Dr Alan Hakim 2016-07-15 Person 5 5 0

After 51 years of being dismissed/ misdiagnosed by many previous medics who ignored my life long hypermobility issues, frequent bouts of physical fatigue, multiple allergies, 18 years of anaphylaxis and recent gastro intestinal symptoms as clinically relevant, I remain extremely grateful for Dr Hakim's acceptance of my self referral for his expert opinion. Dr Hakim provided a prompt, genuinely caring and expert assessment of my recent gastro intestinal problems and chronic fatigue. He was able to immediately diagnose my recent problems as most likely due to allergic gastritis, linked to my previously undiagnosed Ehlers Danlos Syndrome Hypermobility Type. He provided immediate self management advice on medication changes and sent follow up confirmation letters to my local Gastric surgeon and GP, which enabled them to provide appropriate treatments to assist my continuing self management of my life long symptoms and flare ups. I feel extremely fortunate to have been recently diagnosed as having been born with hereditary EDS, as this helps my own and my children's understanding of our varying but similar symptoms. This knowledge will continue to guide all our current and future NHS medical care needs. Sadly, I know that most EDS patients and families will remain undiagnosed, or misdiagnosed throughout their lives, so far too many will remain unable to help self manage their symptoms, due to inappropriate medical advice/ interventions and a learned mistrust of some medical professionals. I recommend Dr Hakim's gentle, caring and expert approach to improving everyone's understanding of hereditary connective tissue disorders.