Waiting times

I'm in Herts too and I've had to wait four months. I'm finally seeing the rheumatologist on Thursday :-) 

Daisydo and Julie how awesome you live in the same area...how good is that.!!!!! ..hope all goes well for you both at the Rhumo..they are great..be blessed..:-) xx

I've been referred to Watford General.  I was so fed up in December after feeling as bad as I did that I went to see someone privately at the Spire Hospital in Harpenden. It was the rheumatologist there that diagnosed FM.  He wanted me to keep seeing him but at £200 a time and not working I said I would wait to be seen by the NHS rheumatologist who as I say I'm seeing this week at long last. It will be interesting to see if he recommends scans etc and changes in medication. 

I've heard that there is an excellent rheumatologist ( Dr. Axon) at the QE2. If you get him that would be excellent. I just don know whats going to happen with my job as i just can't move very quickly now nor can I stand up for long enough, nor do I sleep well. You are v lucky your husband  is so supportive. Mine walked out on me because of this as he was unable ' to cope'. He has since moved in with someone else. I just hope on Thursday that I will get some definite answers as to whether I can ultimately retire but it will have to come from the rheumatologist as I am 45 and my company won't accept retirement until the age of 60. 

Good luck Daisy and let me know if you manage to see Dr. Axon xx

Hi daisy

I was very lucky I only waited 2wks from the doctor writing the referral 2 the actual consultation as I was offered a cancellation by telephone. Seeing the rheumatologist for me only says what i already suspected nothing else no follow up appointments

i didnt have to wait long for my appointment in scarborough [6weeks]

but when i went all i was offered was pain injections 

so dont build your hopes up to high .

not being negative it may be differant now i saw mine 7yrs ago and that was all that was on offer . theres nothing worse in my opioion than building your hopes up and then being dissapointed .fingers crossed it wont be so .

It is a long wait for Rheumatoligist appointments but you have to be seen within 18wks of referral, not great I know but it does give you an idea of the timeframe. I was seeing a Rheumatoligist for a couple of years but got discharged about eighteen months ago. I've just been re-referred again due to a new set of symptoms so expect to be seen again in about three months. Did your gp not refer you via the Choose and Book system where you can book your own appointments? Could be he decided it would be quicker to refer you manually but it takes it out of your hands. Hope you here soon but is your symptoms get worse ask your gp for an Expadite letter sent to the hospital.

Hi all i was diagnosed with  fibro this year  by the rheumotologist i waited six months to see her so she diagnosed me and no follow up appointments hope its more positive for you  all :-) 

I had to wait six months for mine seen him fr five mins refered straight to xray then had to wait afurther couple of weeks had a letter to have a ultra scan still waiting for results all this since last sept when my doctor referred me