Anyone in Palmerston North, New Zealand ?

[MAD]

Hello there, I was just wanting to now if there is anyone that lives in Palmerston North in New Zealand that see's Dr Hayton at the Gastroenterology Clinic? What do you think of him?? I have been to see him about 7 times and I don't really want to go back to him, I have asked were my Crohn's is located but he just keeps talking and no awnser. I was told I have Cronh's and Ulcerative Colitis in 2008. any advice does anyone now of another gastro doc?

 

[mussen]

Hi mad,
Nice to see a fellow kiwi here!!
Sorry to hear your having problems with your Dr, do you see him at your local hospital? Which DHB are you under? I am in the Waikato DHB area, I travel to Hamilton to see my GI. I have recently changed Dr's (my old one left) they have both been good, I have also come in contact with a couple other GI at waikato that have been fine as well.
I find if you get to know some of the nurses they can help you with the inside info!
Sorry I'm not much help, I hope you can manage to find some one more suitable soon!!

M

 

[becs30]

Hey fellow kiwis

Sorry i can't help either as i am in Auckland.. All the best tho

Becs

 

[MAD]

Hey there fellow Kiwis, Im in the Manawatu DHB area and yes I see him at the hospital and he is the one how runs the clinic Dam it. I am ment to see him on the 11th may so I will wait and see if I can get some answers this time if I get no answers I will just deal with my normal doc (will have to tell him to do some more study so he will know what he is doing) he he. Thank you for replying its great to see other Kiwis on here.
Take care to all.

 

[Andy2158]

Hi there I'm a fellow kiwi as well but sorry I'm in the south island so I'm not really much help in that regard. Great to see other New Zealanders on here and hope all goes well for you.

 

[Daisy G]

Hi mad
I am in Wellington and under the Capital & Coast District Health board. Sorry to read that your specialist is not able to answer your questions, I think with some persistance on your side he can't evade your questions forever so good luck. I find that doing some research myself before my appts and then asking questions leading off what I found that relates to my questions is helpful. Here is a link to the Crohns & Colitis Support group website there are some presentations by some specialists & past speakers that you can view that might be helpful?
http://ccsg-wellington.org.nz/site/crohns_colitis_support_group/
Hang in there....

 

[Aussie in New Zealand]

Hi Andy2158, sorry to hijack this thread but i'm in the south island as well (in Christchurch). Just wondering where you are!
Cheers
Catherine

 

[Aura]

Hi
I'm under Bay of Plenty region, but work in Waikato. I used to live in Wellington - there I saw Dr Nigel Stace and he was great, very thorough.

I agree have questions ready and if you are not sure what to ask maybe put a thread up here to get you some support on types of questions to ask and how to be assertive. e.g. I need you to hear what I am asking... I need you to tell me.... Let's get back on topic, my interest is in finding out...I need you to be clear about...To what extent are you aware of...I need to stop you there, I do not think you have heard what I have asked, I will rephrase it for you...

Take all your notes in to your meeting with you, I hope this helps.

 

[jolene4444melbourne]

Hi MAD, I would find out if you can be referred to another specialist if you are not comfortable with your current one. You are going to have a long relationship with this Doc so find one you're happy with. Can I also hijack this post with a question to fellow kiwi's? I was born in Hamilton, currently living in Melbourne receiving Infliximab infusions every 8 weeks. We are planning on moving back to NZ (napier) and I am wondering if anyone can tell me if Infliximab is financially covered or what does it cost? here in Oz it is now subsidised by the government and costs me $35 per infusion at the hospital.....thanks in advance, and good luck MAD.

 

[Aura]

http://www.pharmac.govt.nz/HMLOnline.php?osq=Remicade

 

[Aura]

Check that out Jolene, it is funded but here you will find the criteria to qualify. I didn't think kiwis in Oz could get funded medication? That they had to buy all meds retail.

 

[Catherine]

Australia and New Zealand have an agreement and there is cover under the PBS for Kiwis

http://www.pbs.gov.au/info/general/faq#WhatisthePharmaceuticalBenefitsSchemePBS

 

[jolene4444melbourne]

thanks Aura and Catherine, yes as I am a permanent resident here in oz I qualify for the funded meds, I think it takes a bit longer now as a kiwi to get a medicare card here in oz but once you do you have the same entitlements as citizens. The criteria for infliximab looks exactly the same as here so I think as long as I can get a letter and my background/history from my gastro here hopefully I will be okay. problem is having infusions every 8 weeks I would have to already have found a gastro in the napier area etc and be onto it straight away. and I also need to find out which would be the closest hospital that does the infusions. Hastings is the closest hospital but I am guessing probably have to go to Waikato or wellington....??

 

[Aura]

I think you'd be fine to have it at Hastings Hospital. Google the hospital and look at their proposal for provision of services they are quite comprehensive in what they treat. Does treat cancer patients, and chronic conditions.