Anyone here infuse at Gartnavel General Hospital?

[s162216]

Hi,

Is there anyone else on here who goes to the Gartnavel General in Glasgow for IVIG? I moved up to Glasgow a couple of weeks ago for a years post grad course, and have arranged to have my immunology care there.

I'm interested in how it's set up, as all I know so far is that I've got an appointment on Ward 7A Day Ward at 09:00 next Wednesday, where I'll get my infusion and see my new consultant immunologist. I guess I'll find out more then, but for instance will I only be with others having IVIG/with PID or is it a general day ward?, is Wednesday the only day they do it on or do you have to book a slot for a day of the week? etc. It's just little details like that.

Thanks!

Sam.

[carole2091]

Hi Sam

First of all welcome to Glasgow and I hope you enjoy your post-grad course.  I used to work at the University of Glasgow as an Editorial Assistant and Course Administrator though latterly I worked for the NHS before having to retire on health grounds.

I have a T-cell immunodeficiency and I attend the Immunology Clinic at Gartnavel General.  I also have Addison's disease and type 2 insulin-dependent diabetes so health-wise life is quite difficult at times.  I take high doses of anti-fungal meds but I don't infuse, however, at times I wonder if infusing would help as I take an awful lot of prescribed meds to keep me stable.  The two Immunology Consultants at Gartnavel are Dr Moira Thomas and Dr S Murng - I have seen both of them over the years.  The Immunology Specialist Nurse is Mary Brownlee.  In the past I have had a bit of contact with Yvonne Brown, the Immunology Secretary - she may be able to answer some of your questions about what happens on infusion days or direct you to someone who can answer your questions about the set-up.  Her telephone number is:  [phone], e-mail: [e-mail] - it's worth keeping a note of Yvonne's contact details.  I attended the Immunology clinic on 14th Sept and Dr Murng told me to make an appointment at the clinic desk for 6 months time, however, the clinic clerkess said that the next available appt was not until August 2016!  I took the appt as don't want to be lost to follow-up but e-mailed Yvonne who was able to give me a cancellation appt for April 2016.  The clinics are very busy....

Another and maybe better suggestion I have is for you to become a member of UKPIPS Scotland forum, it is a closed group for people in Scotland who have an immunodeficiency, you can ask to become a member, all that is required is that you give a brief introduction.  Most of the members infuse and some of them attend Gartnavel General and would be better placed to answer your questions than I am.   The link to their website is:  www.ukpips.org.uk/scotland/

If you don't wish to do this I could post a message on your behalf asking for info about the Gartnavel set-up.  UKPIPS has been a great support to me through my health blips and all that that brings.  Sorry for the lengthy e-mail but I hope this helps.  If you wish to reply you can use my personal e-mail:  (EMAIL REDACTED) rather than going through the PI Support Forum.

Best wishes

Carole

Carole Fitzsimmons