Rheumatologists in Somerset, KY

Hi Alison, I have my first appointment at the mineral hospital in April. Although I was diagnosed at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in Stanmore, Middx (near my old home.) Diet, exercise, pacing, pain-management (citalopram, paracetomol, gel and tramadol (3 or 4 x 50 mg per day)) has been the only way forward for me. Alongwith getting carers through social services. I also have an au pair. When I was diagnosed, I was told my fibro is caused by Ehlers-Danlos Type III - hypermobility. I have prolapsed lumbar discs and osteoarthritis too. Mainly from sport when I was younger. I recently had a chance to do a charity sail for St Margarets Hospice, in the Carribean. It was amazing the reduction in my fibro pain in good weather. I wanna emigrate!

Thank you all for your help - I was the person who asked for the question to be posted. I was diagnosed in September by Dr Luke Gompels in Musgrove who was lovely but had to discharge me from his care after one 30 min consultation. I went on the Bath H ospital coping skills course in December which was great. Now however I feel so unsupported...my doc says she can't refer me to anyone else and that I should pay to see someone privately! Does anyone have someone in particular at Bath they would recommend - if I have to pay then I need to see the right person! Thank you for your help and advice x

I firstly went to Rheumatology in Bristol (Frenchay) and was discharged with them having found nothing. Another GP arranged for me to go to Bath Hospital and they were very good, accepting, did a coping with FM course. Was eventually discharged back to GP but glad I went

In that case, you either have to insist on a referral to Bath, or change to a GP that will help you. I know how you feel though. Treatment over here is no better than the UK, so I just get on with taking the pills. Mind you, I have done the CBT, seen a Rheumy, done Pain Clinic etc. Sleep is a huge issue, which I'm only now having addressed (by a Psychiatrist!) So now I have another pill to take, which yes, helps me sleep, but also makes me feel like a zombie for most of the day as well, accept for the first 2 hours after I get up! It's all a bit of a nightmare. But yes, do push hard for that referral!! Xxx

My Mum has RA & she's been going to Bath Hospital for many years. They're always very thorough with her, and very nice too! Xxx

Well I'm from Somerset, but live in Denmark now! But I was always sent to The Bath Hospital of Rheumatic Diseases, to the Rheumatologist there. I don't know if there's a Rheumy department at Musgrove Park Hospital, but I was always referred to Bath. Hope that helps?! Xxx

Dr Laversuch@MPH is ok, but her waiting list is long. I went to Bath too, they were fantastic and took everything I said seriously, even when I told them that my hair hurt. I'd recommend the Mineral Hospital@Bath every time x

I know weston is North Somerset. Dr Webber at weston was really good.

Hello all, interesting posts, I belong to Musgrove at Taunton, under Dr Laver such . I have RA as well as Fibro and I find her very good, I saw the pain management team Which helped, but I have heard high praise for Bath, such a sham I live too far away. I have had a really bad day today, like a few of you lets hope for a pain free w end in the Spring sun, that will do us all the world of good. Xx

Mineral hospital is the best place but she needs to be referred by her GP. Having said this, hasn't the building been sold off very recently and dept taken over into RUH? Has this happened yet? Or not yet?

Rhonda I see Dr.Afzal he is behind the hospital on Hardin Lane. He has been helping me with my fibromyalgia for 8 yrs now and doing a pretty good job at it too!