Hi all, I saw my GP regarding being in pain again, and nothing working, she advised me to definitely get an appt at rheumy clinic. I called them today, and the receptionist said there are no appts until March, which is when mine is, so se said "you already have an appt" I said yes, I know but I need an earlier one. She said she needs to refer it to her manager, as she cant do anything. I asked what that means, and she said "you should get a letter" my reply was, with an appt? "yes should be" that was the end of the call.
This week has been worse than ever, my feet, knees wrists elbows and especially neck and shoulder are agony, nothing is helping, other than resting in bed. As most of you know I childmind, so thats not happening!! Pushing the double buggy this week was so painful I cant explain it!!
The parents now all know I have RA, and that tests are being done for the overlap (although I didnt explain what overlap meant)
On Thursday morning I waited 25 mins for a bus to get to the little boys house, when I arrived his dad said "oh it would have only taken another 5 minutes to walk it" he didnt seem to realise that Icant walk it!!
My back was so bad last night that I went to bed at 8 oclock. I put a hot water bottle under my back to get some relief.
Today I olnly had the little girl so it wasnt as bad, but still hurts, my neck and shoulder are so painful that it makes me cry out when I turn too quickly, and when I lay down.
My GP has recommended that I cut back on hours, and I know I will have to, as its getting harder, and I am in more pain now that nbefore I started on the methotrexate. I hope to get an appt and get them to listen, and to add something, and maybe some prednisone. The steroid injections dont work for me, i have had three.
Is there any other way I can contact the clinic where I can bypass the receptionist? There is one who is very good, but the other one not so friendly, I dont have the nurses number, and apparently the specialist nurse is only there now and again as she goes to other hospitals. Have a good week end all.

Dear Barbara,

I would most definitely ring the rheumy's secretary and explain the situation, *usually* the rheumy's secretary will be far far more apt at understanding your needs.

If this fails, I would ring your GP and if you are able to speak on the phone then explain what's happening and make a FUSS! I know it's absolutely awful having to do this but it's the only way of being heard!

Much love,
Amanda

Dear Barbara,

I agree with what has already been said, you shouldn't be left in pain like this and you need to be seen ASAP, perhaps your GP could call the hospital to find out what's going on.

Hope you get some relief soon,

Love,

Barbara
XXXXXX

Sorry to say Barbara but I agree with everybody that you MUST ring the theumy's secretary and tell her that you have had to resort to this because you are so desperate. I had to do this in July last year. I went to see my GP and they fitted me in as an emergency appointment. The GP didn't have time to call the hospital but gave me the secretary's number. I explained that I had called because everyone else had been so unhelpful and I was in agony. Not only did I get an appointment but I complained about the lack of care when we have reached this situation and how it felt being sent away for 6 months at a time in abject misery and nobody giving a damn. I don't know if you have seen my recent posts but I have had a complete turnaround in terms of treatment and appointments.

I know the pain you are feeling and the pressure you feel that makes you carry on anyway - please don't put up with it. Take care and make sure you rest this weekend (and take the pain relief you are allowed). Will be thinking of you - please let us know how you get on.
Julie

Hi, thank you everyone for taking the time to reply, its so good to have you all here, I dont feel so alone, and as though its all in my mind, which is how the clinic makes me feel.
I willcall the hospital on Monday and try to get the secretary's number, I dont know what else I can do, as I keep telling them the mtx doesnt work, so they just add another pill and say wait and see, its been like this since July, and the pain and swelling is worse now than it was then.

Hi, it is terrible that you are being left to struggle like this. Your gp can phone the consultant direct and speak to them. But, as the others have said the rheumy sec can be fantastic if you explain the situation to them. I really hope you get somewhere on Monday. Thinking of you.

Deb x

Hi Barbs so sorry u been left such pain do definetley try get hold secretary number guys do have website just type in consultants name in search bar and should get number that way.
ive only spoken with her once seems helpful to me.
nurse u leav message and she does get abck to u about what she can offer you,il pm you the number for you to try.
also for me when things so bad gp actaully phoned nurse herself.

t care hun.
much lv melly