What else is there to do at 3am (shrugs)

[AlwaysRaining]

Can’t remember the last time I posted. Not really important 🤷‍♀️ We moved from the city to a rural coastal town with limited medical professionals. The closest rheumatologist is a good hour away. Can’t go because I have no transportation & honestly would never survive the drive anyway. The pain is severe and unrelenting. Wishing I was 83.

[Leics]

If you’re having problems with getting to Rheumatology department then perhaps may I suggest that you ask for a medication review via video link as it sounds as though you need to speak with someone and soon. I’ve had meds changed after a phone call during the worst of the pandemic so I know it’s possible. Failing that speak to your GP or see if you can get patient transport to take you to a F2F appointment, but it sounds to me like you need to be stabilised first. Give them a ring you might be surprised 🤞 I take it you’ve had your records and referral done when you moved ? If not go and see a GP urgently.

[hatshepsut]

Please don't give up...............There has to be an answer. Please contact your gp, and tell them just what you have said here. You are entitled to proper care, and there is more than one way of accessing it.

You must feel that nobody cares, but we all have had problems getting proper treatment, so understand, and want you to get the best.

Please give it a try, and report back. We will be waiting for a progress report! Good luck

[Flinda]

If I knew where you were, and if I could drive, and if I had a car, and if you'd let me, I'd come and take you to see a specialist myself. Medication does help massively, and you need your life back. Please pester you GP/Rheumatology Department like a mad demented dog. They have to help you. And stargazing at that time in the morning can be quite interesting. x

[dinahdough]

I live in a rural area, also about 1 hour drive from the hospital with no suitable public transport. However, we have something called Patient Transport. I'm okay at the moment, can drive myself so I don't know much about it. But I believe it goes round the local area collecting patients who need taking to appointments. You should try contacting your nearest doctor's surgery or maybe local council to see if there is something similar in your area.

[Hollyhock123 in reply to dinahdough]

same hear, plus a really supportive local community with many who would help out with lifts. Please talk to someone, or if you can’t (I know that feeling too), then ask someone to investigate the practicalities for you. Take care

[AlwaysRaining]

Thank you everyone! My present GP is new to me since 2020 & has “issues.” There’s a shortage of doctors so presently I’m stuck. He demands All patients bring in every prescription at every single visit & then proceeds to go through every prescription with me (which the nurse just did) using up 99% of my slotted time with him. Last time he threatened me with not seeing me anymore because I didn’t have all my scripts. I see him while in my wheelchair as he’s in the old converted hospital. I’m very ill so even small things are difficult. I’ve lived in rural areas for years but with the escape from my daughter’s DV with a psychopath (not exaggerating) then bouts of Covid landing us in an area where some of the medical teams are much like Dr Suess, I’m at my wits end. To make it more challenging, I’m interviewing my new caregiver today. We’ve been through 5 (yes 5!) since 2020. They won’t take the Covid vax, 1 was too old (75) and at least 2 were abusive. We’re still very close with my previous caregiver in the city. It’s not “us” she tells us. We’re pretty laid back actually. It’s just really been. My anxiety is off the charts at present. I understand we have what’s called, Patient Transport here but I’ve had difficulty in getting a phone number. I’ll try again this week. Thank you again.