Hi, I'm new to this. I have recently been experiencing symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, it started in December with joint pain and stiffness in my fingers. It has since moved around my body into my elbows, shoulders, knees, ankles and feet. I had an emergency appointment with a gp as the pain got unbearable, I had all the usual blood tests done but all came back negative. I seen a gp I have been seeing for a while and she has organised a xrays of my hands and wrists as my fingers are showing deformities. I have also asked about having a anti-CCP test but nothing has come of it yet. I'm almost 28, I have a 4 year old daughter that I can't play with, a son due in April which I've been advised to sit down while holding him. I have dropped quite a few things since my symptoms started which I have found a bit degrading. I'm hoping that the xrays show something cause the pain and stiffness is getting unbearable.
Thanks, I've been using naproxen and recently codien but at the moment it doesn't seem to be helping. The only thing working a treat is the omeprazole lol
Hi Ray, welcome, I can imagine how frustrated you must feel especially when it restricts you playing with your daughter and giving up things. It will seem very daunting but if you are diagnised there is good treatment available.. Push for the anti cpp test I got my diagnosis with this and joint pain and swelling, has the Doctor mentioned seeing a, rheumatologist or are they waiting for xray results? Please use this site to air your worries and concerns, we all know how you feel. Start to keep a simple diary of how you feel . I took this advice and it was very useful for first consultant appt. Let us know how you get on. Good luck to you x
How awful for you- coping with young children must be difficult for you. One good bit of advice I was given was to take pictures of any swollen joints- just in case they have gone by the time you get to see a specialist. Good luck😊x
I'm also new to site since June have painful finger joints, knees neck and sides of breast pain. Blood test indicates auto immune? Referred to rheumatoid consultant Dec waiting for an appointment.
Hi Ray, sorry to hear you have been suffering, my advice is get your gp to refer you to a rheumatologist ASAP, don't take no for an answer, you need to get treatment. I was told by my gp the xrays showed age related wear and tear, and it took me ages to get referred by which time damage had occurred. The gp sounds like he or she is doing her best but she/he isn't a specialist, all the best, hope you get help
Hi. I really feel for you. It is a bad time at the beginning but when you are diagnosed and on the right treatment things should start to improve. If you don't hear anything soon, ring up again. You have to stress how bad you are because there are so many of us with this awful disease that the doctors and hospital are inundated. I don't think you should be waiting long as you are pregnant. It is all too much for you to cope with. Don't feel alone, you can come on this site anytime you feel like it and we will be there for you. Once you are referred to a rheumatology team you will find the help, advice and support invaluable. I hope you don't have to wait long. xx
Hi thanks for replying. I'm a dude and it's my wife that's due in April lol. My regular gp is brilliant, she gets things done so hopefully I should get back to some kind of normality sooner rather than later
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