I am 54, reasonably fit and I love physical activity particularly premier league level table tennis, dancing, walking and more recently cycling. I do one or more of these activities on most days and it's only recently that I have finally taken on board that my body actually benefits from a rest day or two each week. I met Dr Patel in 2016, when I had a very painful and inflamed big toe, that I had been suffering from for six weeks. During that time I had seen my doctor twice, been to A&E and been to a podiatrist all of whom said it was gout. My doctor had given me all sorts of gout medication and although the symptoms sometimes eased for a while they always came back. I had even paid for an private X-Ray. One weekend out of desperation, I searched the Internet for someone to give me another opinion and came upon Richmond Clinics website. I called the clinic first thing on Monday morning and the receptionist told me that Dr Patel would call me back, which she did. After discussing my problem she invited me to an appointment later on that day. On that very day I had an appointment with the podiatrist who had suggested that I rest the toe for another eight weeks ! I limped into Dr Patel's surgery at 1700 on that day and an hour later I walked out in far less pain than when I had arrived and with tears of joy in my eyes. Two weeks later I was back to light exercise and four weeks later back to my normal activities. Ever since then Dr Patel has looked after myself and more recently my partner and because of her care we are able to do all the physical things wI cannot praise Dr Patel and her team enough. Dr Patel has a lovely disposition, and the way she diagnoses and treats problems is really amazing. Not only is she very smart but she really cares and thrives on making people better. read more
