Lupus treatment

Are there rheumatologists in the UK? If so, how easy is it to get an appointment with one? (Its really difficult in the US.) I have Lupus (an autoimmune arthritic disease), and I'm afraid I may be having a flare-up, which would require treatment.  It may also be the lingering effects of a flu bug I had last week, but whenever my joints hurt like this, I start to get nervous.  If anyone has Lupus, or knows about treatment for it here, I'd really appreciate the info!

Depending on where you are ST Thomas in London have a great big research and treatment clinic when I say big it is big so that may be your best bet to get refered to there the cost of seeing a consultant used to be about £100 it has prob gone up now but you can ask your nhs doctor to refer you and also find out how much it costs, once you have seen the consultant for the first time you can then transfer to NHS treatment but going private will get you in quicker to start with.

Good luck

I have a friend here with lupus. I don't know her well enough to know exactly what sort of treatment she has, but I know she does it locally and all on the NHS.

I'm in Aberdeen, so unfortunately London isn't practical for me.  I wish it was though, it sounds great. I actually have private health insurance (my husand and I are over here for his job) so I guess I'll try to find a private consultant. Thanks a lot!

I have a friend here with lupus. I don't know her well enough to know exactly what sort of treatment she has, but I know she does it locally and all on the NHS.

OK. That's good to know. I know private doctors aren't the easiest to get in to see. Plus, the more options I have open, the better. Thanks!

I really can't help direct you but I did have an American co-worker (no longer with the company) who came over for a 3 yr stint and his wife had lupus and was able to get very good treatment while they were here.

Best of luck!! 

Doesn't your GP already know that you have lupus?

Doesn't your GP already know that you have lupus?

I have been here a year, and I still haven't signed up with a GP.  I know how stupid that is, especially for someone who has this kind of disease. But, as far as my Lupus goes, I am actually INCREDIBLY lucky-I've only had one bad flare-up since I was diagnosed four years ago. (That flare up was what led to me being diagnosed in the first place.) Sometimes I literally forget that I have it at all. . . .I still have my Rheumatologist back in the States, and I happen to be going home next week, so if its still going on I'll go in to see her. But, I'll still need to find someone here as well. . . .But I really need to get a GP as well. I've been pretty irresponsible with that.

i'd advise that you check out your UK private supplemental health care very carefully.  when i signed up a few months ago, any preexisitng conditions weren't covered.  they may be with your plan, just double check.  good luck with it all...