"I want him to know I am so thankful"

Dr Gillen is a highly skilled consultant who I was fortunate to see, I believe back in 2017, someone so kind and dedicated, I felt I needed to let people know as too often, we are quick to complain.  

I was referred because of many ongoing symptoms, but weight loss was one hence my referral to Gastroenterology.  I found Dr Gillen very compassionate and extremely thorough.  He could see I had been referred and subsequently discharged to various consultants with varying symptoms and understood how deflated I was with the NHS in general and with my own health.  He had taken the time to get to know me obviously reading my casenotes thoroughly.  

After an initial chat, he told me that no matter what the problem was, whether it was to do with Gastroenterology or not, he was determined he would help me find the cause.  If it was found not be a Gastro problem, instead of discharging me, he would refer me on to one of his colleagues.  He first had a full torso MRI and off of that, I was directed to other departments, but thankfully there was nothing serious.  He believed that rheumatology might be more appropriate and not only referred me directly, saving me having to return to my GP for a referral, but he had X-rays taken of my hands priors in order for the rheumatologists to have an idea straight at the first appointment.  

I was subsequently diagnosed with Fibromyalgia.  If anyone is familiar with this, they will understand how incredibly difficult it can be to diagnose and you end up seeing various consultants often before a diagnosis is made - mostly consuming years and having to live with that pain undiagnosed.  Without the attention of Dr Gillen and his determination to help me get to the bottom of my varying symptoms - his extremely thorough and compassionate actions enabled me to get treatment sooner.  I am incredibly grateful and Dr Gillen deserves thanks and recognition.  

I had a follow-up appointment with Dr Gillen this month, which I cancelled as now I am lucky to have a fabulous GP too who is helping me through this.  I didn't want to waste an appointment but wanted him to know I am so thankful.  If you could please pass this along I would be grateful.