Yesterday, I had a rheumatology appointment.

As I explained in an earlier post, I have been waiting for a dermatology app. to have a sun damage spot removed from my forehead, and in the meantime have been taken off abatercept in case there is any link between the two.

Usually I go in, see the nurse and she calls in the doc if needed. She made the app to see how I was doing just with mtx and hydroxy in case I needed a steroid jab in the meantime.
Don't know if she was abs or not but I went straight in to see the doc.

He looked at my meds list from last time and asked how much mtx I was on, and talked about reducing it
Strange I thought, so I reminded him that I am now not on abat.
Why he asked. So I explained that he took me off it etc etc.
Eventually I think the penny dropped, and he said well I can't reduce the mtx then until I know if the spot is malignant or not, which made me feel so good!!!!

He is not a good people person, quite abrupt and impatient but I have always thought until now, that is,that he knows whats what.
Fortunately I had just received the derm. app for a couple of weeeks time.
So he just said I will see you in 3 months, started talking on his dictaphone and waved me out of the door!!

The astounding thing is he did not even ask how I was.

The app' served absolutely no purpose what so ever!! It is a 60 mile round trip and £2 parking!!!

Left feeling astounded and not a little cross. Why all the record keeping if not to be looked at????

Zena xx

Hi Zena - so sorry that you had a completely frustrating trip - even counter-productive, as it's understandable that you're feeling so astounded and cross. At least you have the dermatology appointment to look ahead to, and you'll soon get that bit resolved. It's very bad that the rheumy didn't ask how you are - so I'll ask instead. How are you feeling now that you're off the abatercept? Is the RA returning or is the mtx and hdx holding it at bay? I do hope that you're able to keep well while all this goes on - it's a lesson to all us RAers - we really do need to develop the patience of saints as well as being incredibly assertive patients, just to cope with the inadequacies of care in the NHS!!

Very best wishes - Sylvia xx

Sigh.....(shaking head). Sorry you had such a rotten appointment. As they are so few and far between and our functioning relies so much on them they really do affect us deeply. As you said the most basic question should be to ask how you are feeling. I hope you get a better response with the dermatologist and that you're not going to fret too much about the sun spot. He really shouldn't have used the M word without sensitivity and a chance to ask some questions. I think some consultants forget decent manners and how to be human sometimes. All I can say is I'd be frustrated and disappointed too. I think you should perhaps consider having a word with the nurse. You'd probably feel better for it. Best wishes with everything. XXX