Miracle of miracles I have been seen by the consultant! I kicked up a
big stink, threatening with the media etc and it seemed to work as I
had a letter saying I would be seen in May (Rather than Feb. next
year). Then mid March I had another letter saying that I could now
call the hospital (St. Woolos in Newport) for an appointment. I
thought that they meant for May so you can imagine I was pretty
surprised when they offered me an end of the month appointment. I also
got booked in with the consultant I wanted, I knew this guy is very
competent.

So, the consultant is fairly certain it is in fact PA (nice to know
it's not just in my head). He also told me one thing I didn't know,
when my GP did my bloodtests in November last year they actually came
back with indicators of joint inflammation (my GP said the results
were all fine!)
The consultant ordered bloodtests, x-rays and a scan to be done, the
first two were done straight away on Wednesday (x-rayed hips, ankles
and feet) the scan I will have to wait for for quite a while, couple
of months or so, then I have to go back to the consultant in three
months and if everything checks out I think he will start me on
Metothrexate (?spelling?) as soon as.

The scan he is wanting me to do is (this is how he explained it, I
can't remember the name of it), they will inject some radiation into
my body then do a scan to see where it goes and that will say exactly
what joints are affected, has anyone else had this done?

I must say that it was a huge plus for me to see this consultant as he
is from the same country as me and although I speak good English it
made me feel very reassured and at ease during the appointment.

The consultant asked if I am seeing a dermatologist, I said no and he
said that he will get things sorted so that I can see one, he said
"You re loosing hair (swedish people are more direct than British) WHY
hasn't your G.P. seen to this?" and "I can't believe you haven't been
referred to me earlier." I think that my GP will have a to the point
letter in the next few weeks...