"Hugely Disappointed "

I am very unhappy with the dr that I saw at chase farm rheumatology dept.

on 09/04/24 at 09:45.

Despite waiting a year for the appointment, he did not take any thorough history. And I was in and out rapidly. The dr appeared to have already decided on a diagnosis before I had even walked through the door!

He stated nothing could be done and there was no treatment available! See you in a year.

The subsequent diagnostic letter I received, is not factually correct either.

I have severe pain and swelling in my fingers on both hands. Painful wrists and elbows, and lumps on my toes. This flares up, then recedes, then flares up again. Each time the joints become more damaged and my range of movement and strength is reduced. The joints develop hot, red, swollen lumps, and can occur from one day to the next. The pain is worse in the morning, so bad, that I dread waking up. I have other long term autoimmune conditions including Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, dry eyes, dry scalp, ridges on my finger and toenails. However, when I queried if this arthritis could be connected to my autoimmune conditions, he insisted it could not. Belittling my query, he said just because I have other autoimmune conditions doesn’t make it likely the red swelling, heated joints and pain in my fingers etc is connected.

Even though the rheumatologist at Harlow, did think It was connected, diagnosed it as inflammatory arthritis and prescribed Hydroxychloroquine.

I called Versus Arthritis, and they were surprised I had not been investigated for other conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis.

Your dr also noted I am suffering from flexor tenosynovitis. This condition is known to be more commonly associated with RA or Psoriatic arthritis, however, your dr told me I have osteoarthritis. He said that means there is no treatment, and I don't need another appointment until a years time. Meanwhile my joints are continuing to become more excruciatingly painful and more deformed. The swollen finger joints are very tender and the very distinctive burning pain extends to the finger tip. Also, my fingers are numb!

I expected Royal Free / Chase Farm Rheumatology to be a centre of excellence. It was not. The 2nd opinion I received from your dr was less informed than the one from rheumalogy at Princess Alexandra’s in Harlow, and they've been in special measures!