Private Gastroenterologist Recommendations in the UK?

Hi all,

I suffer from a particular form of nocturnal reflux which seems neither to involve acid (in that I don't have heartburn or a burning sensation in the throat) nor food regurgitation. Instead I experience the most disgusting sour, bitter taste in my mouth which once started comes in waves every five minutes or so. Despite only starting earlier this year, this type of reflux does appear to have already caused damage, as I have the non-dysplastic form of Barrett's. The emergence of this reflux appears to have triggered other problems like loss of appetite and weight loss.

Up until now I have been treated within the Spanish public health system but now feel I've got to an impasse. The last digestive system specialist didn't seem to believe my type of reflux was significant, despite causing Barrett's. Nor does she seem to think she can do anything about it, as it does not involve acid or food regurgitation. I have been referred to a digestive system specialist in "motor disorders", but that appointment will not be until sometime in January.

So I've decided to see if I can make an appointment to see a private gastroenterology specialist back in the UK to get a second opinion and review the diagnoses and options. Ideally, I'd like a specialist who is sensitive to the occurrence of non-conventional forms of reflux and up-to-date with current developments (Endostim looks as if it is something that might be a possible treatment option in the future).

Can anyone recommend such a specialist in the UK? London and SE would probably be the best, but I would be prepared to travel to see the right specialist.

Any suggestions gratefully received :)

Hi Rod

I'd recommend Mr Ameet G Patel based at the Princess Grace Hospital in London W1 he has simply been amazing and is on e of the leading specialists in reflux in the UK - I have had wonderful care from him and his team.

Dr Sean L Preston, an amazing gastroenterologist based at the same hospital was great and explained a lot of what was happening before he referred me to Mr Patel.

Links below for help
http://www.thelondonclinic.co.uk/consultants/dr-sean-lawson-preston
http://www.theprincessgracehospital.co.uk/specialist-search/dr-sean-preston/
http://www.theprincessgracehospital.com/specialist-search/mr-ameet-g-patel/

I cannot recommend them enough

Hi RobUK,

I wonder if you would think me rude if I asked you what Mr. Patel's fees are? Also was your full treatment fee what they call a "package". I can put my email address up for a short time if that suits you better, just let me know.

Post Edited (Noelle3) : 11/23/2013 9:16:04 AM (GMT-7)

Hi Noelle

I'm really sorry but I have no idea as to what either Dr Sean Preston's or Mr Patels fee as they were covered by my health insurance policy. His secretary (equally helpful nurse practitioner) will be able to provide you all the necessary information - I hope that helps a little!

Very happy to provide you with contact details if it helps, and I think they will be on the links I have already provided.

I hope this helps! Shout if I can be of any further help, and good luck!

I saw Dr Matthew Banks at the Lister Hospital. Very pricey at £275 for the initial consultation.

I only saw him once though, but he seemed to be pretty good.

Hi Noelle

I do know that Mr Patel is also a NHS surgeon based out of the Chelsea and Westminster hospital is SW London if that helps!

Rob

Hi again

That doesn't surprise me, I know from my investigations that waiting times once you had seen consultant to operation was 6-12 months, hence why I went private! I would certainly make contact with Mr Patel's secretary - see if you can switch - a very caring and genuine guy!

Hi Noelle

Of course you may, and yes it was - and kept a very beady eye on recovery as well! Hope that helps!

Rob

Very very welcome! Good luck - let me know how it goes!