CRP reading of 57 and rising at age 21.

[Laureneva]

Hello. 6 years ago I started with hip pain. The doctor kept telling me I had a pulled muscle. years down the line the pain got worse. Spreading to the other hip, knees and back and I am struggling to walk and cope with anything because of the pain is really bad.

I have been to physio and musculoskeletal services that keep sending me around in circles and ignoring me by not writing anything I have been telling them in my notes. I have tried a steroid injection in my left hip but that had very little help.

They refuse to send me for more tests because I am only 21 with doesn't seem fair at all having to cope with taking many painkillers that does not work anymore.

The past few month of have gotten alot worse and I struggle in and out of Bath., bed, the house, cleaning and basically anything where I need to bend down or climb over.

I am so scared it's going to stop me doing anything altogether. Can anyone give me any help and advise on what I can do please?

[Moomin8]

Go to your gp and ask to be tested for rheumatoid arthritis. If they say no, then I'd insist.

kidsgetarthritistoo.org/liv...

This link explains it quite well. Best of luck 🙂

[janmary]

It sounds as though most of your difficulty relates to back and hip and lower limb problems?

I don't know if you have a diagnosis of RA or not, but it sounds as though you need an MRI scan and a referral to neurology and/or rheumatology. We can't give medical advice, but it sounds as though you need to seek specialist help. Hoping you get some help soon

[Laureneva in reply to janmary]

I haven't had a diagnosis of anything yet. The doctors send me around in circles and refuse to do a mri because apparently I am to young to have arthritis. Some doctors i see at physio tell me i need to get one as soon as possible but they dont have the 'power' to book me a scan. I don't know how to get the consultant's to listen to me I have tried all sorts to ask for one but I always get knocked back because of my age 😔

[AgedCrone in reply to Laureneva]

Sadly are NOT too young to have RA & if you are unfortunate enough to have it you need to start treatment NOW.

Ask your GP very firmly to refer you to a rheumatologist. If he refuses, go to your localCitizens Advice Bureau & ask them how to contact the ( I think it's called) the Care Quality Commission,& they will,point you in the right direction to get a proper referral.

I'm so sorry your GP is actually lying to you as he must know that even children can have RA. He should be reprimanded for such actions

I really hope you don't have RA- but if you do you must see a specialist & not just be fobbed off by your GP.

Good Luck!

[Damaged]

Clearly with CRP at 57 , you have an inflammatory condition but RD is usually bilateral. It affects joints on both sides. There are other autoimmune conditions like Ankilosing Spondelitis, Lupus, Psoriatic Arthitis ect.

The challenge is narrowing it down. But , in my opinion you should insist on a full blood work up and referral to a rheumatologist a.s.a.p. It is so heart breaking to know such young people get these dreadful conditions. I am so sorry you are struggling. I sincerely hope you get an accurate diagnoses quickly. Do not hesitate insisting on what you feel is needed.

Where do you live? I know are medical services in Canada quite well. One suggestion is to bring someone with you on your next visit. When you have an independent witness doctors tend to be far more responsive. Perhaps when someone other than the patient can attest to the issues of pain and mobility. From a legal perspective, it is like ensuring all requests are in writing. Then it cannot be ignored. It elevates accountability.

I am guilty of waiting for my doctor to find a solution. I likely went ten years without a diagnoses. I could no longer walk . My husband drove me to this appointment. At first my GP insisted I had Fibromialgia. He wanted to send me home with yet another prescription. I refused both drugs and departure. I insisted on testing or an MRI if necessary I would pay for them. The next day changed my life. I truly hope it is not RA(RD). Clearly there is something very wrong. Do not give up. Go to another doctor if you have to. I hope you find some relief soon. If I could send a big hug I would. Hang in there Laureneva🤗