Can anyone tell me what this means please

[Nikki70]

Hi I have had a letter from my specialist saying that I have sero-negative, anti CCP positive rheumatoid arthritis

Fibromyalgia

Hypertension

And wrist fusion can someone please tell me what these are thanks

[helixhelix]

The best thing to do is probably to book an appointment with your GP and ask to have everything explained to you. You might need to ask for a double appointment so the doc has time to go through it all. And if you have all that lot, then you're probably feeling pretty rough so you could also talk about pain relief and treatment.

But basically rheumatoid arthritis is when your immune system attacks your own body causing damage to joints and other parts of your body as well as tiredness, pain and generally feeling rotten! Look at nras.org.uk which gives good information. It's incurable, but can usually be managed with drug treatments.

Fibromyalgia is another disease that causes pain, and tiredness.

Hypertension is another word for high blood pressure, which will also need to be treated either by changing how you live through diet and exercise, or with drugs.

And wrist fusion either means that some bones in your wrist have naturally fused together, or bonded. Or that you need a wrist fusion because of damage to the bones in your wrist.

However, more importantly do look after yourself and rest properly.

[mirren]

Hi Nikki - did the rheum start you on medication? If so you will hopefully get to see a specialist nurse who will explain if your GP doesn't, or maybe you could call her/him? Were you expecting any of those diagnoses? Had your GP gone through what he thought was wrong?

Sorry you got tough news, but like helix said, there are lots of treatment options and getting a diagnosis is a step towards feeling better usually.

I am pretty new here, but everyone has been fantastically helpful and patient with all my questions, and I have found this a great source of information and reassurance.

[Nikki70 in reply to mirren]

Yes I'm on medication but never heard him say this before thanks

[bassiefromholland]

You better make an appointment with your specialist, because you will have proper treatment too!

Wish you all the best and a big hug!

Bas

[Nikki70 in reply to bassiefromholland]

Thankyou

[dobsey]

I just wrote a post on them not giving you all the imformation

This highlights it They should have called you in not written to you

My rhummi said Fibromyalgia is a syndrome rather than a disease

They can give you meds for the pain and amitriptolene at night to help you sleep as apparently , though you may sleep through the night you are missing the deep sleep part

So it helps you relax. He started me on 20mg but has just put it up to 50mg. It's a mental health drug but in small doses it's good for pain , nerve pain etc

That's all they can do Its all new stuff really

RA is an autoimmune desease but don't worry they have fantastic drugs nowadays and cos you now are in the club you get to know All the truly lovely people on here

They will always be there for you

Very nice people All of them

Sorry for you but your rhummi will look after you and the meds nowadays are fantastic so nothing to worry about You will be ok

David

[nomoreheels]

Welcome Nikki. Your Rheumy probably explained all this but if you were anything like me I only remember parts of my first consultation, I rely on my h for the rest!

The following links may explain best

nras.org.uk/seropositive-se...

nras.org.uk/making-a-diagno...

nhs.uk/Conditions/Blood-pre...

arthritisresearchuk.org/art...

Right now is the worst it will be believe me. Once you're started on your meds & given a little time for them to kick in it will become easier. We've all been there so if you need any help or questions answering we're here, don't be shy!

[Jacki08]

Hi Nikki-- welcome to a group of wonderful people , whatever your worries or questions you can always ask on here and someone will be able to help. I was diagnosed last sept with zero negative RD and couldn't have managed without the people on here. ☺x