"a Rheumatology Appointment"

I was referred to the Rheumatology department  following pain in my back and arms and shoulders. Despite keeping notes about my pain when it came to my appointment I was told they had to run blood tests to establish what was wrong.   I did the bloods ( the first lot they lost because they hadn't put my date of birth! ) so I repeated them. I finally got an appointment for nearly a year later to see the senior doctor in January 2018! My back has been getting worse and my mobility is deteriorating. I am alarmed as having to take pain killers every day. I am developing new symptoms all the time and thought well will have to wait as at least I have an appointment. I then get a letter through the post saying my consultant was postponing my appointment until May 2018! Am sure you can understand how tearful and upset I was. I called the number on the letter and got a message saying to call the doctor's secretary to see if they can help. I did and left a message though they seemed not too interested. They told me the doctor was going away for xmas (as if this warrants me having to wait a further four months) and really they are booking July so (in other words stop moaning) I cannot believe this is the care I am receiving and don't know where to turn. I just want relief and to know if there is something deteriorating!