Dr Alan Hakim 2016-09-10 Person 5 5 0

I saw Dr Hakim at the Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth in London. I found him through Elhers Danlos Support UK, when investigating Elhers Danlos Syndrome. From the moment I walked into his consulting room, I felt comfortable, and confident that I was going to get an accurate diagnosis, and support. I had prepared rather a lot of written materials, giving a detailed medical history (as I tend to forget exactly what I want to say otherwise) and Dr Hakim looked at all of this information, while talking to me to understand both what I hoped to gain from the appointment, and my medical history. He quickly 'joined the dots' of my medical history, and asked thorough questions to further establish family history. He conducted a short examination, and was very gentle with my hypermobile joints. Dr Hakim then gave me his diagnosis, but said that because of features of my family history, he would like to ask my (NHS) GP to refer me for genetic tests to check for a couple of other conditions too. We then discussed possible ways forward with physical therapy and lifestyle changes, and dealing with pain. He showed me a couple of exercises which have already made a difference, and I am attending an appointment with one of his specialist physiotherapy team shortly. The idea from this is to get enough information to bring back to my physiotherapist at home, as I do not live close enough to London to visit regularly. The letter he sent was the most thorough I have ever had, and my GP and regular physiotherapist were immediately able to use the advice to improve my care. Both commented on the high quality of the diagnosis and advice given. I was also impressed with how well he had understood me not just in terms of my condition, but also my circumstances and temperament, to devise a plan which would actually work for me, and I felt able to sign up to wholeheartedly. Dr Hakim makes it clear that his support does not finish when you walk out of the door, and gives his contact details for any follow up. When I did go back with a question, his response was both very prompt, and helpful. This doctor has helped me to understand and lifetime of injury and illness, to feel acknowledged in the impact this has had on my life, and most importantly to have a realistic idea of being able to make gradual improvements, and start a lifetime of management, with a real understanding of how the condition is specifically affecting me, and to be supported as I do so. I recommend his services without hesitation. He is kind, thoughtful, extremely knowledgeable and very professional.