Possible Arthritis? Help please?

[Pollyanna65]

Hi

I am a 68, female and in need of some guidance, as I am unsure if my symptoms are the start of Arthritis?

I have, achy and stiff shoulders, neck, arms, and hips. My mouth and eyes are dry. I feel very depressed due to feeling like my body has inflammation. My joints in my fingers also feel stiff. I sometimes have slight nauseous too.

I am intending to ask my GP for a blood test tomorrow, but can anyone suggest, what I should ask, to ensure he does not just tell me to take Ibuprofen, or something else! I have only taken one Beachams a day, but, I hoped it would ease or improve, but hasn't.

I also suffer with bad Tinnitus, and since my body has been in distress, this is also very loud and irritating. ( other forum chat)

Can you help me with any suggestions, and if it's not Arthritis, what do you think have I got?

[Hidden]

I would ask what blood tests you would be given. Ask about a Rheumatoid Factor test, ESR, CRP and anti-CCP tests. These will either prove you might have RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis) if these tests are all negative, then you possibly don't have RA. If those tests are positive, ask to be referred to a Rheumatology Consultant. One Beechams won't do anything unless you have a slight cold. Ibuprofen wouldn't help much with an type of Arthritis. Also may I suggest you visit nras.org.uk/

The National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society

and also arthritisaction.org.uk/

arthritisaction.org.uk/livi...

arthritisaction.org.uk/livi...

Another possibility might be Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) to find out more about this, visit versusarthritis.org/about-a...

I hope I haven't baffled you with too much information, but I do hope you get some answers.