Should I try and insist on scan next as everyone thinks I am psychosomatic?

[RuthyBabe]

New here. Not yet diagnosed. My GP suspects inflammatory artritis but inflammation only obvious to me.nothing showing in bloods although symptoms typical- weight loss, pins, needles, stiffness everywhere, pain. 30mg of prednisolone giving only minor relief if any?

[allanah]

Has your gp referred you to a rheumatologist? I think that would really help as the Rheumy will set up tests x

[Hidden]

I wouldn't worry too much about being thought psychosomatic, thought I appreciate that that's easier said than done. You are bound to feel uneasy if others don't believe what you are saying, but you should press on regardless in searching for a diagnosis. Many people have been where you are - kind of in limbo I should think - because many conditions just are hard to diagnose and persistence is the only way. I agree with Allanah, ask for a referral if you haven't had one already. Keep strong. After all, if your symptoms do simply improve of their own accord that'll be a good thing. Don't beat yourself up about it, just methodically keep on trucking till you either get better or find out what's up.

[RuthyBabe]

Thanks for your advice both.I am going to ask if he will tomorrow. Only bloods and X-ray of chest and lumbar spine so far. He admitted me yesterday hoping they would do something I suspect but only got psychiatric assessment.Will try to stay calm next time I am near a hospital. They offered no help as not imminently suicidal! Will keep plugging away.. I am so needy at the moment- me , me me. Hope I can help others in future.

[allanah]

Keep plugging away , ask if you can see rheumatologist after all they are the experts x

[earthwitch]

You do need to see a rheumatologist, so just hang in there until you can get an appointment with one.

[oldtimer]

if someone has given you 30mg prednisolone, they don't think you are psychosomatic! Just that the tests are not helpful in deciding exacting what is wrong yet.

[RuthyBabe in reply to oldtimer]

GP seems perplexed that the prednisolone didn't have quick effect Sister has polymyalgia and thinks this almost confirms psychosomatic pain No one seems to know what next except painkillers and antidepressants. Docs not called for promised consultation and now shut. I am dreading nights with increased tingling pain and muscle spasm last night Almost normal in day though tingles remain. I'm wondering palindromic or psoriatic Neithrr raised during episode last year when I was ignorant Think I will try and stay up tonight

[Hidden in reply to RuthyBabe]

How long have you been on prednisolone?

[RuthyBabe in reply to Hidden]

Hi Took it for 6 days Till Friday Have to say I now have no swelling only stiffness and gabapentin is helping with burning nerve pains Think GP IS TRYING WAIT AND SEE NOW

[Hidden]

Psychosomatic pain would still be pain. Family can be less than helpful sometimes too. If you are ill, you're ill whatever the cause, so I'd say take the painkillers and anti-depressants if you think they'll help because lack of sleep isn't going to do you any good at all. Try to stay calm because if you do have a rheumatic disease there are meds that'll help. Self-belief is required and that's a tall order when you are struggling physically but it'll pay off in the long-term.

[francherry]

Hello, I agree with everyone else that you need to get a referral to a rheumatologist. My bloods also didn't show inflammation and RA was diagnosed after I had an MRI scan on each hand (I had early morning stiffness that didn't go away, pain everywhere and chronic fatigue, but little swelling at that early stage). Keep going and I hope you get referred soon.