[sgwendy]

Hi,

I've just recently been diagnosed with lupus. I have been going to the rheumatology department twice now and I was reading about the Louise Coote Lupus unit on the forum. What is the difference between the lupus unit and rheumatology at St. Thomas hospital?

I was in tears after my second appointment yesterday when the rheumatologist rushed through my appointment that I waited 6 months for and I felt like he didn't listen to what I was telling him

 

[Clare.T]

I'm sorry about your bad appointment ((( wendy )))
I don't know why suspected lupus would be seen by the rheumatology department and not by the specialised Louise Coote Unit. The info on the rheumatology department says


"The Rheumatology department accepts referrals from GP’s and also from tertiary sources for a range of conditions including:

• Rheumatoid, Inflammatory and Psoriatic Arthritis
• Back, neck and shoulder pain
• Spondylitis
• Fibromyalgia,
• Polymyalgia
• Gout,
• Temporal arthritis,
• Vasculitis,
• Sarcoidosis,
• Sjogren’s syndrome "

It doesn't even mention lupus.
Maybe somebody else has some insight on how it works. Perhaps you could request a transfer to one of the lupus specialists at the Lupus Unit in the hope that you will have better experiences and presumably more specialised care. Not that everything is always perfect there, but the majority of the doctors are very kind and concerned.
Sorry not to be more helpful

Hugs
Clare

 

[nicky00]

Hi Sgwendy

I have attended the Louise Coote Unit a couple of times.

My experience there was magnificent. To be honest I have never heard about a bad experience there.

Having said that I know nothing is ever perfect!!.

Hope you get the attention and treatment you deserve.

Best Wishes
Nicky