AIBU to see a private rheumatologist while NHS investigations are ongoing?

[Charlock]

Health really declining for past 2+ years. Joint pain esp sacrum, fatigue, flare ups of flu like feelings, diagnosed with PoTS along the way. NHS not been great. Was seen by Rheumatology in March after 14 month wait. Took 5 weeks to get recommended medication prescribed. Also had an MRI 3 weeks ago on SI/pelvis. No idea what happens next.

Started private health care in April. I'm so sick of waiting for answers from the NHS and not knowing what next steps are in terms of results, follow up etc. I also feel like my pain hasn't been taken seriously.

AIBU to see a private rheumatologist while in this middle stage of being investigated by NHS? I just want answers.

It’s usually the same staff you just jump a queue. They are unlikely to have answers that the nhs don’t.

Of course you can go down private route whilst NHS is ongoing. If you just started insurance recently though, check the cover pre-existing conditions etc before you pay.

Private is unlikely to be ‘better’ medically, but it’s a hell of a lot faster.

You can request Rheumatology investigation results to date (from hospital- not your GP- contact your hospital PALS) for your own use; you can often access them in NHS App.

I don’t know what is the matter with you, but I have an inflammation of the sacroiliac joint. I went straight off to see an osteopath, as I couldn’t carry on, with that level of pain in everyday tasks like standing up, bending over, sleeping… If you can afford private, go for it!

I’m a bit confused; do you have a diagnosis yet? Because unfortunately, the diagnostic process takes time - they have to run all sorts of tests on your blood before they can give you medication you may discuss at your first appointment, but that should have been communicated. Once you start a drug for rheumatology, it takes 4-5 months to see any improvement. This is the medical route. It’s slow and painful. I’m sorry it’s taking so long, but only the 14-month wait is the unreasonable part. I’ve been through it, twice, and it was rotten both times.

I have no idea if there are many fully-private rheumatologists in the UK; most will be NHS moonlighting for extra pay to provide sooner appointments, and you’ve already started the process now. I would be very worried for the NHS if there’s enough demand for private rheumatologists all over the country, as well as private labs to do their bloodwork and private radiologists and radiology equipment to do their radiology.

Maybe check your insurance to see if you can get complementary therapy for inflammatory symptoms from other professionals: things like osteopaths, massage therapists, physiotherapists, or something like hydro-therapy or gentle exercise classes.

I work for the NHS and you can definitely go privately while awaiting an NHS appt. As others have said, you'll still be seeing the same consultants as the NHS but the benefit is that you get seen a lot quicker and you can potentially choose which consultant you'd like to see.
The only thing you'll need to check is if your insurance covers pre-existing conditions, as it sounds like you've suffered with this problem for multiple years, so it may not be covered by your insurance

I'm not so sure about going private if you have already seen a rheumatologist and had your MRI 3 weeks ago - it should be reported soon and it's likely that private rheumatologist will want to wait for that result.
Plus as others have said, your insurance may not cover pre existing conditions.

What do you mean by Started private healthcare in April? Do you mean you’ve already started getting a private opinion? It’s absolutely fine to do that while waiting for NHS , loads of folk do that.
Or do you mean you have a new private medical policy since April? If that’s the case make sure you check with them before booking anything as often they will not cover any condition or symptoms you already had

Yes go for it
With a private appointment they will be much longer and really have time to discuss your symptoms. Think half an hour vs 10 minutes
also you can actually talk to the consultant, often with the nhs ones you are under a consultant but you see one of the registers on their team
if you keep the nhs root going it can also serve as a second opinion

Generally private insurance would preclude pre-existing conditions. Otherwise if self-funded, fine. My DH is seeing the same consultant both under the NHS and privately (a lot more often).

I would say go for it op.

I have the opposite experience to this poster, where i’ve found private healthcare infinitely better for my kids after the NHS let them down. The NHS’ main aim seemed to be to get rid of them when they had genuine issues.

I did this myself. I got a diagnosis and started on steroids until I could discuss DMARDS.

No surprises that the NHS is clueless. Private may be quicker but likely not really provide a solid explanation. Remember, mainstream medicine is driven by big pharma and is mostly about managing symptoms.

Youre body is not happy about something and is telling you via symptoms. Your job is to find out why?

I saw a rheumatologist privately in London before going to the NHS. I was diagnosed by a consultant as having spondyloarthritis without any tests beyond blood tests. It was mostly based on my medical history and a physical examination.

I was subsequently referred back to the NHS for ongoing treatment, at which point loads of x-rays, MRIs etc were done. All seemed a bit pointless as I already had a diagnosis, but the NHS is very process driven I have found (regardless of the cost!).

So yeah, I would go private and get your diagnosis that way.

If you can afford it - do it.

not that private is ‘better’ but gosh it’s likely to be so much quicker.

You do whatever it takes to get yourself in a better place.

def not a ‘one or the other’ situation and knowing how long the nhs waits are for everything - you are totally not being unreasonable to speed up the process if you are able to.