"Waiting times and poor communication"

I initially contacted my GP around 2yrs ago with joint pain and fatigue and my scalp psoriasis was out of control.   I was sent for an x-ray of my hands which showed a subluxed joint and I was referred to orthopaedics, I waited a few months and had a video call in which I was told it was arthritis. 

Fast forward a few months and I re-visited my GP as my knees were affected now too and my neck.  I was given a thorough examination and told my joints were really stiff for someone my age and I was being referred urgently to rheumatology.  I waited 6 months (GP said around 6 weeks for urgent) and called to see of it would be much longer and I was told at this point waiting list was around 22 weeks.  After another month I called back to be told it had increased to 40 weeks.  I stated I was really struggling and exhausted/in a lot of pain but was told my referral had been downgraded to non urgent when it was received.   I contacted my GP again who said she would write back to rheumatologist to say my symptoms were worsening and I also contacted occupational health and physiotherapy through work.

I finally received an appointment 11 months after my initial referral,  I was so relieved to finally be seen.  The day of my appointment I was in and out in 10 minutes and felt as though I had completely wasted the doctors time. They took a brief history, barely examined me (asked if I could bend to the floor and bent my knee back and forward a couple of times) and reluctantly agreed to x-rays of my knees and an ultrasound of my hands. I asked of migraines could be related to whatever was going on and also if symptoms could be worsened my hormone changes throughout the month and was told to see my GP about that.  I left feeling like it was all in my head and that I shouldn't have had an appointment. 

A few weeks later I received a letter saying my x-rays were OK and result of scan would follow.  A week after this an appointment arrived with information about psoriatic arthritis and Methotrexate.   I called secretary and said I was confused as I had not had scan results or a diagnosis?? They told me they couldn't discuss diagnosis but  later called back to say consultant letter in my notes confirmed I have psoriatic arthritis and the appointment is to start Methotrexate. 

I am really upset that I found out my diagnosis this way.   I should have had a face to face or a phone call at least to discuss results and treatment options and given the chance to ask questions.

I am extremely disappointed in the lengthy wait I had to actually see someone and wonder how much long term damage has been done to my joints in this time.

I am also really hurt about the way I was made to feel at my appointment and how little time the doctor made available to see me.