The Kellgren Centre of Rheumatology manchester

Over 2 years and could not get through to the doctors I saw how my leg stiffness was impeding daily life. Kept sending me off to orthopaedics and physio which felt like kicking the can down the road. Yes meds were changed but when they didn’t work after 6 months no discussion on next plan. Saw different doctors each time who had clearly not read my notes so had to explain again that I had had scans already when yet again they wanted to send me to orthopaedics who had already told then it was inflammation of the joint and surrounding muscle. They routinely forgot to put in notes sent to my gp that I was not just complaining of joint pain but all the muscles in my legs stiffening and when they sent me to Physio they even got the wrong leg because of a mistake in notes from the nurse so I had to correct that. Finally took my husband for support because he couldn’t understand why I was not improving and he saw how little the consultant listened or even explained the treatment plan. Eventually asked my GP for a second opinion from Professor Bruce but was not offered him and so decided to go to another recommended rheumatologist in another hospital who has done more in one appointment to understand and explain next treatment and seemed really interested in how it was affecting my quality of life and is really keen to get me well. I thought Kelgren was a centre of excellence but it felt impersonal with the blood nurses nice or disinterested depending on their mood on the day. Felt like I was just someone who needed to be dispensed. I have no doubt they know which treatments to offer but there was no proper discussion or working with the patient and certainly did not feel listened to. Professorv Bruce whom I understand listens, cares and gives good treatment might want to give the rest some time to observe his approach and style. Sometimes that matters as much as the treatment. .

When I was getting worse wth my symptoms, & I'd almost lost my mind, the Kellgren Centre & Dr R. Gorodkin gave me a diagnosis & the rationale behind why I felt so ill. There are an awesome team & the patient is @ the centre of the care. They listen to U & they don't talk @ U.

What a careing and supportive team thank you for helping me