Knee, Fingers, Heels, ... :/

[Lukas1993]

Hello my name ist Lukas.

I seek for help about my arthritis coming back!

I think it´s 6 year ago, when doctor in my homecountry referred me to see rheumatologist (something like National Institute of Rheumatic Diseases).I was 17 at that time who needed quick help as a football player having problems with knees.

First couple years I´d been taking Metoject (Methotrexate) combined with Napsyn.It slightly helped so I was able to play but sometimes with pain.

After 2 years more swelling occurred. Joints on my fingers suddenly swelled up (on hand and on foot).

So they replaced Methotrexate with Humira. Since then the thing got much better. No more problems with my knee and no pain in my fingers but they are still swelled.

But suddenly next problem occurred. Really bad pain in the back of the heel which coused me problems with running. Humira helped me a lot in this disease.

Last year in September i´ve decided to move to England for work and also to play football in here. That meant I will give up Humira (I felt no more pain).

Few months later in december the problems with my heel have come back again.

So I went to see doctor in January and he referred me to see physiotherapist. In April the pain ocurred on the right foot as well.

After months on waiting for doctor appointment i was finally seen by doctor in Nuffield hospital and he referred me to see Rheumatologist.

Now i really need to speed up things as it is getting worse and worse. I´m on sick pay now and deciding what to do.

Wait for appointment to see rheumatologist in here (what may takes few weeks maybe couple months) or go to my homecountry and continue treatment there.

I really like my job here and my football club so It´s not an easy decision.

Thank you ( sorry for my English )

[popsmith1874]

hello lukas and welcome to the site,if you stay here now i would stay and wait for an appointment and see what they say,are you on any treatment at the moment if so if its not working i would go back to your gp and get some stronger medication until your appointment comes through

[Lukas1993 in reply to popsmith1874]

hello thank you for your reply.

At the moment just painkillers such as Paracetamol Ibalgin . Every second week I´m taking Flector powder (Diclofenac). My mum sending me these from my country. The only ones that actually works for me a little bit more so i can stand on my feet and walk bit better.

[Gigi71]

Hi Lukas. While you wait to see the rheumatologist go back to your GP, he maybe able to prescribe prednisone to help with your pain, as you have previously been dx with RA in your own country, or at least something stronger than you are presently taking. With regard to the heal pain it's sounds like Plantar Fasciitis and can be helped with suitable innersoles in your shoes, trainers. Again best to check this out with your gp. Wishing you lots of luck.

[Lukas1993 in reply to Gigi71]

Thank you!

I'll try but my appointment is next Friday.

Heel pain couse wider achiles bursitis... But it is true now I'm struggling with Plantar fasciitis as well.. That's because I've been putting too much pressure on my bottom of the heel as I can't make proper full motion step.

[Gigi71 in reply to Lukas1993]

Sorry to hear you are suffering so much with pain. You have RA so stopping the meds you were on back home, which controlled it, has caused it to flare. I have been taking Humira for 8 years and have found it a great drug for me, however it is giving me small skin cancers, so need to change to something else. The rheumatologist will know what's best for you, seems a long wait when you are in pain. Glad to hear you are going back to the GP. Good luck.

[Mhairi54]

Hi Lukas, I was very impressed by your English! Not sure I can give you much advice as still very early on in arthritis journey and learning myself. This is a great site, really supportive. Hope you manage to get sorted out soon.

[Jayne5]

Hi Lukas!

Refer to the Clint Paddison, Paddison Program to heal RA naturally. You will be glad you did. It takes much effort and discipline but well worth it.

[nomoreheels]

Hiya Lukas. It's a difficult one, I can understand that. Really much depends on how much time you are in the UK compared to your homeland & if the treatment differs greatly, waiting times etc, also if you prefer to remain in the UK & it seems like you would. You do sound as though you're struggling, I hope your Friday appointment provides answers & more importantly suitable treatment. It might be an idea to try not to take any anti inflammatories or pain relief you currently have for a few days before you see your Rheumy here in the UK the first time, the less medicated you are the better when you're examined, have blood tests, x rays etc as it will show the joints which are affected better & also true inflammation levels. It also helps to know which joints hurt most & taking your meds will mask some of that. He'll want to have his own set of results so I would think your first appointment will be similar to being diagnosed again for him to form an accurate treatment plan.

It may also be worth asking to be referred to a Podiatrist, many Rheumys here don't pay much attention to the joints in the feet. Painful feet are something I can relate to as I have multiple issues but since having regular appointments with my Podiatrist they've been far better. I also have custom-made insoles & whilst they've taken a good while to perfect they've helped a great deal.

Your English is very good by the way! I hope you enjoy being with us.