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Date: 11.03.2015
From: Janice

Subject: Waiting List for Clinic

My 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.
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Date: 11.03.2015
From: Colin W

Subject: Re: Waiting List for Clinic

Janice go back to your GP , & ask for a urgent appointment or refer you to somewhere with a shorter waiting list , they need to get you on the right drugs within a few months , ask for a steriod injection as it should give you some relief
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Date: 11.03.2015
From: lois

Subject: Re: Waiting List for Clinic

Janice, it can be a long haul to get your first appointment. Go back to your gp and say you can't wait that long. If you don't get any joy go to A&E I am sure they will give you a steroid injection to tied you over. They could also speed up your appointment. Take care and try to keep your chin up.

Good luck xx
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Date: 11.03.2015
From: Janice

Subject: Re: Waiting List for Clinic

Thank you, Colin, for your advice. I'm shocked by how aggressive RA is. I'll ring my GP in the morning. Thanks again.
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Date: 11.03.2015
From: Janice

Subject: Re: Waiting List for Clinic

Thank you, Lois. I would never have thought about A&E. Believe it or not, we're not very pushy people, us Northern Irish. I wouldn't have considered A&E unless I had a leg hanging off! But now I will if I don't get any joy from my GP.

Everyone here is so helpful and sympathic. I'll keep you posted.
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Date: 11.03.2015
From: lucy

Subject: Re: Waiting List for Clinic

Hi Janice, Unfortunately it is the ones that shout the loudest that get attended to first. It was actually a nurse that told me that. It is important that you are seen quickly and get the right treatment to feel better. x
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Date: 11.03.2015
From: Janice

Subject: Re: Waiting List for Clinic

In the last week my wrists have started cracking, which they didn't do before. Do you know if that's normal with RA?
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Date: 15.05.2015
From: Paul

Subject: Re: Waiting List for Clinic

10 months thats terrible Janice I had to wait three and thought that was bad, I have not been diagnosed as yet but the pain was bad, as others have said demand a steroid injection, they gave me one , it was like a miracle pain was completely gone the next morning, it's been a month since steroid injection and it must be wearing off as I can feel pain gradually coming back, I'm am going to go straight to hospital rheumotology dept when the pain stops me from going to work, no one should have to suffer when there is relief available
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Date: 31.05.2015
From: Barbara

Subject: Re: Waiting List for Clinic

thats out of order, I was seen within 10 days!!
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Date: 02.06.2015
From: Julie

Subject: Re: Waiting List for Clinic

I wonder do you have another g.p. who you could go to see and ask to have your appointment brought forward.

I thought all g.p's used the fast-track system to get people to rheumatologist as early as possible, the earlier you are seen the quicker they can start meds and stop the deterioration.

Could you afford a private consultation? Its about £200 maybe less, but it gets you into the system quickly.
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