Waiting on a diagnosis

[JWalker1992]

Hello,

I have been in a lot of pain since January and have been going to my gp but still have no diagnosis. My gp thinks it is Rheumatoid arthritis and I am waiting to go to the hospital but the referral is taking a long time and I have been told there is a possible 18 week wait.

The pain is getting worst, I now have pain, swelling and stiffness in both ankles, knees, hands, wrists and elbows as well as in my jaw (I am struggling to eat).

My dr has told me to take paracetamol and ibuprofen but this is doing nothing. I am in so much pain and have been struggling to get out of bed. I have a one year old and I can’t even play. I feel so low and really depressed now as I feel like I’m getting no where. I am a fundraiser and work at a charity and have quite a mobile job and this is proving very difficult.

I don’t fee anyone is taking me seriously, I am due to go to drs again on thursday to see if there’s anything they can do. Can anyone recommend anything I can say or do for them to take me seriously.

Thank you

[Bonnie3]

Hi, sorry to hear you're in so much pain. I was diagnoised with rheuamatoid arthritis a few years ago, when my daughter was only 6 months old. So i know how difficult and frustrating it must be for you coping with a little one while you're in so much pain.

18 weeks seems a very long time for you to have to wait for a referral! I dont remember waiting that long.

If you do get the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, things will get easier once your on the right medication. Good luck with everything.

[Dodo1943]

Has your GP instigated relevant blood tests and you have results showing levels for Rheumatoid Factor and antiCCP? My high results prompted an urgent referral appointment for Rheumatology assessment and subsequent medication. GPs are reluctant to prescribe stronger painkillers as they can mask symptoms.

Good luck.

[JWalker1992 in reply to Dodo1943]

My blood test results only showed inflammation and were negative for the rheumatoid factor and anti CCP, but my gp said this can be the case for some people.

[Dodo1943 in reply to JWalker1992]

Absolutely! I and my two daughters have different diagnoses and I’m now in clinical remission, thank God. My youngest was diagnosed first with Psoriatic and at her instigation my RhA was diagnosed only 3 years ago - some years after I was kept in ignorance of a 500 Rh factor!

My eldest has rejected medication and is treating hers with diet and exercise in order to keep horse riding for as long as she can.

I was so ill for 3 months after my former GP fobbed me off by telephone when I couldn’t get an appointment or home visit that I refused to see him again and, thankfully, he has since left the practice of which I’ve been a loyal patient since birth.

Best wishes.

[Paulajolo]

I was prescribed prednisolone initially until I got my Rhumy appointment. Like you I was in terrible pain all over. You could ask your GP to let you have some.