Still can’t get Roaccutane!

Claire A
 

Claire A

Monday 21 January, 2008

Posted in Roaccutane

Thanks to the incompetent useless derm I still haven’t got my Roaccutane.
He decided that because I had been on anti-depressants over 2 years ago, that I had to see a psych first, which will take 3 months for an appointment.Seeing as I have been mucked around since September I’m not prepared to wait any longer. If I don’t start now then I won’t get my 6 months of being in my 20s and not having spots.

So I went to my GP who agreed that while I am at a slightly higher risk, there shouldn’t be a problem. She said she’d write a letter to the derm. This was 2 weeks ago. I rang the derm dept today to be told the letter makes no difference.

I said that meant I would be forced to go private. I was told that if I did start getting Roaccutane privately then coming back to them, there was no guarantee the useless derm would write me a repeat prescription!

It’s not very easy to find a private derm. I live in Manchester so I’m not in the sticks, but I only found a couple. Then I found out you have to get a referral from your GP before they’ll treat you. This is getting ridiculous! Why is it so hard?

I shouldn’t have to pay anyway. Why should I have to fork out loads of money I don’t have just cos of that useless derm? My job finishes in a few weeks. I won’t have money for rent or food, let alone private treatment and prescriptions.

Honestly I feel like banging my head against a wall. I’ve suffered this for 16 years!
Just don’t know what to do.

10 Responses to “Still can’t get Roaccutane!”

#1 Rachel says...

Hi Claire,

I can totally sympathise with you in regards to desperately wanting the roaccutane treatment. My advice to you would to be persistant with your GP or derm, after all it was two years ago. There MUST be options available to you, don’t let them fob you off. Get them to explain all the options available to you so you can weigh things up properly. It’s so frustrating because if your anything like me the depression is brought on from the acne. You feel like screaming in their faces, if you just sorted my bloody acne out i’d be fine!

Good luck x

January 21st, 2008 at 6:00 pm

#2 Emma says...

Hi Claire,

I’m really sorry you’ve had problems. I live in Manchester and my dermatologist is Dr Muston (based at South Manchester University Hospitals Trust), he’s been great. I would ask your GP to refer you to him specifically. If you do decide on a private appointment you don’t have to search out an exclusively private dermatologist, just ask your GP to refer you to him as a private patient.

A referral is really important so you do have to get one. There are legal issues about documenting when care is passed on, and also if referral letters weren’t required people would present themselves to consultants all the time with problems that weren’t covered by that specialty and it would all be a bit of a mess. Working in healthcare I know how much havoc it would cause! I really hope things start moving for you soon, Emma.

January 22nd, 2008 at 7:35 pm

#3 Claire A says...

What a coincidence, I booked yesterday to see this Dr Muston privately next week. I’m seeing my GP tonight to get the referral. Maybe I can get back into the NHS and not pay out loads of money I don’t have.

January 23rd, 2008 at 8:27 am

#4 AS says...

I am just finishing my 12 week course of Roacutane and totally sympathise as I have had a nightmare trying to get put on it too…the NHS Derm told me my acne was not bad enough. I have also been on Dianette in the past which worked but after being on it for 12 years i have decided to have a break - hence the Roacutane.
In the end i had to get a referral as a private patient and pay for the tablets myself…total cost £400-£500!!
My skin has definitely improved and am so glad I took it as side effects have been non-existent!!
Although, does anyone know if Roacutane still works after you stop taking I am worried as i still have a few little spots???
Good luck all x

January 23rd, 2008 at 12:57 pm

#5 Emma says...

Hi Claire,

That’s great news - he is very experienced and I’m sure will give you a sensible opinion. As for the private/NHS question, I’m sure it’s possible for you to have the initial private consultation and then switch to the NHS system, although it depends on the consultant. If you explain your financial situation - ie you’re not on BUPA or other healthcare insurance and wouldn’t be able to afford private prescriptions - I’m sure he’ll be reasonable. Best of luck and let us know how you get on. By the way, make sure you stress to your GP that you need the referral letter done by the time you have your appointment, as they can be a bit slow with typing the letters and they need it spelling out sometimes! They will probably charge you for a private referral though, my surgery has a sign on the wall about it.

January 23rd, 2008 at 4:14 pm

#6 Claire A says...

My faith has been partially restored. I went to my GP last night and saw a different doctor. I explained the situation and said I had made an appointment with a private derm. She went ‘Right let’s try referring you to another NHS hospital. You’re not paying to see a private derm.’ She called one of the secretaries in and asked her to go on the choose and book system to find the soonest appointment and told me I should complain to PALS about the useless derm. I’ve got an appointment on the 9th Feb, a Saturday! Didn’t know you could get Sat appointments. She was brilliant.
So fingers crossed for the 9th! Thanks for all your advice above. This site has been so helpful.

January 24th, 2008 at 8:12 am

#7 sharon says...

Hi Claire
Thats great news, although I saw a private derm shes put me on the NHS waiting list for Roaccutane so I will have to only pay the normal prescription price. She says current waiting time 6 - 8 weeks. Hopefully we will both soon be on the way to clear skin. X

January 24th, 2008 at 6:51 pm

#8 Emma says...

Hi Claire,

That’s great news! What a difference a good GP makes. Who are you seeing and which hospital? I know quite a few of the consultants at various places from temping.

January 24th, 2008 at 6:54 pm

#9 Claire A says...

Stepping Hill. Don’t know which doc. I hope it’s ok there.

January 25th, 2008 at 8:40 am

#10 Emma says...

I don’t know any of the consultants there unfortunately but I’m sure you’ll be fine. It’s a shame you won’t be meeting Dr Muston (he’s fantastic!) but it’s only fair that you shouldn’t have to pay. Best of luck!

January 26th, 2008 at 9:02 am

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