Renewing Cedula

After 5 weeks in the DR for holidays and also to renew my Cedula, I have to leave without being able to renew my visa. I cannot stay longer and my Cedula expires on the 18 Dec. For some reason I was not able to get a appointment with the Ministry office in SD. The story I have been continually told is the system keeps going down. Has anyone else experienced this. It is very frustrating to come here for a purpose and leave empty handed. Now I am not sure I want to renew if it is this much problem. Perhaps I can return at a later date so my other question is how long before my Cidula is no longer renewable.
Thanks

Update: Last minute appointment. I was able to renew. This meant changing my departure date by 2 days, however this was not to much of a problem.