This thread has made me feel very lucky, as the two Rheumy Nurses at my hopsital are marvelous. When I see them, inbetween seeing the Specialist, they always have time for me. This last trip, I even got sent (within 2 day) a coply of what we had talked about, which was being sent to my GP. They are also very good on the phone, and the most I have ever had to wait for a call back, was 24hrs. I only hope this good practice spreads.

Oh Lynn - this is awful. How on earth are you supposed to comply with those wishes in a house full of teenagers? Is this problem making you feel ill? Is it definitely an infection causing the low count etc or have you not been given any proper answers yet? I agree about the blood though - maybe the transfusion will just mask the problem, only for it to return.

Have you had a chance to chat things through with your GP yet - maybe he/she could put your mind at rest on a few of the points and also answer your other queries.

We are in Blackpool visiting Gwenda on the Tuesday 30th March. Do you fancy a coffee/lunch somewhere?

Take care, dear Lyn

Love Jeanxxx

Thank you ladies for your thoughts, much appreciated.

Since posting this morning it seems I have now developed a urine/kidney infection! What next for goodness sake?! Been to the doctors with the required bottle of very cloudy unpleasant smelling urine to be told I've missed today's collection so it won't go until tomorrow at noon. Explained the position with regard to neutrophils and compromised immune system but was informed my GP is 'not in' and the results won't be back before Monday at the earliest. So basically I can't have antibiotics until I've spoken to aforementioned GP so I will have to phone tomorrow.

The low neutrophil count seems to have been caused by the Mtx, hence the reason for stopping it. My white count is low but within acceptable limits. I have been on Mtx for over 7 years and it was last increased over 18 months ago so I'm not entirely sure why that should be to blame, but those are the hospital's thoughts! It's going to take weeks to get the stuff out of my system so no signs of immediate improvement that being the case. I think I'm only getting infections now because of the lack of an immune system; I don't normally get infections at all!

March 30th sounds splendid Jean. I will be in touch!

Lyn x

Dear Lyn

I'm sorry that you're still having lots of problems, which seem to be worsened by the medics messing about. Yet again, lack of communication springs to mind. I do hope you can get some answers next week, so you know what you're up against and get the appropriate treatment.

Lyn

Hi Everyone!

Have spoken to Lorraine at NRAS (thank you so much for your concern Jenni, you never cease to amaze me with everything you already have on your plate!) and explained the present situation. We had a long chat and reached the conclusion that the way forward would be to either go to A&E (but it's the Vic!!) and hope to be seen before I contract too many bugs sat in the waiting room or speak to an NHS Direct doctor first and take it from there.

I have phoned NHS Direct and spoken to a nurse who advised that if I feel okay at the moment, which I do apart from a temperature, I might be better going to the Walk In Centre in Fleetwood in the morning where I will be seen immediately. I have made an appointment. An NHS doctor is going to phone me this evening sometime and see if a home visit is necessary.

So until then I'm just going to sit with my feet up and have a brew! I will keep you posted

Lyn x

Thank goodness for the out of hours service. I agree that the risks would be less for you in waiting until the morning. I was a bit concerned that you might have to wait all weekend. The wonderful doctor's receptionist strikes again - I wonder where they qualify for the job???? Take care.

Julie

Thats good well done nras for helping you see which way best and nhs direct,all best for your gp chat and enjoy putting feet up.
lv melly

What's happening, Lyn? Are you OK?
Love Jeanxxxxx