Hi my name is Caroline and I was diagnosed with RA back in 2007 I live in Edinburgh

I have been having a bit of a hectic time this last three months or so, I phoned the nurse specialist, (I was given the number at my first appointment) so when the call got through a message came on saying that the number was no longer available, this left me in limbo, thinking what do. I do next as I was trying to get in touch to get a steroid to help with pain! I decided to go up to the clinic at the hospital (Western General ) I used to walk to it before the RA set in. So when I got to Speak to one of the nurses and told her about the message on the phone she said she was very sorry that she could not help me and that I would have to see my GP, when she had gone I just sat and cried for a wee while, you see I am not a confident sort of person I fact I find it a bit difficult to put my point over,a lot of times I get really nervy and find it hard to get the words I need to say, anyway back to the story.

About three weeks ago I got a letter through the post, it was from the hospital telling me that my appointment had been changed from May the first 2014 to December 2014 I didn't get much further Than that cos I was so angry now to let you know it had been almost a year since I last saw the consultant, when I eventually calmed down I phoned my doctors surgery only to be told there were no appointments ,that I should call each morning at 0800 I thought good Grief it takes me all my time to get out of. Bed at nine and ten in the morning. But hold on I knew I had an appointment a few days later to see the nurse at the surgery for the asthma clinic because yes I was getting stressed out with all these thing I had no control of, when I was called in to the nurses clinic, I could not control my emotions as I tried to explain why I was wheezing and the point that all the problems with the RA was stressing me out.

I have an appointment to see the GP on Thursday but I don't know how I am going to talk with him without breaking down again,
Could anyone give me some tips on how to hold my nerves I would very much appreciate some advice

Hi Caroline
I agree with Paul, there is nothing wrong with showing your true feelings. It shows how desperate you have become at the shoddy service you are encountering whilst putting up with what can be unbearable pain. Sometimes you just wish that other people could suffer the effects of RA for a couple of days!!! I wouldn't really wish it on my worst enemy but you know what I mean!
Try writing down what you want to say to your GP so you don't forget anything, and if necessary just show him what you have written. You won't be the first to feel this way and hopefully you have an understanding GP who will get things moving for you
Let us know how you get on

Sending a gentle hug
Julie

Hi Caroline,

You sound as if you're having a very hard time from a lot of people who are supposed to be looking after you.
Paul and Julie are right when they say that your GP should be the one to get you an earlier Ra appointment - next December is disgusting

What julie says about writing down what you want to speak to your GP about is really very important. I never go to the GP without my 'list'.
Some of the questions can be answered with one word leaving time for the more important one's. I think it also helps the GP and that makes
both of you satisfied with the consultation. Usually what we do is skirt around what we really want to say or just hope they can read our minds. Sadly
they can't do that, you need to be upfront , ask the questions that are giving you concern, remember, it is your consultation, never come by easily, and must
always be put to the best use when you finally get there.

Good luck Caroline, you deserve some. Keep us up to date with your progress.

Gogs