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Waiting List for Rheumatology Clinic

Posted , 6 users are following.

janice1967
janice1967

Subject: Waiting List for ClinicMy GP recently diagnosed my RA following a CCP blood count of over 300 and constant pains in my wrists, thumbs and toes. She sent an letter to the rheumatology clinic in our local hospital, stating Urgent Referral. I phoned the hospital today as I haven't slept in 3 weeks, waking 4-5 times a night because of wrist pain. I am devastated to be told the waiting list is 10 MONTHS for an appointment! I'm 47, mum of 4, self-employed with 2 jobs, and I feel very low. With a history of depression to boot I don't know how long I can cope with this constant pain. Work is excruciating as I'm a baker & cake designer. Sorry for the rant everyone, but I just need to get this off my chest.

0 likes, 24 replies

24 Replies

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  • Ericaeky883883
    Ericaeky883883 janice1967

    Posted

    Hi I know how your feeling. I have had both total wrist replacement best thing I had done. Slightest movement was so painful. Why 10 mths waiting? where do you live I can not belive you have to wait so long. Anyway my wrist are better and if you could see them you would not know that I had replacements.
  • Ericaeky883883
    Ericaeky883883 janice1967

    Posted

    Janice

    Please google The Road Back Foundation. I have been on this treatment for 6yrs it has given my life back. I am so lucky to have found out about this.Happy reading.

  • WendYs53
    WendYs53 janice1967

    Posted

    Hi 

    I was very lucky, I was seen by Rheumatologist 6 days after visiting my GP.I hope you do complain, the waiting time is far too long.an urgent appointment is not 10 months. They have made a mistake.If you cannot get your appointment early, I would be tempted to pay for a private consultation, which will get you in very quickly, and then ask to be seen on NHS, I know it is not right but it is your health that is suffering. 

  • tammy16555
    tammy16555 janice1967

    Posted

    So sorry to hear this, my husband has RA aswell- He has been strickly against pain medication and seeing doctors, however as of lately his knuckles have become inflamed and his joints along with shoulders have been really taking a toll.  We called to get a referral to a specialist and found out that since he hadn't been into see his primary care physican in over two years they needed to put him on a new paitent list! Meaning just that! wait 6 to 10 weeks for the next available apointment! really? this is just crazy- My family has been seeing the same doctor for over 10 years!  They say that they wont give a refferal without actually having him come into talk to the doctor first!  So in the mean time he is waiting.  I actually got him to start taking an OTC joint medication that you can buy at Costco : Glucosimean (spelling?)   He said that he's nottice a difference in his hands in just the last week.  He's been taking two a day.  I placed the bottle on the kitchen counter and he seems to be very serious about making the pain go away.  I honeslty don't know how you are doing it Janice.  It must be super difficult.   I hope you find some help soon.

     

    • Ericaeky883883
      Ericaeky883883 tammy16555

      Posted

      Hi Please read The Road Back Foundation you can google it. I have been on this treatment 6yrs. Happy reading let me Know what you think.I have RA
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