Hi Jenni,

So sorry to hear that your knee is so bad. You really need to be seen again soon by the rheumy.
Strange the GP won't refer you to a surgeon though. I've just been told my right knee is now bone on bone but the rheumys say they don't refer people to other consultants now, my GP will have to do it! Why do these things differ so much in different hospitals?
Hope you can get an appointment soon.

Love and hugs, Doreen xx

hi Jenni,

so sorry to hear you're struggling with your knee.

i think the NHS is going through some big changes and they aren't benefiting the Patients !!

i'm like Doreen ... both my knee's are bone on bone but couldn't cope with having anything done at the mo.

hope you manage to get an appointment soon.

take care

Suzanne x

Hi Jenni

Sorry to hear about your knee problem. I had the same last year and was referred to Orthopaedics (by GP) who did the necessary tests, x-rays, MRI and then operated to repair torn cartilages and debride. He hoped by doing this he might be able to save the joint for a while longer. Also have similar problems with right knee, but this one locks up if I get it in the 'wrong' position. The left knee never really got much better and both knees have been aspirated and injected twice within seven weeks. Both have exremely thickened synovium which means the steroid is unlikely to reach the point where it does any good!

I've now been referred back to Orthopaedics (this time by Rheumatology) for the right knee and the Rheumatologist is looking into Synovectomy by injection. If this isn't available it looks like it will be a double knee replacement.

Jenni, I fully appreciate your problems and feel you need to perhaps push for an urgent appointment with Rheumatology and don't give up until you've got one (even using PALS). Unfortunately, I know how difficult this is having had my appointment pushed back to 15 months last year and already received three letters pushing me back for my next appointment in April, it's now June! I am told that this is due to the number of newly referred patients who have to be diagnosed and put on medication quickly. Consequently those of us with long term disease are shoved to the back of the queue . I appreciate the limitations and lack of rheumatologists but it makes me very disgruntled when people such as us, with significant joint damage, are left without adequate support.

Please don't take no for an answer, hang in there. Hope you are able to sort something out soon.

Lyn x

Hi Jenni

sorry to hear you are so poorly and hope the pain easers soon for you, you are possibly suffering the new system they are bringing in it is call partial appoinments and this means that when you see you consulton they do not make you an appoinment from one visit to the next you have to ring up and make your own appoinments this is so there lists are low and they can say numbers are down.
I am under this as well but it is terabble as you have to keep remembering when you have to ring.

good luck with yours

Audrey.

Hi Jenni,

Do whatever it takes to get that appointment you so badly need. You have been through enough and you are as entitled as much as the next one to get a much needed appointment. I really feel for you at the moment, you are always always so cheerful and you are young with a young family, it is important to keep motivated.

I do really hope the appointment comes through soon for you.

Take care in the meantime Lorna x

Hi Jenni,

At last someone is listening to you.

Really hope you now get some treatment.

Anne x

Hi Jenni

Sorry to hear of your er ... decline! You could have done without this added nuisance. Hope your GP has been able to sort something. Keep us posted

Thinking of you,

Lyn x

right the sh*t has hit the fan.

CRP is 67

spoke to hospital
they asked me to write letters.

I am giving them both barrels.

Jenni