Advice

[emma88]

I have just called the number that i have to ring when my appointments are due with my consultant to ask if it was possible for a earlier appointment as ive been struggling really bad with my hands at the min the one is deformed has been for years and usually hurts now and then but ive been really bad with both hands the past few weeks so thought it was best to get them looked at rather than leave it, the lady on the phone said its not them who can arrange that i need to call the helpline so she put me through and said i would have to leave a message for them to call back but it just said they was closed and cut me off it didnt give me an option to leave a message. Does anyone know how i would get the helpline number in my area or would i just be easier trying to get in with my GP

[KittyJ]

I’d try again in the morning during opening hours. Maybe they don’t leave the answer machine on all night. If that doesn’t work I’d call the clinic and check it’s the right number 😊

[Kerensa21]

They should’ve given you it when diagnosed Emma; maybe try rheumatology website? They have a flare clinic in my area but I know areas can differ x

[oldtimer]

If it's not on the website for rheumatology, then phone the hospital switchboard in the morning and ask for the number which you can then write down.

They often have a system where you phone an answerphone and then you have to wait until they are free to ring you back.

[KittyJ]

Or failing all that if you mention the hospital someone here might be able to give you the number 😊 if thats allowed?

[BoneyC]

Could it be that the answering machine is full? My appointment was cancelled 5 times this year and when I tried to ring the helpline, I was 11th, 7th in the queue! In the end I was sent an appointment, 17 months after my previous one, after 2 different GP's wrote to the Consultant.