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Waiting times

Posted , 11 users are following.

Daisydo70
Daisydo70

Hi All,

I was finally diagnosed with FMS about 2 months ago by my GP. She said she was referring me to a rheumatologist as they would be able to help me more than she can. I still haven't heard anything sad. I'm in Herts and was just wondering how long you all had to wait for your 1st appointment?

Hope you're all having a good day confused

 

3 likes, 39 replies

39 Replies

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  • Daisydo70
    Daisydo70

    Posted

    Thanks everyone!! I think I need to lower my expectations then 😐 just so I don't get frustrated at the poor doctor when I finally do get to see them
    • tiswas24537
      tiswas24537 Daisydo70

      Posted

      yes i think thats proberly best then if he does come up with something helpful its a plus . but if he hasnt got much to offer then its not so devastating . best way to think .
  • Angel2116
    Angel2116 Daisydo70

    Posted

    Hi Daisy, I'm in herts too and I had to wait ages I think I waited over 12 weeks and my appointment was cancelled twice :-( so I went private, best decision ever well worth the £230! Have seen nhs rheumy once so far at the end of jan and have another appt at he end of this month.

    Having said that I have some bowel issues saw the consultant at the beginning of the month, he gave me some med's and he said he wanted to see me in 8 weeks time... I went to the check out desk to book and the next available appt end of July! An 18 week wait... Crazy!

    But hopefully you won't wait that long! Best of luck xx

    • julie43903
      julie43903 Angel2116

      Posted

      Hello Angel, just interested to know who you saw privately. I'm in Herts and wasn't v happy with whom I saw privately. I'm seeing the NHS rheumy on Thursday so will see how he is. I've heard some are so much better than others with treatment of FM x
    • Angel2116
      Angel2116 julie43903

      Posted

      Hi Julie, I did some research and went to see Dr Toby Garrood, he has opened the fibro clinic in guy's and st Thomas's in London, he was great and also sent my gp a letter requesting that he refer me too his clinic and has also booked me in for a spinal mri too, it really helped get my gp on board! Best of luck Hun x
    • Angel2116
      Angel2116

      Posted

      Hi Julie, Forgot to say the fibro clinic takes referrals from all over uk, but initially my gp refused to refer me out of area. I think due to budgets and the like. But once the letter came through don't think he had much choice!! It's for to be worth a try! X
    • julie43903
      julie43903 Angel2116

      Posted

      Thanks Angel, that's really really helpful. I m going to certainly look into this. I will see how Thursday pans out first. Thanks again xxx
  • Bee70
    Bee70 Daisydo70

    Posted

    Hi Daisydo70

    It takes upto six weeks but I suppose it depends on where you live and how long the waiting lists are?

    Hang in there !lol

    • Daisydo70
      Daisydo70 Bee70

      Posted

      Hi Bee, you must have been very lucky wherever you are. It's been almost 8 weeks and I've heard nothing. I'm in Herts but after earlier comments I am now not expecting much from the appointment anyway.

      X

    • Bee70
      Bee70 Daisydo70

      Posted

      Hi Daisydo70, Yeah I was kind of shocked after visiting my GP within two weeks I received my referrral to see my rheumatolgist and the appointment was only six weeks later. I am in Middlesex.

       

    • Daisydo70
      Daisydo70 Bee70

      Posted

      Was your Rheumatologist helpful Bee? Some people think they are a waste of time whereas others think they're great 😐 x
    • christine26761
      christine26761 Daisydo70

      Posted

      Hiya Daisydo, I've been reading many posts that say they weren't very helpful..I guess it must be the individual doctor..I'm in Australia and my Rhumo couldn't be  better...hope yours is too..have a lovely day..be blessed..:-) xxxx
    • anne90395
      anne90395 Daisydo70

      Posted

      Hello Daisy,

      Just weighing in with my two pennorth. Actually my experience is much the same as many on here. Rheumy appt took a while, basically talked about my symptoms and just agreed with what my Doc said. He also agreed with meds my doc had put me on, namely Amitriptylene. Never theless I wasn't disappointed, as I had come to the conclusion there are no magic meds. Whatever you are on you will continue to suffer the pain and fatigue to some degree. Tests only eliminate other things, and I had 2 years of them. I think this is a familiar story for many. Of course you might have other conditions which go hand-in-hand with Fibro, and these might be treatable. Please don't take this as a negative post as there are many things that can be done to be able to lead as good a life as you can.

      Take care, Anne

    • Daisydo70
      Daisydo70 anne90395

      Posted

      Over the last 15 months I've had every test going I think, endless blood tests, X-rays, scans, cardiologist for the palpitations, physiotherapy etc and tried so many different meds (even HRT just in case it was my early menopause causing it). Nothing seems to help. I'm on 20mg of amitripyline now but it's not really doing much except help me drop off to sleep about 4 hours after I take it but I don't stay asleep long before the pain wakes me. Gabapentin made me feel drunk all the time, co-Codamol no longer even take the edge off, I can't take anti-inflammatories as I have a Hiatus Hernia and Reflux so I have been pinning all my hopes on the Rheumatologist. I'm a little worried now but I refuse to let FMS beat me, I will find a way.

      Thankyou for taking the time to reply 😊 xx

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