I have swollen up to double the size mainly feet and hands the pain/swelling is so bad not being seen until December by NHS any advice ?

[athiritis]

I am taking painkillers but am unable to get around easily due to discomfort and not able to get shoes on - the condition was brought on almost overnight by a severe virus that attacked my immune system that then attacked by joints so have gone from a very active 57 year old lady to a invalid overnight. This happened 3 weeks ago !

[Someonesmother]

Oh my goodness. Have you at least seen the GP? Can your GP ring the consultant to see if they can see you immediately. I think you should be going to A&E immediately this sounds really serious.

[athiritis in reply to Someonesmother]

Thank you for your reply.

Unfortunately as I had been put on ibuformen for the pain and the swelling previously - I ended up in hospital last week having a severe internal bleeding due to this which has now caused me to have multiple gastric ulcers therefore cannot be prescribed steroids. Awaiting some sort of medication from the rheumatologist - meanwhile not feeling good at all - Thank you for your concern x

[Someonesmother in reply to athiritis]

Oh I am so sorry you are having such a terrible time and are now even worse than before. I hope you can get some relief from all this soon. Sounds like you have a bit of a road ahead and I wish you all the best, Let us know how you are getting on.

[Neverwell]

Oh you poor thing I agree with someonesmother get to a&e they should be able to help you x

[athiritis in reply to Neverwell]

Thank you for your reply.

Unfortunately as I had been put on ibuformen for the pain and the swelling previously - I ended up in hospital last week having a severe internal bleeding due to this which has now caused me to have multiple gastric ulcers therefore cannot be prescribed steroids. Awaiting some sort of medication from the rheumatologist - meanwhile not feeling good at all - Thank you for your concern x

[Hidden]

Can you ring the Rheumatology department and speak to someone there? Otherwise go to A&E, as they can give you a steroid jab to tide you over. Good luck!

[athiritis in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your reply.

Unfortunately as I had been put on ibuformen for the pain and the swelling previously - I ended up in hospital last week having a severe internal bleeding due to this which has now caused me to have multiple gastric ulcers therefore cannot be prescribed steroids. Awaiting some sort of medication from the rheumatologist - meanwhile not feeling good at all - Thank you for your concern x

[allanah]

Absolutely needs emergency care now I think, really best seeing docs to get quick control of the virus and immune system. Let us know what they say and don't suffer any longer xxxxx hugs Axx

[athiritis in reply to allanah]

Thank you for your reply.

Unfortunately as I had been put on ibuformen for the pain and the swelling previously - I ended up in hospital last week having a severe internal bleeding due to this which has now caused me to have multiple gastric ulcers therefore cannot be prescribed steroids. Awaiting some sort of medication from the rheumatologist - meanwhile not feeling good at all - Thank you for your concern x

[Hidden]

Hello BOB here

If you have not seen your GP you need too contact His surgery and let them have a look at you. Now you say you are taking Pain medications where did you get them from.

Given the immune system has taken a knock, you need too find what can be do to restore it. as some joint conditions can effect your immune system

All the best

BOB

[athiritis in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your reply.

Unfortunately as I had been put on ibuformen for the pain and the swelling previously - I ended up in hospital last week having a severe internal bleeding due to this which has now caused me to have multiple gastric ulcers therefore cannot be prescribed steroids. Awaiting some sort of medication from the rheumatologist - meanwhile not feeling good at all - Thank you for your concern x

[Hidden]

This sudden onset can be extremely frightening and right now it probably feels like the end of your world so I really feel for you.

It would be ridiculous of me to say don't worry but there is help out there though and you don't have to wait until your appointment to get it.

Most rheumy departments run injection clinics but, with it being the weekend now I would suggest that you phone the emergency doctor and ask if he is able to give you a steroid injection. (obviously I am not prescribing here as I am not a doctor but just going on what has happened to me in the past and want to reassure you that it can be controlled). Some won't have the injections to hand but can prescripe a course of steroid tablets which should take effect within 48 hours.

On the other hand, if you go to A & E as others have suggested, this may then get flagged up to your rheumy team to bring your appointment forward.

Good luck.

We are always here.

Judy

[JennySLT]

I completely agree with everyone else. This is a very sudden onset and my issues started this way too. I'm not sure where you live but I was fast-tracked through an early arthritis clinic and in my opinion, your appt should be brought forward to as soon as possible. Hope you're able to get to see your GP and request this and highlight the difficulties you're having.

Best of luck

Jenny

[athiritis]

Thank you for your reply.

Unfortunately as I had been put on ibuformen for the pain and the swelling previously - I ended up in hospital last week having a severe internal bleeding due to this which has now caused me to have multiple gastric ulcers therefore cannot be prescribed steroids. Awaiting some sort of medication from the rheumatologist - meanwhile not feeling good at all - Thank you for your concern x

[athiritis]

Ahhhh thank you so much for you concern x