Nina
Don't give up yet. I have tried Methotrexate, steroids, Enbrel, Humira, Rituximab and now on my third anti-tnf Simponi. It really is just trying to find the right combination for you and unfortunately it may take some time. I am two years and two months from diagnosis and still have really awful days.
If you do feel that you want to change your Rheumy team, I can highly recommend the Telford and Wrekin (Shropshire) Rheumatology team which would not be too far for you. They have a dedicated building which two Consultants, a rheumatology nurse, OT's and Physio's. They have only been in the new building about 12 months but have already outgrown it and need to move to bigger premises with better car parking. The team are wonderful and there is brilliant access to them. You can see the following article about them on
http://nhslocal.nhs.uk/s...vice-telford-and-wrekin Their phone number is right at the bottom of the article.
The other option if you can afford it is to pay for a private appointment with a Rheumatologist. This will give you time to talk to a Consultant about all your concerns and he/she will then write to your Rheumatology team with a care plan. I did this in the very beginning when I was first diagnosed and it certainly helped. I saw Dr Butler (Consultant Rheumatologist) who is based at Shrewsbury Hospital but I actually saw him at the Nuffield Hospital in Shrewsbury (again not too far for you). See details here
http://www.nuffieldhealt...om/hospitals/shrewsbury
I know when things around you are bad, your health will also suffer. I have a Husband who suffers from anxiety and depression and when he is going through a bad patch, boy do my joints also join in. I think stress really does have an impact on RA.
I hope your appointment goes well on Wednesday but if not then hopefully the above may be something for you to consider.
Take care
Jackie
xx
