I’m hoping to get some advice on navigating the specialist referral system.
as outlined in my introduction post, I’m based in Australia.
I was referred in December 2025 to Associate Professor Michael Elliott for opinion regarding suspected stylojugular syndrome. Unfortunately, I still haven’t been offered an appointment. When I contacted his rooms, it wasn’t clear whether my referral has been triaged or is progressing.
Since the referral was sent, my health has continued to decline, and I’m now experiencing significant functional limitation, including some days where I’m largely bedbound. My current symptom burden is more severe than previous neurological conditions I’ve managed in the past.
I’m now under the care of a psychiatrist and psychologist due to the impact of prolonged illness on my quality of life, and I’ve recently been reviewed by a neurologist, with planned Botox treatment currently on hold.
I’m trying to work out the best next step — whether to push for escalation of the existing referral, seek a review with my referring specialist, or explore alternative pathways (private vs public, updated referral wording, etc.).
If anyone has experience navigating delays, triage issues, or advocating for movement on complex referrals, I’d really appreciate your insights.
We’ve not had any posts about this from Australia that I can think of, so can’t give you info specifically about your situation… Would your other doctors be willing to email Prof Elliott to give updated info about your condition as you’re getting worse? That might help push you up the list? As others have said on here “it’s the squeaky wheel which gets the oil” , so you could ring his office/ secretary to politely ask what the system is & waiting times? Also in the UK, most doctors who work for the NHS (free treatment) also do private work which you can pay for to see them quicker, is that a possibility in Australia? It just helps jump the queue a bit ?
I would say though from experience reading on here about other countries, there are so few specialists that they are all getting lots of referrals and waiting times are getting longer & longer, even in the US which used to be quick, so as it’s only been a couple of months for you it’s maybe not that long in the scheme of things
It might be possible to try some of the blood thinner medications or supplements which members have tried to help a bit with your symptoms while you wait, there’s info here: ES Information- Treatment: Pain Relief, Medications and Alternative Therapies - Welcome / Newbies Guide to Eagle Syndrome - Living with Eagle
Sending you a hug
@Dangles - I’m also sorry to read about the delay & your physical/mental/emotional decline. It’s so frustrating to REALLY NEED medical help & not to be able to obtain it in a timely fashion. @Jules has given you some very good suggestions. I hope you’re able to get information as to when you could expect an appointment, or even better, get an appointment, ASAP.
Good that you have an idea of the time now, pleased you’ve heard from them, was it the chasing up that got you the answer, or had they arranged the appointment already?
I’m so glad you’re getting the help you need - were you a public patient when you originally arranged a consult with him? I’m really worried that it’ll take months to secure a consult, then even longer for surgery. Again I’m so glad you’re getting the surgery and are on the road to feeling better
I’m so glad that he was able to confirm what’s needed when you saw him, good you have insurance! Please let us know when you have a date for surgery as @Isaiah_40_31 and myself would like to pray for you
HOORAY for confirmation of the cause of your symptoms, @Dangles! I’m so glad things are moving along steadily toward surgery now. Also great that your case was presented to the MDT today getting the wheels rolling even faster. I’ll pray there’s agreement between all doctors involved & that a surgery date will be set in the very near future. The fact you’ll be hearing from Prof Elliott himself early next week bodes well!
That’s great news about your forward progress, @htren! I hope your appointment goes well & you’re able to get a surgery date soon after you see Prof Elliot.
Super good news that your surgery is coming up so soon, @Dangles! I’ve put it on my calendar & will pray for you to have significant improvement as a result.
Excellent news, 
