"Thankfully there are 2 rheumys. Shame only one is..."

What I liked

I was seen urgently when it was needed

What could be improved

The first rheumatologist I saw appeared not to have read my notes and did not appear to realise that I had ankylosing spondylitis. Without recourse to investigations declared I had no signs of inflammatory arthritis and "only" had fibromyalgia. This was the same rheumatologist who saw me 15 years ago with a diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis when he first came to Torbay, and discharged me from the care of the rheumatogy dept. I had to pay for a second opinion whereupon AS was found with the aid of MRI scans. Luckily this rheumatologist listened, examined me, and ordered tests! I have severe AS with my spine fused in many places and a fused chest. I am in constant severe pain. My GP's accepted his diagnosis without question, the same GP's who were dosing me with huge doses of opiates, (100mcgs fentanyl + morphine) and then diagnosed me with chronic fatigue, forgetting opiates make you sleepy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I saw the first rheumatologist just 2 months after being diagnosed with cfs, he quite visibly glazed over when he realised I been told I had chronic fatigue. He appeared to want me out of the consulting room as fast as possible. Thank god there are two rheumatologists at Torbay!