Dr Richard Powell 2024-04-16 Person 1 5 0

If I could give 0 stars I would. Starting in April 2023 I began developing hives (some red, some white), varying in sizes, all over my body. I also developed swelling (severe) to my hands, finger pads, lips, throat (causing cough and wheezing) & feet. My GP initially had no idea what it was & put me on Predisone steroids (multiple times), the course of steroids would end, the symptoms would return. My GP referred me to NHS immunology, and in the meantime advised me to take 40mg Loratadine a day (this did nothing). I was then prescribed 180mg Fexofenadine (this did nothing), then upped to 360mg Fexofenadine (this did nothing). My overall symptoms are: Hives to scalp, face, neck, chest, breasts, stomach, back, arms, legs, hands, fingers, feet, toes (causing my skin to itch & hurt). Swelling to lips, hands, finger pads, throat, feet (hurts to walk, or use hands). Cough with shortness of breath and wheezing (whenever my throat swells). In my own time, I noticed a pattern in my symptoms. Every single hive flare up (EVERY SINGLE ONE) would happen just after I ovulated, right before the start of my menstrual bleeding began and would typically end approximately 3-4 days after my period ends. I raised this with my GP, and the possibility of this being Autoimmune Progesterone Dermatitis (Progesterone Hypersensitivity) - my GP agreed that it matched perfectly. Due to the long wait for NHS Immunology, I decided to book a private consultation with Professor Powell - that was a dire mistake. Within 30 minutes, Professor Powell told me that I was a ‘perfectionist’..I am not (which seems to be a major trend in these reviews). He also states that perfectionist type individuals often get this condition (unsure what he based that information on). He advised me that I suffer from ‘spontaneous urticaria’ and stated that it was my fault that my symptoms are ongoing (1 year post initial flare). Professor Powell stated ‘doing it to yourself’ & ‘it’s psychological’ and that I should seek psychological assessments. He stated ‘take your foot off the pedal, take a step back, relax’ & ‘give 10% less at work nobody will know’. He stated ‘I can’t believe your partner hasn’t kicked you in the shins when you start showing hives’ - stating my partner needs to get me back in line when I begin showing signs of any flare up, as he believes this is indicative of psychological symptoms. I raised my thoughts about it being linked with my menstrual cycle, Professor Powell’s comments were awful. He stated ‘ladies are worriers’ & ‘ladies will be more likely to worry around their period’. For reference - I work a simple 9-5 desk job (at home too). I do not overwork myself, and I continue to work, however if I’m having a day where my throat is swollen, I will have to adjust my working role, and will not use the telephone. My work is extremely accommodating and understanding. I live in a small 2 bed flat. When I am having a flare up, I can barely move from room to room by myself due to pain, my partner will have to assist me a great deal. I am also asthmatic, I have experience with shortness of breath, wheezing & asthma attacks, and how to deal with those situations. For a Professor to state all of the above labelled symptoms are psychological, is horrific. I have an understanding of myself, my state of mind & my body. I am not prepared to accept Professor Powell’s disgraceful comments. If you are a female, I highly recommend you do NOT speak with Professor Powell.