What happens when referred to Pediatrician on NHS?

[ipsogenix]

Hi,

My ds has just been referred to a pediatrician on the NHS. I've never been to see an NHS specialist before and I wondered if I might ask how it all works?

Do we see the pediatrician and then get referred on round the place over a period of months until someone works out what's going, or will we be passed around different people on the day?

My ds has recurrent ENT problems (adenoids and glue ear), multiple food intolerance, and gets very exhausted easily and catches a lot of viruses.

We've been referred to be checked for heart murmur, but I can't imagine that that's what's actually wrong as he's had surgery twice, and surely they'd have spotted a heart murmur then?

Any tips gratefully received, especially on what the Pediatrician will want us to do to make the best of the appointment. It's Addenbrookes we'll be going to.

Thanks!

[PepeLePew]

I suppose it depends on medical history, nature of referral etc. dd was referred to a paediatrician by A&E, who then referred her on to a neurologist. It's taking a while - nothing happens on the day if it isn't urgent. Currently waiting for tests before another discussion with the neurologist. I think it will be nearly 9 months from first symptoms to diagnosis, but it isn't critical so that's fine.

[ipsogenix]

Gosh that's a long time isn't it? Good to know though.

[cestlavielife]

Paediatrician can refer to other specialists. Might order blood tests if not been done by gp
Has he had test for coeliac?

[ipsogenix]

He hasn't been tested for coeliac no. I can't imagine anyone ever getting a blood sample from ds without a general anaesthetic. Do you think they would test dh and myself for coeliac if they can't test him?

[McBassyPants]

You'll receive a clinic appointment to see the doctor (not always the consultant, sometimes the registrar). On arrival he will have his height, weight and bmi checked (for malnutrition purposes). He will then wait his turn to be seen by the doctor.

The Dr will take a history and examine him and decide on what to do next, if there is no problem tgen he will be discharged. If further investigations are required they'll be arranged (bloods, x rays, scans, imaging etc), some may be able to be done on the day where others you will have to wait for. Once completed you will receive a follow up appointment to discuss the results and next course of action.

How old is your DS? They have people trained in taking blood and experienced with children.

[cestlavielife]

He needs to be tested for coeliac. While it can run in families each person needs testing.
Just make sure they take all blood needed in one draw.
He can have magic cream etc.
Get his medical records together eg birth milestones surgeries etc as you will gave to kerp repeating this.
Kerp a diary for a week or so of symptoms and also food bowel habits and any thing else significant

[McBassyPants]

But this referral is nothing to do with coeliac though is it? OP said it's for a heart murmur? Why would they do a coeliac screen?

[McBassyPants]

It didn't sound to me like it's related to his bowel issues?

[cestlavielife]

Food intolerance .. how diagnosed ? Assuming bowel issues so could be coeliac. ..
Tires easily
Lots of virus

Indicative of coeliac ie enough that coeliac should be ruled out

[cestlavielife]

Ie if you going to do routine blood tests then throw in coeliac screen

[ipsogenix]

Thanks for the thoughts on this. I contacted the consultant's secretary and she is going to discuss it with me. That seems more sensible really.