need great rheumi west sussex

[meo]

I am new to the UK and have rheumis I see in London, but they just like to look at my lab values and don't see me as a person. I really want a rheumi that will treat me as a person and not a research subject. I am feeling very isolated here.
Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

MEO

[Linda_L]

Hi Meo

Hope you are settling into the UK and Sussex and not feeling too alone! I am not far from you in East Sussex. I know what you mean about being treated as an intersting research subject! When I was in hospital I lost count of the times that doctors told me I was really interesting although it wasn't me they were interested in but my illness! I think I have already been 'written up' for a couple of journals! Still, if it helps others I don't mind!

I was offered the chance of a referral to lupus specialist in Brighton who I hear is very good. In the end I decided to stick with my local rheumatologist who, although has less experience of dealing with mixed connective tissue disease (it is what I have . a bit different to lupus but I have many similar problems) has been willing to discuss things with me and decide on the best course of action together. He has also been quite willing to try newer and more 'experimental' treatment, which in my case was what I wanted to do. I know that those who are more 'expert' also have less time to see you and therefore less time build up a relationship with you and an understanding of your condition. My general practitioner has also been quite good as well and at the end of the day once you are on long term treatment it is often your GP who monitors things on a regular basis. I'd be inclined to get a good GP and to see what the local person is like first as it may be that they have more time to concentrate on your case.

LindaL