"Hospital waiting times and misleading information"

In January I started experiencing problems with my back, feet and hands. The pain and fatigue was extreme and I ended up going off sick from work. I had lots of blood tests and had a heightened inflammation marker and was referred to rheumatology. I had an appointment with a rheumatologist and they felt that the symptoms I was displaying was fibromyalgia. I was prescribed amitriptyline which I started taking as soon as it was prescribed but the rheumatologist also wanted me to go for X-ray. The X-rays showed straightening to my spine and they wanted me to get an MRI of either my hands or feet. I contacted rheumatology straight away and advised that my feet would best for X-ray, this was in early June. The referral for my MRI wasn’t made until the beginning of July and this was only the case after I complained. I was then informed that my MRI would take 12 weeks which would mid September but to call photography to see if I could go on the cancellation list. I called the following week and asked if I could go on to the cancellation list and was advised that there wasn’t such a thing.

I then called at the beginning of August to see roughly when my appointment would be as I am off on annual leave in September and didn’t want to miss it. At this time I was told the wait time is 14 weeks (3 1/2 months) and when I advised that this was more than I expected I was asked if I wanted to go on the cancellation list.

I find this all really upsetting. I have been back at work since having medication sorted but my condition is worsening and I am having more periods of spasm on my lower back and spine despite having now been prescribed methocarbamol. My fatigue it returning and I fear I am going to have to go off sick again. My employer is supportive but there is only so much they can tolerate or support with. My mental health was deteriorating whilst off previously and my resilience is what got me back to work but I don’t know how much more I can tolerate. I am also finding that I am passing urine much more and having bouts of constipation.

During my menstrual cycle my back pain is excruciating and my fatigue levels are high. I have been dealing with what’s going on since January but had symptoms even before this time and if I have to wait the full 14 weeks it will almost be 10 months and I will still not have a diagnosis or the correct medication. I also have high blood pressure and I believe that the stress and worry of going off work again and not being able to drive in to work and support my teams is exacerbating this. I just want to continue working and being my best self at work and in my personal life but I can’t do the things I enjoy, and my weekends are spent resting as I am so fatigued after a week of work. I understand the pressures of the NHS and that Covid has brought its pressures but I really need some support at this time.