Suspected RA

[MichaelJSmith]

I'm seeing my doctor in two day's time, having had a number of blood tests last week. I've had increasingly painful shoulders, wrists and hands for a few weeks now and I suspect I have RA. Will keep you posted.

[Amy_Lee]

Hi MichaelJSmith,

If you are diagnosed with RA, get immediate treatment will increase your chance of remission and to avoid any joints being damaged.

Also, refer to your doctor before you take any other supplement. Follow your doctor's instruction closely and do remember to do your exercise daily regardless of how painful it can be, you will be fine after a few months down the road.

As for pain killers, if you can, try to avoid taking them. However, if you cannot tolerate the pain, just take some but only when necessary because it will give you other problem if you rely on them.

[EmmaS-NRAS NRAS]

Dear MichaelJSmith,

Sorry to hear about your painful joints and I do hope that you get to the bottom of the pain soon. If/when you are referred to a rheumatologist and they decide on a diagnosis of RA, do have a look at our 'newly diagnosed' booklet. There's a lot to take in when diagnosed with any new condition but hopefully this will give you the basics to start with and what to expect over the next 12 months: nras.org.uk/publications/ne...

There's lots of help available on this forum and on the NRAS website nras.org.uk so do let us know how you get on at your appointment.

Kind regards

NRAS-Emma

[MichaelJSmith in reply to EmmaS-NRAS]

Thank you Emma. I saw my doctor about my blood tests today and he has referred me to a rheumatologist. I'll keep you posted and thanks for your interest.