UK / London - advice on who to see - going through flare?

Hi guys,

I'm going through quite a severe flare (for my standard), set off by taking antibiotics for a chest infection. I was diagnosed in 2007 (year 11) with Ulcerated Colitis.

I've had about 6 colonoscopy's and gone through about 3 specialists in Australia. I've been on salazopyrin and pentasa, (a few others, can't remember the names - some sort of gout treatment mixed with what they give to leukaemia patients) and have at times used Pentasa Enemas.

I came off all the drugs because I found none were working (except the enemas) and I managed to maintain remission on/off for about 4 years with the use of probiotics and have been able to live a pretty normal life (drinking, eating almost anything) and only suffering a small amount of urgency. No cramps, blood etc.

I've decided to see a doctor over here while I'm living in London as at the moment I'm passing quite a lot of blood, feel very weak and exhausted and I can't seem to get this under control. I'm taking turmeric and Boswellia, and also psyllium husk and have also been making SCD yogurt that I eat daily. I'm avoiding all my usual triggers (onions, any sweeteners, oranges) etc.

These help and I'm not in pain... but the blood is still there at times it can be completely terrifying.

My question is - I'm booked in on Friday to see a GP and I'm going to ask for Pentasa and the Enema's again and try to get this under control myself.. but I want a referral to a specialist for UC - and I'm hoping somebody has had some luck with a good one? I've had my fair share of bad ones and want to avoid wasting time and money on them!

Any help in the right direction is very much appreciated!

Rights or wrongs of the system - contrary to the comment above ... you can pick and chose your consultant in the UK. It's a case of knowing the system. There are a number of approaches ... Most obvious if you wish to go 'out of area' is to pay for first consultation. The doctor can then move you to their NHS list if need be. People will no doubt argue the rights and wrongs, but that is the position.

When I lived I the UK I had excellent treatment under Simon Anderson consultant at Guys at St Thomas'. Closest to home would never be my default.