"Absolutley amazing!!!!!"

In October 2015 my entire world changed. As an inpatient I was diagnosed by an phenomenal team of Rheumatologists with a rare condition called Adult Onset Stills Disease. I had been suffering from excruciating pain for months leading up to my admission in to hospital. I had effectively been diagnosed with some kind of inflammatory arthritis therefore my GP had referred me to Rheumatology at Aintree for further investigation & a formal diagnosis. My condition deteriorated rapidly as I developed various systematic symptoms which resulted in being admitted into hospital prior to the scheduled first outpatients appointment.

Whilst in hospital I was met by a fantastic rheumatology registrar, after a discussion and review of my symptoms/ condition they consulted with one of the rheumatology consultants. Over several days I met a number of the rheumatology team, all of whom were amazing. I was very ill at this stage and had fundamentally lost faith in the NHS but due to these amazing rheumatologists my faith was reaffirmed. They listened to my attentively and made me feel like an individual opposed to a hospital number. I remember vividly the words of one dr, 'you have a rough road to recovery'. My initial thought was 'its fine because I have an amazing team to look after me'. I knew from this day I was going to be well looked after.

My first outpatient appointment was with another Dr ( I had initially met them when I was an inpatient) who was fantastic. I was still extremely ill at this stage and I came out of clinic that day feeling as if I could conquer the world because they gave me hope. I was treated with respect and dignity and they listened to every word I said. There was no rush to call the next patient, this was my time to explain in chronological order the symptoms leading up to diagnosis. I will always remain grateful to the Dr for that consultation.

The main Dr I saw is my hero, my inspiration, my lifesaver. The endless face to face consultations and phone calls. I don't think I would be where I am today without this Dr, they have supported me every step of the way, always been honest with me , cared and listened to me. When this disease has kicked me when I am down they have brought me back to reality. I have lost count how many occasions I have telephoned their secretary and on each occasion the Dr has called me back on the same day to advise me further. I can't even put into words the respect I have for them,

I will be eternally grateful. In my darkest hours, darkest days and darkest months this Dr has gave me the strength and courage to keep on fighting. I trust my Dr & the rheumatology team at Aintree with my life.

I thank the entire rheumatology team whether that be consultants, registrars, nurses, HCA's, phlebotomists and receptionists as you have all fundamentally had a role to play in helping me gradually gain back my quality of life.