One Step Closer

[MandyDenton]

Hi all,

so my first post on here was about me thinking I had early signs of RA, with a doctors appointment pending.

I've had a couple of appointments and lots of blood tests, all of which came back normal. So I was back at my doctors on Monday as pain is now ridiculous. I still have full hand and wrist stiffness with a constant ache, but now, one of the joints in my right finger is so sore it feels broken (it's not!). Is this what the pain feels like for those diagnosed with RA?

I've been referred to a Rheumatologist as an urgent referral but this can still take over 4 weeks. I am just about coping with stiffness and pain but am really concerned if I start to get this pain in more joints. I'm currently on Naproxen, Paracetamol and Codeine, which barely hits the spot.

[Sweetheart0377]

I felt exactly the same when I first started go back to your gp and mention these painkillers aren’t enough , ask about a strong dose of co codamol or if there’s anything stronger they can give you to help tide you over xx

[MandyDenton]

In shock! My appointment with Rheumy came through, 19 Oct! Just over two weeks after my doctors appointment! And people slate the Welsh NHS system.

[Sweetheart0377 in reply to MandyDenton]

Wow that was quick , nice one

[Dodo1943]

Hi Mandy

If you can bear it, your GP will probably not advise increasing your painkillers beyond your current intake in order not to suppress your symptoms before assessment by a Consultant Rheumatologist or Specialist Registrar.

It's good that they've fast-tracked your appointment: I received similar in April 2016 and I've been successfully treated with Methotrexate since diagnosis, upping to 8 x 2.5 mg tablets once weekly after weaning myself off the steroid Prednisolone (1 x 5 mg daily) by 1 mg reductions per month over 5 months. In my case Folic Acid (1 x 5 mg) has been sufficient on the day following MTX and gastro-resistant Omeprazole (1 x 20 mg) daily throughout.

Specialist opinions differ throughout the UK but it sounds as if the Welsh Assembly is really on the ball in the RhA field!