being diagnosed

I presume your gp took blood tests to warrent a referal to see a rheumatologist. Usually you do not wait very long to see them, because they like to get a diagnosis made as quick as they can, so that treatment can be started. If you have waited for a, long time, perhaps you could phone the rheumatology dept and ask them what the waiting time is.

No he didn't take bloods. He looked at my hands and the lumps on my joints and put in a refural. I know he said 6 weeks but symptoms have been going on along time now

Thank you!!!!!

Hi Dolly84

Welcome to this site, I'm so sorry you are having a tough time just now.

I think they said 6 weeks to me too, but when I went online to book my rheumy appt it was actually only 2 weeks so hopefully you will find that too.

The first bit is horrendous, i have never known pain like it,but once they get you started on drugs etc things will look a whole lot better. Perhaps you could consider some time off work sick while you are struggling with this?

Take care xx

Hiya, poor you, it's not at all nice and the wait to see the doctors for the first I me seems forever. Ask your chemist for some good no steroidal anti inflammatory drugs as they help. Hot or cold pads also help. I hope you get seen very quickly xx

thanks! I hope so....I hate the fact that people who dont suffer with this or a similar illness have no idea what you go through everyday

Omg I'm in so much pain tonight!

Hi Dolly, So sorry to hear of your plight. I've just woke up a few minutes ago with serious sciatic pain, which has caused me to be housebound for the last 6 weeks. I've just dosed up with morphine, diazepam and codeine, so if i ramble on incoherently please forgive me. I also have a hotwater bottle under my bum, which helps ease the pain there.

Anyway, enough of my woes. You could give voltarol a try, which is availiable over the counter. I've used it occasionally when my RA has flared-up and have found it pretty effective on times. I believe it's ok to take with co-dydramol but check with with the pharmacist first.

Best of luck to you and hope you get your appointment soon.

Hi dolly

Sorry to read you were in pain last night. In the weeks before I saw rheumy, I was totally desperate, had painkillers, anti infl, heat pads, ice packs, and to be honest nothing really touched it, I didn't have more than an hours sleep at a time, awake most of the night in misery and of course lack of sleep just adds to the problem.

When I staggered in for my first appt he asked questions,ordered blood tests and gave me steroid jab......this was about 5pm, by 9pm I was almost pain free and had my first nights sleep in almost a month. Steroids don't actually treat the underlying problem and only last a few weeks but can bring relief while you wait for any other drugs you may need to kick in. Just wanted you to know that there is something that can give relief, but you need to see rheumy first.

Hope you have a manageable day today and keep in mind that things will get better for you xx

Thanks everyone....you are all really supportive. I managed to fall asleep finally but now I'm awake in pain again....so the cycle begins! I'm just holding onto the hope that there's light at the end of the tunnel

Hi Dolly84, sorry to hear what your going thru but once you start treatment I am sure things will improve for you and you may be able to continue with working, the treatments are getting better all the time and enable some people to continue a semi normal RA life, not to say you wont get flare ups and stuff and you may have many treatments before the suitable one for you is found. Keep us posted as you start on the road of your RA journey. xx wish you luck with it all x

Hang in there it can get better xxxx hot water bottles helped me in the early times and only other sufferers truly understand so use this board for support .. it won't always be like this xx

Sorry about your pain - it is evil I know. But this is often the worst bit and once you are on proper medication things will get better. Like others have said, go talk to your GP about pain meds, and about pushing for a more urgent appointment. You could also ask about getting a steroid injection to squash the inflammation. Most people find that they work very well, and last several weeks. But the problem is that if you have one and get an appointment before it's worn off then it could mask the inflammation so well that there's nothing for the rheumy to look at! So it can delay getting on a proper course of meds in the long run. It's hard, but also don't forget things like ice packs and hot wheat bags that can also really help. And taking some time off work! But in a few months you should be in a very different and happier place.

I really hope so! I feel okay at the mo but I usually do for a few hours before the pain kicks in again. So hard trying to explain to my partner how much pain I am actually in!!!!! If I had the money I would go private as I'm struggling to cope, esp with two young children who want to go to the park etc

Hi Dolly,

So sorry to hear the pain you're in.

I'm in the same position as you waiting to see Rheumy. I saw the GP on 1st April and had blood taken. I was given naproxen to manage the inflammation and pain, they're helping but I'm definitely not pain free. The blood results came back positive for rheumatoid factor and at this point the GP referred me to Rheumy. However I discovered I'd been referred for a routine appointment! I was very anxious and extremely concerned that the longer I had to wait the more damage was being done.

After posting on here with my concerns I got great advice and encouragement for the other members and it gave me the confidence and courage to contact the GP and ask for an urgent referral. This was agreed and I am currently waiting for appt, they're definition of urgent is different to mine. I'll be calling them again tomorrow!

Don't hesitate to contact your surgery tomorrow to discuss the pain management and ask for urgent referral. Good luck and let us know how you get on.

Lee x