Thanks for your replies all. They really give me a boost.

Doreen - I've heard that all the other rheummies in Sheffield are really good (they might not hide from you there1). I just happened to get placed with this high falutin' academic bloke. He only does one clinic one morning or afternoon each week (I assume he must have patients on the ward as well). The rest of the time he works at Sheffield University.

I asked about changing and the nurses advised me that I would have to go back to my GP to get them to refer me to a different one. I'm torn now as although he is a complete pig, the phsiotherapist I saw and the Anti-tnf nurses are fantastic.

I've also heard that a new rheumatology department has opened at the Northern General Hospital in Sheffield as the Hallamshire is so busy, again though, I would lose the nurses.

Will see what June brings. Am limbering up for the Wedding, trying to find a new outfit.

Julie xx