It's a good theory Fred but it all depends where you live, the hospitals are few and far between where I live never mind the consultants . I go to a private consultant because there are no NHS ones unless you want to travel 45 miles to see one,mind you mine is 30 miles each way.We are short of GPs as well and any appointments for anything at the hospital is a bit of a problem. The NHS in this area is quite poor even the nearest A&E is 20 miles away and it's crap ,most people if they can drive to the next A&E which is 35 miles away but far better.

(Mon-08-08-2016, 12:30 PM)D Foster Wrote: It's a good theory Fred but it all depends where you live, the hospitals are few and far between where I live never mind the consultants . I go to a private consultant because there are no NHS ones unless you want to travel 45 miles to see one,mind you mine is 30 miles each way.We are short of GPs as well and any appointments for anything at the hospital is a bit of a problem.

I'm used to travelling to mine, it's around an hour away by car on average. I suppose it comes down to how bad you want better treatment, I would go 5 hours each way 4 times a year if I was getting better treatment.

(Mon-08-08-2016, 12:30 PM)D Foster Wrote: It's a good theory Fred but it all depends where you live, the hospitals are few and far between where I live never mind the consultants . I go to a private consultant because there are no NHS ones unless you want to travel 45 miles to see one,mind you mine is 30 miles each way.We are short of GPs as well and any appointments for anything at the hospital is a bit of a problem. The NHS in this area is quite poor even the nearest A&E is 20 miles away and it's crap ,most people if they can drive to the next A&E which is 35 miles away but far better.

(Mon-08-08-2016, 12:33 PM)Fred Wrote:

(Mon-08-08-2016, 12:30 PM)D Foster Wrote: It's a good theory Fred but it all depends where you live, the hospitals are few and far between where I live never mind the consultants . I go to a private consultant because there are no NHS ones unless you want to travel 45 miles to see one,mind you mine is 30 miles each way.We are short of GPs as well and any appointments for anything at the hospital is a bit of a problem.

I'm used to travelling to mine, it's around an hour away by car on average. I suppose it comes down to how bad you want better treatment, I would go 5 hours each way 4 times a year if I was getting better treatment.

As I said that is the theory Fred but you can try and if it's out of area and into another trust your GP is charged for every visit made .

Hi Smegs

Sorry to hear you having issues with your medication and dermatologist.

Apparently many have side effects from MTX, so far I am one of the lucky ones. I was taking folic acid a few days after my MTX and my new derm changed it to avery day except when I take MTX. There does not seem to be a really standard protocol. Also the low start is to see how you respond.

If you are having side effects I would call my derm now.

As for changing the consultant I think far to often we get short changed by the NHS.

Yes you can get other opinions but it is a time thing, waiting for another appointment etc. What I would say is make sure that your consultant understands what you need and don't accept NO as an answer. They are not the person suffering, yes it is not always easy but if you do not feel you are getting anywhere you can escalate within the department as well.

Hi Smegs,

Welcome! love the name, love red dwarf too

Like most on here I've tried MTX and yeah lasted about 6 months and spent 3 or 4 days of the week with really bad nausea always happened when after i took the folic acid, as with Jim it got so bad i pretty much had the attitude of screw this so i went and had a chat with Chuckles my derm and agreed to try something else. I'm sure you've seen already but everyone is different, what works for one person might not be so great for another.

But i will admit like Fred i do tend to get chills when reading stuff about MTX, that said though it did clear me right up i was 100% clear so it does work, its how much you're willing to pay for it with the side effects. (although with me i had a friend check on me every so often because she was worried as soon as i told her the other uses the drug has).