Anyone know current NHS U.K. wait times for these health departments/clinics to access support?

confusednewt

Hi, I’m Newt, and I’ve previously posted my ongoing health issues in the chronic pain and invisible illness discussion sections, so please do have a look at those, especially if you think or have recommendations/suggestions/tips of similar experience, pains and illnesses, and you know of organisations/charities/nhs or private services that could help.

Today my doctor has referred me for:
- NHS Wheelchair Service as I’m struggling with mobility and using a walking stick and multiple supports around my body for pain 

- Rheumatology (I don’t know where or on what capacity)

- & My local Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Team to hopefully get seen by a specialist and receive a diagnosis of M.E/CFS (or properly investigate something else?!)

I am searching for someone, anyone who has also been referred to these services currently or just been referred to try and find out how long I will be waiting. My GP said a year/s and I do not know if he meant for everything or one referral and I’m just very confused. Is there anyone I can contact through the NHS to find out where I’m being sent and who to contact?

For context, I live in the U.K. up north, in between Greater Manchester and Lancashire - so am ideally hoping to go somewhere there. I similarly don’t know if any local specialists or GP’s who may specialist in these areas and are happy to refer/diagnose/treat you themselves within my area. I am also looking for support groups and other people who experience this, as I’m only 27 and it feels quite isolating and like my whole world is upside down, so if you do know any please let me know.

Thankyou,
Newt

Karen7788

If I remember correctly I only waiting a couple of weeks for my first rheumatology appointment, but that was a few years ago. I don’t think you’ll have to wait long for the rheumatologist appointment. 

poppy123456

Unless it's urgent then you're looking at potentially a 6 month wait for the Rheumatologist. As advised on your other thread you can refer yourself for a needs assessment from your LA but again the waiting times are likely to be 6 months, i know mine is about that length of time.

confusednewt

Thankyou @Karen7788 and @poppy123456 for sharing your experience. 

My next task is to try and find out where I have actually been referred, as I haven’t been given this information yet by GP.

L_Volunteer

That sounds challenging @confusednewt. Have you been able to find out yet? Wishing you the best of luck with this! Please feel free to let us know how it goes 

confusednewt

L_Volunteer said:

That sounds challenging @confusednewt. Have you been able to find out yet? Wishing you the best of luck with this! Please feel free to let us know how it goes 

Thankyou, I’m just trying to stay positive for it all even though I fear the wait may be several years before I’m “officially” diagnosed So far I’ve found out I’ve been placed on the list for rheumatology under Manchester Trafford health (they say wait until Nov before contacting) and the ME/CFS team but their letter just says the wait is extreme and there are huge delays /big sigh. As soon as I get concrete dates I’ll update to help others that may need them locally

L_Volunteer

It sounds positive, but difficult, that you are trying to stay positive @confusednewt. Not least with the expected long wait for diagnosis and services.

How are you feeling about being placed on the list for rheumatology and the ME/CFS team at the moment? Hopefully, you will receive the diagnosis and services sooner than expected.

In the meantime, we are here for you and listening to you. You don't have to face this, or anything else, alone if you don't want to.

You are fabulous to even think about wanting to help others despite everything you are going through at the moment. I hope you are caring for yourself in the same way though