Pain Management - Bath/Stanmore/RNHRD

[sheppeyescapee]

I now have my date to go in to Stanmore, 6th Feb for 2-3 weeks. They offered me a cancellation for 31st October but logistics wise and sorting out transport/uni and so on didn't leave me much time to sort it all out. My only problem now is that 2 coursework deadlines are during the time that I'm at stanmore, and they are reports on work done in the workshops, ones that I wont be there for! The student adviser is trying to sort out some kind of alternative coursework and an extension for me so that I wont miss out otherwise my only other option is resits in the summer and I really don't want to have to do that! Still I'm rather glad that I have a date when I'm going in now.

[barkingmad]

That is such good news Sheppey! I am sure they will be able to help you out and improve your quality of life.

[bree]

Great news sheepy. You will be arriving when I am leaving. Will be able to give you some tips . Am sure they will be able to help. x

[Englishgremlin1]

That is great news - I am seeing someone there on 28th oct now - fingers crossed will lead to good things

[sheppeyescapee]

Good luck G, hope it goes well for you. They are really nice there

[Englishgremlin1]

we may even end up in at the same time !

[Ames]

Hi everyone,

Can anyone tell me what happens at the first appointment at Stanmore? Is it just seeing one doctor (DR C) or do I see a whole team of people? Do they offer any help at the appointment (really need wrist splints) or is it just an assessment for the 3 weeks stay? I'm trying to work out how long it will take so I know if I need to bring someone with me!

Amy x

[sheppeyescapee]

The appointment with Dr C is the pre-assessment appointment where she asks a lot of questions, does a physical and makes sure that you are eligible to go on to the programme. The second appointment is once you are on the list where you go to talk to a member of the team there, they ask a whole load more questions tell you about the programme and what it entails, after that assessment they contact you to arrange a date for you to go in

[Ames]

Ok thanks, do you remember roughly how long the appointment took? I wish I lived closer and this could all be done on an outpatient basis so I didn't have to go and stay in hospital!

Amy x

[sheppeyescapee]

Think the appointment with Dr C was about 1hr I think, she was very thorough though and is very nice

[juliepops]

I agree Dr C at Stanmore was brilliant. When I went to UCL I didn't see Prof G but another doctor and although she was much more knowledgeable than my local rhuemy. Dr C just really understood me. She also added EDS3 to my diagnosis, due to my skin, when UCL said I didn't have it. I have just sent back all the questionnaires to the rehab team and am waiting my next outpatient appointment. I am so glad that I was referred to Stanmore and really feel I am going in the right direction to improve things.

My appointment was quite late in the day and the clinic was running over an hour late so allow plenty of time. Dr C doesn't rush you at all, we were with her for 1hr and 20mins and then i had to have blood tests before leaving. ( at UCL we felt very rushed!!).

Life is much more positive for me right now

Best of luck
to you all
Julie xx

[juliepops]

I have just got my appointment for pre admission at Stanmore.
Its sooner than I thought it would be ( 9th Dec). Bit nervous as not sure what to expect.

Another step in the right direction for me
Julie

[sheppeyescapee]

Anyone know if I will be able to claim back my travel costs to stanmore and back? It's rather far and will be costing us a fortune otherwise. I have a HC2 certificate.

[Fiona-Jane]

maybe give their transport department a call, i think they said that it's not only for people with mobility problems but for those that are very poor and so just cant afford to pay the costs of transport.... their phone number is 020 8954 2300 and their email is: patientstravel@rnoh.nhs.uk and their webpage is: http://www.rnoh.nhs.uk/patients-familie ... -transport


cant remember if you use a chair but i get transport without question cos i use my wheelchair....


i'm being sent to the assessment team to go on their 3 week pain management course, and being sent to their shoulder specialist. I'm doing a rather comprehensive physio program already so the consultant i saw said i wouldnt really get any extra help from them, but i shouls get tons of help with the pain management side of things.... i really hope the assessment goes well as i could really do with the help.


has anyone seen their shoulder specialists separate from the inpatient program? my left shoulder is very bad and dislocates whenever i move my arm (and dangles out of joint so it's constantly subluxed) i've been doing physio on it since 2007 but have seen no improvement in the joint stability- the muscles around my shoulder are a lot stronger but thats it, no other improvements. i'm hoping that i'm just not able to activate a muscle that once worked will help stabilise the joint.... dont want an operation, that's kinda scary! but wont know for sure till i've been seen by the specialists so gonna try and forget about it all now!


fi xx

[gila]

Hi Fi
I was such a lucky person a couple of years ago - a bit oddly ... you cant be referred straight to the shoulder physios (though maybe that has changed...) you have to be first seen by/referred to their shoulder specialist surgeon (will pm you his name) who is def NOT a 'knife mongerer' (but def a lovely man) who then refers you on to the physios.
xxg