I couldn't afford the private health care here so have to wait now for Divorce case in order to return to UK and NHS. Apart from spasmodic parts of the body stiff and painful, I was managing. BUT since yesterday, I have been hit with two knees that won't support me, upper arms that can't lift me, two swollen hands that can't hold walking stick or lift a kettle. Help, is this a flare-up! Do I see the GP here? This is the first time both sides of body have identical symptoms. Is it the weather that caused it so suddenly? Only taking paracetamol as on heart med. I have to fly to UK on Sunday for Court Hearing but don't know how I can manage it physically without extreme pain. I am alone and have no support. Any suggestions as to what has suddenly happened?
So sudden. I have been diagnosed with UCTD in Oct... - LUPUS UK
So sudden. I have been diagnosed with UCTD in Oct and put on Hydrochloroquine. Had to come off it slowly in January as had to stay in Ire.
It does sound like a flare. Prednisone can help in a hurry, but I assume you need a prescription. I think something similar may be used more in the UK. If this is something new, you may want blood tests to see what is going on.
I often use prednisone and codeine for pain for traveling, although if i don't have any on hand it means a trip to the doc.
Good luck.
Thankyou for reply. Will go to GP this am. Yes in in middle of full diagnosis in UK and blood tests pre Xmas and visited grandchildren in Ireland when bank accounts were closed and I was accused of abandoning my husband. Had to have police protection here then. I am 66, he is 74, married only 5 yrs. Hence divorce and so quick. But bod has reacted and I have to do something about it urgently! Thanks again 😊
That all sounds very frightening. Is it very hot where you are? That might be causing a flare. Or stress (divorce) perhaps, the impending worry of the court case? I'd try and see a GP if you can asap. And then get into the NHS system as soon as possible. Your meds might not be changed but they can monitor you more closely. I wish you well in getting through it.
Thankyou treetops for yours words. I wrote what happened to annNY. I think you can read it too? Was living in UK under NHS up to Xmas, and was due final tests Jan. Health system is private in Ireland and all my money was in joint UK bank accounts. So need to get back to living in UK or get the Courts to do justice! All we need is a quiet and healthy life eh?!!😊
Do you have an EHIC card?
I think you need to see a GP urgently. If it's bilateral then there's a possibility that it could be RA. But also it may be Sjögren's because this often imitates RA. I say this because mine did this for two years and, like you, I often couldn't move for pain and was misdiagnosed with RA.
I don't know how the IRE system works but there is a good charity for arthritis there I believe and they might be able to offer you phone advice on this. I imagine there is free healthcare for those who need it and a short course of steroids or IM steroid jab might be the best way of getting through the travel and court hearing. The stress won't be helping your flare so please do seek medical help.
Best of luck. Twitchy
Thankyou Twitchy for your time. Gosh strangers have been so helpful when you have no one who understands. I acted on all the advice and struggled driving and crutches into GP. Delighted he gave me strong 10 day course of Prednisone n Emazole. Assures me I can make journey without the pain! That's all I need for now. Hydroxychloroquine can only be prescribed by Rheumy---they cost 250euro a visit but you get % back at end of year!! This site is the best support we can give each other. Onward, crutch upward !!!😉 Goldie
👌🏼🏄♀️🤸♀️💃🥄🥄🥄🤞🤞🤞😘
Ps there is someone, Weathervane, who uses this forum too and lives in Ireland so hopefuly she will spot this post and reply. X
Hi goldie , it really sounds like a bad flare that has hit you hard . Im in the north so im nhs , but it does sound like you need to see a doctor or if not possible have a chat with the pharmacist to see if he can suggest anything stronger than paracetamol that wont react with you heart problems. In the meantime try and rest and relax when you can as stress can cause flares . Please keep in touch and let us know how you are xxx
Thankyou weathervane (very apt!!) Yes got that statin this am to tide me over journey to UK. Its hard when there is no one to describe a flare, the medics just use the term, so I was delighted to have this site and have people tell me to get medical help. Just being up to Belfast two weeks ago to sell UK reg car!! Haven't been up since I lived in Dundalk! Roads are brill with the bypasses. Thankyou for getting in touch a appreciate it. Xx
I haven't had a bad flare since I started on rituximab , prior to that i went from one flare to the next , i ached all over and could bearly get out of bed as i was so exhausted. Do look after yourself as you seem to be going through a bad time , I hope you have family who understand and give you support xx
Will take a note of your med-----it has been mentioned alot. Thankyou for support, I have one or two good friends but no family close by.Yes, the bed scene is a tough one, thankfully I don't have to share it!!!! Take carexx
😀👍
Hi weathervane, how is Autumn agreeing with you? I am having no luck here being even seen to privately. My GP wrote to rheumy and after 3 weeks I phoned sec to be told she is not taking on newbies. So that was a loss of another month not knowing what is wrong with me. Last week I could manage a tea dance and last night had to be helped up out of theatre seat to let others in. Its not until you go outside that you realize how bad you are. Please tell me if RA hits you in different places constantly. Does it last all day and night in one place? Do you ever know which part is going to be stiff? I have read up so much but in plain language there is nothing that says tonight its your neck for 3 days, then its right/left knee for a screaming night, then its a shoulder, wrists, fingers, spine, hip wherever when one pain goes along comes someplace else. My c-reactive protein reads 12.7mg/l up from 5.2 a year ago but that is all they are going on to diagnose UCTD. The GP said if it was 100 then it would be worrying! That didn't impress me much!! I noticed myself that the 5 components of white cell count have dropped considerably in a year. The GP doesn't have time to study what was done in UK a year ago and compare it with this recent test. They seem to just want to start me from where they find me today. Have you or anyone any feedback? I know I am just about hanging in painwise as trying to cope with a divorce from a malignant narcissist at the same time. Stress is immense since last Nov, but light now in a few more weeks with house sold and divorce papers through. Although he is still sending mail to me that I think I will have to charge him with criminal harassment to make him stop. All this not at all good for health issues never mind brain, emotions and soul. So would be very grateful to have inside knowledge of this RA disease. Chin up, keep giving a smile aday away!!
Hi goldie , you are going through a bad time at the moment , stress can increase your chance of flaring up . I have primary sjogrens with joint and muscle pains and yes you never know what bit will be sore next . I hope you get on the right treatment soon as it does make a big difference. Wishing you all the with everything and keeping smiling 🌸🌸🌸
Lobby the houses of parliament 
COUCH TO 5K a little positivity!
I was diagnosed 7 years ago with SLE etc. I have struggled a lot mentally facing up to it. I only recently had some counselling.
Flare ups, anxiety and depression
In Desperate Need of Healthcare, please, please help Lupus UK
