Anyone have any experience of the West Yorkshire MS Treatment Programme?

[Dave Andrew]

I returned to Bradford NHS (and their new MS specialist Neuro) this year, after having been at Halifax NHS as there were no appointments available for 9 months at Bradford 5 years ago. At my first appointment I said, when asked, that I had an open mind regarding treatment, and I was told that I would be referred to Leeds NHS. Sure anough a month later an appointment letter landed on the mat, and, as it is next Wednesday at Seacroft Hospital, my busy mind has been wondering. As usual, I needed to know as much as I could about it, and it sounds like a great hospital, but can I find any information in the public arena, apart from that is where the MS services are in Leeds, and one of my Facebook friends goes there?....nope, not a suasage

[Scully]

Hello Dave,

 

No experience with this area I'm afraid, I did find the following on the MS Trust website.

 

 

http://www.mstrust.org.uk/professionals/information/wayahead/articles/12032008_05.jsp

 

Scully

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[Dave Andrew]

Thanks Scully,

 

At least it's not just me that couldn't find much on it. I did find that page in March, but forgot about it. I am amazed that nobody seems to talk about it, but you never know, maybe it's like fight club, and 'you never talk about fight club'. My one consolation is all evidence and comments from people (that have never heardf of the programme) that go to Seacroft say that it's a great place and everyone is really good.

[Scully]

Hello Dave,

 

To be honest there isn't much information on any MS treatment centres. I just did a search on my own area and there's very little so maybe you're right....no one talks about 'fight club' ! That's actually a pretty good analogy.

 

I reckon most of the centres offer pretty good services. There are usually a couple of neurologists, a MS nurse and a Neuro-Physio as well.

 

Good luck with your appointment, and do let us know how it get on?

 

Scully

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[Dave Andrew]

Well my appointment went really well this morning. After a short assessment (same as I get every year at the neurologist appointment), I was told that I was eligable for Interferons and he took two vials of blood to get the ball rolling. He said that he would get in touch with my MS Nurse so that she could discuss which Interferon I want to go on, along with which of the four autoinjectors that the NHS has. Once that was done I will collect my meds. However, I got a surprise when I was told that Bradford was confirmed as another MS Treatment centre in West Yorkshire, and I would collect my Meds (saying Drugs just sounds so far out and I automatically expect a police raid shortly) from either Bradford, probably at my appointment next month, or back at Seacroft. However, I also signed myself up to a focus group and study to investigate why some PWMS stay in work, and others don't. With the aim of trying to figure out if there is anything that can be done to assist, or change employers attitudes if that is the reason. Finally,I am sure that the research Nurse had a mini orgasm when I said that my father also had MS and may be interested in helping with a study into the possible genetic links when 1 or both parents have MS and only one kid has MS.

[Scully]

Hello Dave,

 

Wow, it certainly sounds like you had a good and productive appointment. I'm pleased to hear its all gone well.

 

Deciding on which DMD's to have can be a bit of a minefield. Lots of members have used this site to try to get a better idea, ahead of your MS Nurse appointment.

 

http://www.msdecisions.org.uk/

 

Scully

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