I just had an appointment with my rheumatologist, who is a very nice lady,
and it was a 3-4 month follow up appointment from the last one.  Last time I
saw her she said she'd like to see me again in 3 months and for some reason
I really begrudged that, and asked if it could be 6 months.  No, she said,
3 - and get hand and feet x-rays before I come to the appointment.

Today she went through the x-rays with me (feet good, hands showing some
bone erosions but nothing too bad, and one bent little finger), and
suggested referring me to OT and physio for some hand exercise reminders
etc, and I almost turned into Kevin the surly teenager!  I really didn't
want to go.

Anyway, this rambling is really just an illustration of just how, when you
are feeling quite well, and have few problems, you really forget what it is
like to feel truly horrible, ill and be hurting.  8 years ago I would have
begged for 3 monthly appointments and took all the help I could get.  The
trouble with me now is that I am too well (thanks to treatments) and a walk
back through the waiting room reminded me of just how some people suffer
with arthritis.  There were a couple of much older people who never had
access to treatments that I have today, who were so damaged it sobered me
quite quickly.

Sorry for the ramble.

Jayne