Deserted by Docs and feeling wary!

[Jules]

Received a letter from my hospital today confirming my appointment for Friday, but the strange thing was it had a Drs name on the letter that I had never heard of before! When I called the hospital to ask what was going on, I was told that both my Consultant and more importantly his Registar (who I really felt comfortable handling my wegs) had both left since my last appointment 6 weeks ago! I now have a Romanian Dr (who may turn out to be very good!?) but who is not it appears a wegs specialist and the thought of having to go through the whole sorry tale with someone new is, to be honest, more than a little soul destroying and a bit scary! Sorry if this sounds a bit melodramatic, but I just had to get it off my chest . . . I've been taken out of my comfort zone and don't really like it!:unsure:

[NicShaf]

I totally understand your nerves about seeing a new doctor...especially just out of the blue. I hope your new doc turns out to be great, keeping my fingers crossed for you.

[delorisdoe]

That has always been a fear of mine. As far as going through the story again...I see a resident everytime I go to my weg doctor before I see him and it is a new one everytime and they are supposed to interview me as though it is the first time everytime and they make me start from 10 years ago. I hate it.

[elephant]

You might just like this Wegeners specialist. It is annoying to go thru it all again, but he may have a better insight! Good luck!

[pberggren1]

I don't mind educating the residents about Wegs. I have only seen maybe about a dozen residents over the years though.

[Sangye]

Jules, I'm a bit lost. Do you mean your Wegs specialist left and the new doctor is not a Wegs specialist?

[norcalian]

My Rheumy is retiring in November and I just got him. He's transferring me to a new doctor who works closer to where I live (by a few miles)...but with less experience with WG, etc. I'm a little bummed about it...so I feel some of your pain.

[delorisdoe]

I dont exactly mind educating residents lol. I see alot of residents and some are more productive than others. I have told my ten year story more than I care to though.

[Psyborg]

It seems kind of unprofessional that they didn't notify you that they were leaving Jules. When my ENT left the CC they sent me a very nice letter and referrals to other ENT's (though I will let my specialist pick if it becomes necessary to see another).

[Sangye]

In the US they legally have to notify you. Otherwise it's considered patient abandonment-- a very serious charge.

[Jules]

Realised I didn't even know the gender of my new Dr, another call established its a lady. Have also found out my old registrar is moving to a London hospital .. . if things don't work out (hopefully they will and am trying to remain positive)at least it won't be the end of the world to journey into London each month and try to stay with him. All will be revealed tomorrow . . . is it reasonable to ask how many, if any, wegs patients this rheumatoligist has come across?

[norcalian]

is it reasonable to ask how many, if any, wegs patients this rheumatoligist has come across?

Absolutely. That was one of the first things my wife asked my rheumy in the hospital.

[Sangye]

I would say it's very important to ask that question. If it's a Wegs specialist, the answer will be in the hundreds.

[Jules]

Sangye, in that case my last one wasn't a specialist either - however, did feel comfortable with his 'handle' on things! Not sure if our numbers get that high in the UK - perhaps some of my fellow Brits on this site could let me know their experience in finding a specialist please? Anyway, all will have to wait til next week now, as went down with a stomach bug last night and have had to cancel my appointment today! Hey ho!

[drz]

Realised I didn't even know the gender of my new Dr, another call established its a lady. Have also found out my old registrar is moving to a London hospital .. . if things don't work out (hopefully they will and am trying to remain positive)at least it won't be the end of the world to journey into London each month and try to stay with him. All will be revealed tomorrow . . . is it reasonable to ask how many, if any, wegs patients this rheumatoligist has come across?

I would ask how many other patients they are treating with your diagnosis? That should get you the info you desire.