Newbie awaiting diagnosis

[dianne_t]

Hi, I'm new here and as the title says I'm in for the long haul of waiting for a diagnosis. For the last 6 weeks or so I have been crippled with pain in most of my joints and muscles, swelling in my feet, hands and legs. At times I can swear it is like a paralysis working down my body as everything seems to stiffen. I have been to my GP 3 times now who has done the routine blood tests and apart from esr which is at 32 all others including RF are normal. She has referred me to a rheumatologist (3m wait) I am also suffering from the most horrendous stabbing pains in my feet and numbness in my leg. Naproxen, paracetamol and codeine have been prescribed so far but are very ineffective, I have a tens machine, again the pain is too widespread for it to be much good. Has anyone got any other ideas on pain relief. I am a carer for my husband who as severe heart failure so I really need to function without being spaced out on meds. Thanks for reading

[TheAuthor]

Hi dianne_t

I sincerely hope that you are feeling as well as you possibly can be today? Welcome to the forum and it is wonderful to make your acquaintance. I have pasted you a link below to our mother site, FMA UK which hosts loads of useful information:

fmauk.org/

I am so genuinely sorry to read that your pain killers have not been very effective for you, and I personally take Pregabalin and Nortriptyline. It may be worth talking to your doctor about these and / or their sister drugs, Gabapentin and Amitriptyline to see if you would be suitable for them?

I want to sincerely wish you all the best of luck, and please take care of yourself.

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

[bluebell99 in reply to TheAuthor]

Welcome to our friendly and informative forum where we can get support and advice and share a giggle or two.

I see that TheAuthor has given you great advice. Have you contacted Carersuk.org for their help.?

You need yourself to be well so you can help your husband. Would it be possible to ring your doctor, explain your circumstances and ask him to fast track you?

Best wishes

Xx

[Leonwp]

Welcome to the forum, im so sorry you have had to find us and that you have suffered as much as you have recently, i hope you get the help you need proffessionaly and soon.

[dianne_t]

Thank you all for the warm welcome and for the useful replies. Good news for me, received a phone call from the rheumatology dept and they have squeezed me in next Monday to see the consultant. I also booked an appointment to see the GP on Wednesday this week, hopefully they will allow me to try some amitriptyline for nerve pain, thanks for pointing me in the right direction.

[TheAuthor in reply to dianne_t]

dianne_t I want to sincerely wish you all the best of luck with your appointments