Health issues (ME and autoimmune)

[Faraday]

My first post, so go easy on me :)I have a friend who is thinking of moving to Caithness, but she has autoimmune problems. Her symptoms are very similar to M.E. (chronic fatigue etc.) and she needs regular injections of B12. Does anyone here have experience with ME/autoimmune issues in Caithness? Should I tell her "come to Caithness, doctors here have more time for you" or "stay in England, you're closer to major hospitals"? Any experience would be welcome.

[bagpuss]

From a family member's experience, it varies from medical practice to practice- my relative suffered badly- but at the time was with a GP who said there was no such thing as ME. However I know other people whose GP's were much more understanding.

if you're looking for home care and supported living- remember that budgets are being cut all over- and it might take time to set up similar support to what he/she has already where they live now.

[Kells]

My first post, so go easy on me :)I have a friend who is thinking of moving to Caithness, but she has autoimmune problems. Her symptoms are very similar to M.E. (chronic fatigue etc.) and she needs regular injections of B12. Does anyone here have experience with ME/autoimmune issues in Caithness? Should I tell her "come to Caithness, doctors here have more time for you" or "stay in England, you're closer to major hospitals"? Any experience would be welcome.

Why not phone the Doctors and find out what provisions are in place or could be put in place for your friend. I have a serious chronic degenerative illness and have found that the Doctors at Wick Centre and Caithness General to be caring, supportive and have provided me with superb medical attention, so of course I think they are the very best in the country.

[Faraday]

Thanks. She doesn't need home care - I was shocked to find that she doesn't even qualify for free prescriptions, despite being in constant lifelong pain and needing occasional surgery and regular IM injections. This week she asked the doctor to refer her to an exercise class and was told it was only available if she was obese (she isn't). To be frank the doctors where she is in England don't sound very good: they seem to be from the "take some aspirin, next please" school. Because of her discomfort I don't want to take ANY risks - I hate to see her suffer. Thanks again for your replies.

[theone]

Thanks. She doesn't need home care - I was shocked to find that she doesn't even qualify for free prescriptions, despite being in constant lifelong pain and needing occasional surgery and regular IM injections. This week she asked the doctor to refer her to an exercise class and was told it was only available if she was obese (she isn't). To be frank the doctors where she is in England don't sound very good: they seem to be from the "take some aspirin, next please" school. Because of her discomfort I don't want to take ANY risks - I hate to see her suffer. Thanks again for your replies.

Everybody gets free prescriptions in Scotland.

As far as GP care goes, I think it will be no different to anywhere else in the UK, hit or miss, you get lucky or you dont.

Depending on her requirements, a move up here might not be a good idea.

Public transport is poor, local hospital facilities are limited and there's won't be much in terms of specialist care sessions etc.

[brandy]

also, does she have the support of family and friends where she is now or will she have more support here. caithness is a huge change in culture for a lot of people as they loose a lot of convenience they had before. on the plus side, there is a lot lot less congestion and pollution. the wait to see a dr. is a lot less and they tend to see you more as a person and not a number. if she wants a slower pace of life then by all means caithness is a lovely choice. we do have the cold wet which can cause aches to be worse but sometimes the scenery is worth just about anything.
if she is able why not come visit for a few weeks and see what she thinks, then it may be easier to make the choice.