I am new here and going through the diagnosis stage at the moment. I have suffered from severe anxiety and depression for two years. Thankfully I have escaped that dark tunnel and back I am back into the world again!
About 8 months ago I started to get pain in both knees mainly when I stood up. I was also very achy in the morning and found it difficult to stand up in yhe mornings. I was fine during the day but then just could not get comfortable in the evening. I put this down to the depression. About8 weeks ago my knuckles started hurting and also my right shoulder.
I now have also have pain in both ankles and elbows. My hands go numb during the night waking me, and I have pain in both forearms and lower back and neck.
I went to my gp who sent off bloods and I tested positive for rheumatoid factor and I have xrays on my knees and hands tomorrow. Then have to see my gp for the verdict in 7 days. A different doc called me with my blood results and when I asked what they meant he said you have classic symtoms of RA.
I also have some peculiar syptoms. If I walk any distance the top of my left leg goes numb. My hands get a really wierd sensation which is like a feeling of hot or cold not sure which it is. I also get random joint and muscular pains which I liken to to being poked hard repeatedly for a few seconds and then it stops. I have very little grip strength in either hand now.
Now I hurt most of the time not just morning and evening. I now struggle to put my socks on in the morning and my partner has to help me.
I knew nothing sbout RA and this has come as a shock and I have mixed emotions varying between being scared and being very peed off! Are my symptoms fairly typical. All my gp has told me to take is paracetomol and ibuprofen but they seem to have little effect. I am 49 and have been active up until now and find it very frustrating.
Written by
Cornishchap
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Welcome to the family. I have been busy for a while and haven't been around, but I'm back!
This site has helped me through some tough times and I know you'll get the support from the members as I did as we are all in the same boat!
I have seronegative RA and Fibromyalgia. The burning and tingling/numbness you experience sounds very similar to my Fibromyalgia symptoms.
I am glad that you are on the right track for a diagnosis as it can be quite difficult and frustrating to have a body that doesn't let you carry out everyday tasks that your mind wants to do. Remember that everyone on here is with you and you are not alone!
Yep u have ticked all the boxes. There are lots if drug therapies available and your symptoms and pain can be managed.. this board is a lifeline xxx use it for support xxx
Certainly sounds as if one of the inflammatory arthritis diseases has moved in. But tho' your GP sounds pretty good, do push to get referred to a rheumatologist. And the sooner the better with this disease. In terms of short term pain relief right now, are you taking the ibuprofen consistently? Ie full dose at regular intervals? It works much better on our sort of pain if you do - taking one now and then doesn't give it the best chance of working. And you might also want to talk to your GP about being prescribed a stomach protector alongside as they are tough on your stomach lining. But sorry that you've had to join us, as hope you can stay strong about it - getting a diagnosis like this it's a lot to take in, but the future can be ok with RA.
I have sero neg. RA and I get all of your symptoms , but be guided by the docs. everyone is different , you will get lots of support here , all the best x
Hi and sorry to hear of your symptoms. I would go back to the GP and ask for stronger pain medication if possible? Also push for a rheumatology appointment as soon as possible. They shouldn't be dragging their heels! I paid £240 to see a rheumatologist proovately and then he put me back through the NHS system. That speeded everything up, if you can afford it... I needed a referral letter from my GP but saw him within a week! Good luck x
everyone on here who is suggesting that you push to get referred to a Rheumatologist is right. the sooner you get to see one the sooner you will be on the road to finding the cocktail of drugs that best suits you. this can take some time so get started asap.
also you will get all sort of great help and advice on this site, it really can be a bit of a life saver. i went into a terrible bout of depression (i have been plagued with the 'black dog' for many years). one very concerned lady took me aside, via PM, and talked me through it, she was great.
just stay in touch and there will always be a listening ear here for you. all the very best. XX
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New years eve.......
Where were your first symptoms 
Now both types of Arthritis 
New Here
Newly diagnosed with RA
