Listening to your body is a wonderful idea, Nigel. :0)   

Bodies and Brains are clever ol' things and they often get you to do what they need you to do to make things easier, in ways you don't even realise at the time.

Try writing down a short list of the most important facts you want to ask the doctors, as it's so easy to get all tongue-tied and awkward when confronted by those who perhaps are not as sympathetic as they should be.

Remember though that you are their 'customer' as well as their patient and you most definitely have every right to expect extra care being taken of you whilst on steroids.

By the way, it was only last year that the media disclosed the fact that many GP surgeries receive bonuses for not sending patients to Specialists on their first time of asking, so if you feel you need more help than you are currently getting, insist upon seeing those doctors you feel might be able to help you.

Oh, and just another thought, have they checked you out for thyroid problems? You can get severe muscle pain, tiredness and depression from that at times...

I wish you well next week. Let us know how you get on..and remember we're all thinking of you and wishing you better really fast, so chin up and smile on, even if only for a short time, because you'll get there, Nigel, and all this will just be a distant memory soon enough.

Kindest wishes
Lizzie xxx