Getting an earlier appt with rheumy - apparently not!!

jordan7j

Hi all, as many of you know, I work as a childminder. Since December the pain and swelling has got worse, and it becoming impossible to push the doublebuggy and get it onto buses etc. I saw my (one of) GP and sjhe suggested getting an earlier appt, she did offer to do it, but previously it was forgotten about. I phoned on Thursday, the receptionist said "but you have an appt for 5th March" "I know,but I need an earlier one, my GP told me to phone"after much sighing, and presumably looking on the computer, "well there are no appts available before that, I will have to contact my manager" "does that mean that I will get a letter with apt through the post then?" "should do" end of call.
When I saw the doctor at the clinic she specifically said if the pain still wasnt controlled, to call for an earlier appt. How can I do this if the receptionist says there are none? My pain and swelling are worse now than when I was first diagnosed in July. When I told my GP she asked me if I want to continue working, I said yes, for as long as I can. Another GP had also said that the pain can be controloled with the right meds, and that he was surprised that I hadnt been offered pain patches or a course of prednisone. So far it just been another added mtx pill and a wait and see, I cant go on working like this, its so painful now. If they cant do anything surely they should just tell me, and also tell me that working is not now an option. Can you please give some advice on what to do next??? Am feeling so uset and depressed about it all now.

lindalegs

Hi Jay,

Sorry you're feeling low at the moment Is there any chance you could ask for a cancellation and be available to go at short notice .....it's all I can think of at the moment?

Chin up chicken,we're here for you.

Luv Legs

page35

Hi
could you get an appointment with your GP maybe get a sicknote to have a week or two off work and ask the GP direct for an early appointment with Rhuemy? i understand that its differcult for you to have time off work cos you childmind but you need to think of yourself at the min.
best wishes

elnafinn

Dear Jay

No wonder you are feeling upset and jaded about this whole scenario. As the gp requested you to call for an earlier appointment, why not, on Monday speak with her on the telephone and let her know about the pretty much non-conversation you had with the receptionist. Also let her know that you are distraught with the pain as it is worsening daily and mention again that you do have a commitment as a childminder. What should you do and can she step in and get some immediate help for you.

I so hope you get the much needed help you urgently require.

Love
Elna x

salamander

Hi, when you say receptionist, do you mean the people who give out the appointments or the consultant's secretary/assistant or whatever they call themselves?

My consultant said to just call his secretary if things got worse and he would either see me or give me a telephone consultation. Maybe that's what yours meant too. They wouldn't want you to suffer like this til March and nor should you.

Hope you get it sorted.
Sally

jordan7j

Hi, thanks for the replies. I can leave amsg for my GP, but the one Isaw only works on Tues and Fri. I can ask for a sick note, but it wouldnt make any difference as I am self employed, so I can just tell them I cant work and lose the pay. Its hard though, as the little girls mum is a friend and a teacher, so its hard for her, plus last week she had the week off sick herself.
The person I spoke to was just the receptionist on the desk, not the consultants secretary. I dont know how to get a msg to her, unless I callthe hosp number and ask for the consultants secretary, not sure if that would work.
I can ask for a cancelllation too, the main problem is that the receptiomist I spoke to doesnt have English as a first language, and sometgimes doesnt quite get what you're saying. Its ok if the oither one is there, she helped me last time, when I needed an earlier appt.
Thank you for replying. Think its definitely getting too much, as I had so much pain today, went to bed at 5 and slept til 7.30 Not sure if thats a flare, as get so much pain anyway, I cant tell!! Anyway, will call for cancellation first, and see what happens

elnafinn

Dear Jay

Please do not wait too long for a cancellation. There may not even be any of not for some time. I cannot bear thinking of you waiting for the phone to ring wondering if there will ever be a cancellation. All consultants must have a secretary or share one so that is a good idea to call her or your gp's secretary.

I know how you feel about letting people down, especially at short notice - I would be exactly the same and even more so with the kind of work you do and with it being a child of your friend too.

Love
Elna x

jordan7j

Thanks everyone, Elna, I know you are right, I need to rest a while, its just I feel so guilty about it. I can ask the little boys mum for a break as she only does 2 days, so can maybe get one day off. Will call the hosp on Monday and try to get to the consultants secretary.
I can also try to leave a msg for the nurses, but it takes about 3 days for a reply.
I am so tired of being in pain, and not being able to do my job without hurting all the time.