# Australian appointment access to Associate Professor Michael Elliott **URL:** \ **Category:** General\ **Created:** [February 5, 2026, 4:18am UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/australian-appointment-access-to-associate-professor-michael-elliott/22096 "2026-02-05T04:18:46Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Dangles](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/90db22/32.png) [@Dangles](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Dangles)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2026, 4:18am UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/australian-appointment-access-to-associate-professor-michael-elliott/22096/1 "2026-02-05T04:18:46Z")
* * * Hi everyone, 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. ---
**Author:** ![Jules](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.livingwitheagle.org/jules/32/404_2.png) [@Jules](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Jules)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2026, 10:58am UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/australian-appointment-access-to-associate-professor-michael-elliott/22096/2 "2026-02-05T10:58:21Z")
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](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/es-information-treatment-pain-relief-medications-and-alternative-therapies/1384) Sending you a hug 🤗 🤗 ---
**Author:** ![Isaiah\_40\_31](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.livingwitheagle.org/isaiah_40_31/32/3054_2.png) [@Isaiah\_40\_31](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Isaiah_40_31)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2026, 3:56am UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/australian-appointment-access-to-associate-professor-michael-elliott/22096/3 "2026-02-06T03:56:29Z")
@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. ---
**Author:** ![Dangles](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/90db22/32.png) [@Dangles](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Dangles)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2026, 3:28am UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/australian-appointment-access-to-associate-professor-michael-elliott/22096/4 "2026-02-07T03:28:47Z")
Good news…..I have an appointment May 15th…….3 months the countdown clock begins. Given the scheme of the years of struggle this timeline gives me new hope ---
**Author:** ![Jules](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.livingwitheagle.org/jules/32/404_2.png) [@Jules](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Jules)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2026, 1:53pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/australian-appointment-access-to-associate-professor-michael-elliott/22096/5 "2026-02-07T13:53:15Z")
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? 🤗 🤗 ---
**Author:** ![Isaiah\_40\_31](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.livingwitheagle.org/isaiah_40_31/32/3054_2.png) [@Isaiah\_40\_31](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Isaiah_40_31)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2026, 8:05pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/australian-appointment-access-to-associate-professor-michael-elliott/22096/6 "2026-02-07T20:05:35Z")
🤩 Excellent news, @Dangles. Thank you for letting us know! ---
**Author:** ![cool-man-murphy-dan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/5f8ce5/32.png) [@cool-man-murphy-dan](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/cool-man-murphy-dan)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2026, 5:29am UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/australian-appointment-access-to-associate-professor-michael-elliott/22096/7 "2026-05-15T05:29:47Z")
@Dangles did you have your appointment??? ---
**Author:** ![Dangles](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/90db22/32.png) [@Dangles](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Dangles)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2026, 9:36am UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/australian-appointment-access-to-associate-professor-michael-elliott/22096/8 "2026-05-15T09:36:25Z")
Hi there. My appointment was brought forward and I had my consultation with A/Prof E on May 7th. He advised my CTV and MRI confirmed I’m co dominant, have severe (level 3) bilateral IJV Compression and a partially empty sella. He discussed styloidectomy, IJV decompression, C1 shave, +/- digastric muscle and SAN involvement. Definitely a candidate for surgery and a date to be advised, most likely 4-6 weeks as I will proceed as a private patient. It can’t come soon enough as im severely unwell, hanging on by my toenails. My case was actually presented to the Stylojugular syndrome MDT today. His rooms called me this afternoon to advise Prof E is calling me early next week Things are now progressing ---
**Author:** ![cool-man-murphy-dan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/5f8ce5/32.png) [@cool-man-murphy-dan](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/cool-man-murphy-dan)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2026, 10:44am UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/australian-appointment-access-to-associate-professor-michael-elliott/22096/9 "2026-05-15T10:44:18Z")
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 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Dangles](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/90db22/32.png) [@Dangles](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Dangles)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2026, 11:32am UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/australian-appointment-access-to-associate-professor-michael-elliott/22096/10 "2026-05-15T11:32:19Z")
I only discussed going private during my consultation because Prof E advised the public wait list for surgery is very lengthy I have private health insurance I just have to now hope the MDT discussion inclusive of the neurosurgeon has them all in agreeance and surgery is definite. I’ll keep you posted. Other Australian patients told me it takes a wait period to be seen initially then things move more quickly. This is exactly what and is occurring As long at Prof E has all your scans and info for triage, you can rest assure you will get answers. The waiting is hard, but worth it ---
**Author:** ![Jules](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.livingwitheagle.org/jules/32/404_2.png) [@Jules](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Jules)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2026, 2:06pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/australian-appointment-access-to-associate-professor-michael-elliott/22096/11 "2026-05-15T14:06:57Z")
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 🤗 🙏 ---
**Author:** ![Isaiah\_40\_31](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.livingwitheagle.org/isaiah_40_31/32/3054_2.png) [@Isaiah\_40\_31](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Isaiah_40_31)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2026, 8:34pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/australian-appointment-access-to-associate-professor-michael-elliott/22096/12 "2026-05-15T20:34:52Z")
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! 😊 ---
**Author:** ![Dangles](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/90db22/32.png) [@Dangles](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Dangles)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2026, 11:08am UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/australian-appointment-access-to-associate-professor-michael-elliott/22096/13 "2026-05-16T11:08:47Z")
Thankyou, that means so much to me ❤ ---
**Author:** ![Dangles](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/90db22/32.png) [@Dangles](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Dangles)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2026, 11:09am UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/australian-appointment-access-to-associate-professor-michael-elliott/22096/14 "2026-05-16T11:09:27Z")
Thankyou 😊 ---
**Author:** ![htren](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.livingwitheagle.org/htren/32/13911_2.png) [@htren](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/htren)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2026, 12:23pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/australian-appointment-access-to-associate-professor-michael-elliott/22096/15 "2026-05-17T12:23:13Z")
I’m so glad this is now progressing for you. I’ve been waiting for my referral to AProf Elliot after seeing Dr Rao and also being presented to their MDT. I have my appointment on 27th May. Keep us posted on your progression. ---
**Author:** ![Isaiah\_40\_31](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.livingwitheagle.org/isaiah_40_31/32/3054_2.png) [@Isaiah\_40\_31](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Isaiah_40_31)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2026, 6:55pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/australian-appointment-access-to-associate-professor-michael-elliott/22096/16 "2026-05-17T18:55:12Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![Dangles](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/90db22/32.png) [@Dangles](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Dangles)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2026, 7:38am UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/australian-appointment-access-to-associate-professor-michael-elliott/22096/17 "2026-05-25T07:38:23Z")
Hi Everyone. Had confirmation today that my surgery is booked for Friday 5th June. Mixed emotions, but finally a step forward to possibly new beginnings. Thankyou for all the support and prayers. ---
**Author:** ![Jules](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.livingwitheagle.org/jules/32/404_2.png) [@Jules](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Jules)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2026, 12:07pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/australian-appointment-access-to-associate-professor-michael-elliott/22096/18 "2026-05-25T12:07:15Z")
That’s great news, not too long to wait! Lots of info here about what to expect & prepare for if you haven’t seen it: [ES Information- Treatment: Surgery - Welcome / Newbies Guide to Eagle Syndrome - Living with Eagle](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/es-information-treatment-surgery/1385) Praying all goes well 🙏 🤗 ---
**Author:** ![Isaiah\_40\_31](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.livingwitheagle.org/isaiah_40_31/32/3054_2.png) [@Isaiah\_40\_31](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Isaiah_40_31)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2026, 5:34pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/australian-appointment-access-to-associate-professor-michael-elliott/22096/19 "2026-05-25T17:34:05Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![htren](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.livingwitheagle.org/htren/32/13911_2.png) [@htren](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/htren)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2026, 9:30pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/australian-appointment-access-to-associate-professor-michael-elliott/22096/20 "2026-05-28T21:30:02Z")
@Dangles That’s great news that you have relief to look forward! [Next page](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/australian-appointment-access-to-associate-professor-michael-elliott/22096.md?page=2)