Possible RA

[Adalisone]

I've got my first appointment tomorrow after my blood tests, when I spoke with the nurse she said it looked like RA. I feel really scared...I'm not very hopeful because all the problems I have are symptoms of RA.

[JacquiThomas999]

Not a nice club to belong to. But the members here are very helpful and have loads of experience. Ask all the questions that you want.

Tomorrow, if you can have someone with you to listen and write things down. Although you are expecting the worst, the worst does blow you away.

You may have some x-rays, more bloods ordered and possibly a prescription to collect and organise. I was 4 hours at the hospital my first time.

You should be given a help desk number (use it, no question is too daft, and sometimes it seems like a minefield). Also leaflets. Don't start to Dr Google. Stick to NRAS and Arthritis UK, (and here, it is moderated by NRAS).

And don't forget to breathe. Although it is frightening, there are lots that they can do to try and limit the condition.

I hope all goes well tomorrow.

Jacqui.

[medway-lady]

The worst is not knowing whats wrong so be positive, treatments are very good these days and RA is controllable for most of us. But unfortunately sometimes only the negative is talked about and the bad experiences. I'm in remission and life is normal apart from the medication I take (Arava) and the swelling and pain is long gone, I have no idea how long this will last but am positive it might be lifelong. Anyway worrying about it won't help. So stay active, stay positive and their might or mightn't be some setbacks, but in the end the journey is not that bad. All your problems might well be soon over if you get the right medication and don't use Dr Google it will terrify you and stick to the NRAS and your GP or Consultant or RA nurse who will be happy to answer questions and are qualified to do so. Good luck and don't be scared, or not too much anyway. xx

[Adalisone in reply to medway-lady]

Thank you both so much for your positive response. I did make the mistake of using google, it petrified me to be honest. I've waited two weeks to see a doctor and that certainly hasn't helped. I will let you know how I get on tomorrow.

[helixhelix]

Hope it goes well, and you get a clear answer. Sometimes it can take a bit longer while they get results of tests. But really try not to worry, the majority of us live perfectLy well with RA - just with a lot of pill bottles. Treatments are much more effective now.

[Kb5417]

Good luck for today. It is frightening but on the plus side if it is ra there are medications to help. I agree with the above replies. Take someone with you and stay off Google. Your body will let you know what is right for you and there is loads of support out there. Once it all sinks in and you find a medication that works you'll become more positive and more important you can start to enjoy life again.

[crispym]

Hi, I'm in the same boat as you. I already have osteoarthritis, I've had it since my early 30's, but I have a lot of RA symptoms which are still to be confirmed - I'm back at the doctors on Friday for my scan and blood test results. Like you I've consulted Dr Google which was the worst thing to do, however it led me to this site (which was a good thing) and things whilst seeming scary also show the positives with good treatment many people seem live with RA. Good luck today, hope it all goes well.

[Adalisone in reply to crispym]

Thank you...and good luck to you too, this group is amazing.

[Hidden]

Please feel free to give our helpline a call on 08002987650 or email [e-mail] and they can talk you through what to expect.

Hope this helps and hope all goes well tomorrow.

Val, NRAS

[Adalisone in reply to Hidden]

Hello Val, I've been tested for positive levels of RF and CCP, I've now been referred to a rheumatologist. I've just got to wait now. Thank you so much.

[Adalisone]

I can't thank you all enough for your comments...I only joined this group a few days ago and you've been fantastic. I've felt so scared and very tearful for the last couple of weeks just waiting for answers. Thank you all xx

[Hidden]

Try not to be too afraid. It's hard if it IS RA, but keep in mind that there are treatments out there now that can help bring you into remission, and you will have a lot of support here on this board. Good luck there, and let us know

[Adalisone in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your support.

[Calph]

Hi I was diagnosed with RA last year and like you was very worried about the outcome and it probably took me at least 6 months to come to terms with it if you ever do completely. I now consider I was lucky to have been caught early and have been given meds that have made life normal. I still do not like to take all the drugs but do not like the alternative pain I would have if I do not take them. You will have some problems along the way but they will find drugs that will help you and you will feel so much better. Like others have said take somebody with you do they may hear what you miss. Good luck on your journey .

[Adalisone in reply to Calph]

Thank you, I'm hoping that I've caught it early enough too. I appreciate your message, it really does make a difference. I just have to wait now until I see the rheumatologist. I've been prescribed anti inflammatory tablets and some to protect my stomach.

[Calph in reply to Adalisone]

Yes I have stomach tablets also so looks they are sorting you out. Good luck again.

Regards Carol

[crispym]

Well after my GP pondered over my blood results he decided they were negative, although he wants to re-test in 6 months for RA but has said it probably more like OA.

My foot scan results still aren't back which is what I originally went for as I have pain and swelling in my big toe joint, I wouldn't mind but my scan was in July! Apparently there is a back log.

Still in a tremendous amount of pain and swelling in my hands which started 8 weeks ago and is completely different to my OA pain. He wants to see me again in 4 weeks and has suggested referring me for physio to see if that helps.

[Adalisone in reply to crispym]

You must be so frustrated, because its answers we want isn't it, we all need to know why we get the pain. It's such a waiting game.

[crispym]

Its extremely frustrating, I get really annoyed with it as is stopping me doing a lot of things that I love doing just because I'm either too tired or in pain.

[Adalisone in reply to crispym]

It's awful isn't it, do you take pain medication ?? I've just started taking naproxen and stomach tablets. I feel like I've been hit by a bus today and I have no energy, I'm not used to feeling like this.

[crispym in reply to Adalisone]

I take paracetamol and ibuprophen together 3 tines a day but that doesn't help, I also have excersises which I do, I also use hot and cold compresses to try and ease things out. Nothing seems to work for longer than an hour max before the pain and stiffness is back, I'm forcing myself to do simple tasks even though I'm wiped out. But my GP just brushes all that aside and insists it can't be that bad! I'm 42 and feel like I'm 82!

Sorry to hear your not feeling great, hopefully you will get used to the Naproxen, my dads on that for his RA they took him a while to get used to and even now he has times when he just crashes out after taking them, he's had RA for 10 years.