posted : Monday, September 05, 2011 1:33:03 PM Quote
Rank: Advanced Member


Groups: Registered

Joined: 3/28/2011
Posts: 956
Location: North Preston
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
Kathleen_C
#6 Posted : Monday, September 05, 2011 2:38:04 PM Quote
Rank: Advanced Member


Groups: Registered

Joined: 12/3/2009
Posts: 1,689
Location: Durham
Hi Jane,

I`m sorry you`re having problems with your consultant - the time you get with him/her seems to vary enormously throughout the country.

I changed consultants about two years after diagnosis - not because of time allocation, but because of other issues. In fact, I changed hospitals, from my "local" to one about 12 miles away. My GP was happy to help me to do this, & was very supportive - in fact he was positively encouraging. I did phone NRAS, and they were extremely helpful too, and the transition went very smoothly.

I see my consultant regularly, and have a phone number fror her given to me with my Alert Card ( for biologics). My appointment never lasts less than 15 - 20 mins, and in between times I see the rheumy nurse. I also have an emergency number to ring if I need it.

I agree with the suggestions of writing to the consultant and telling him how you feel.

With regard to the rising liver levels - I had this while taking leflunomide, but they were actually hugely high and I had to stop taking it.

Take care,

Kathleen C x

helixhelix
#7 Posted : Thursday, September 08, 2011 6:20:34 PM Quote
Rank: Advanced Member

Groups: Registered

Joined: 2/7/2011
Posts: 66
Location: London
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
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