New and awaiting appointment.

[mickie73]

Hi I'm new here..im 45 and for the past 4 months had lots of x-rays and blood tests to see what's going on. I have pain in both my hands , fingers and wrists and in one knee n both ankles. All my bloods have elevated each time they were taken..dr referring me to a rheumatologist. I'm pain n use a walking stick to get around.

[Mandy8175]

Hi Mickie,

I am sorry that you have this horrible disease, but glad you found us! I have had RA for 30 years, but only been treating it for about 5 years. Long sad story.

Best of luck to you and I am hoping you find the magic med combo!

[mickie73 in reply to Mandy8175]

Thank you for your welcome. I am hoping to be sorted soon. I've been referred to see a rheumatologist as Dr suspects things are not right. I take it that he would only do that if he thought I had R.A.?

[SnooW]

I'm new here too, but have had RA symptoms for 2.5 years and was formally diagnosed 2 years ago. I hope you get your rheumy appointment through quickly so you can get onto some meds that will help prevent the progress of the disease. It can sometimes take time to find the right ones that suit, but if you are lucky it might be the first one that they try you on. I'm on my third Disease Modifying Anti Rheumatic Drug (DMARD) as the first 2 didn't suit me because of the side effects, although they helped me lead a normal life again, so now waiting to see if it's third time lucky! Good luck on your RA journey, and keep us posted!

[nomoreheels]

Hiya & welcome mickie73. I was diagnosed seropositive in 2008 aged 48 & doing generally well, I say that because whilst I'm on methotrexate as I have disease activity in my feet I'm not quite controlled so also taking low dose steroids as my last 2 DMARDs I've needed to stop.

I hope your Rheumy appointment comes through soon, the sooner you receive a diagnosis & start treatment the better. Maybe a read through the NRAS website will give you some idea of what to expect, particularly these pages nras.org.uk/making-a-diagno... & this step by step guide (just tap each of the 'Steps' on the left) nras.org.uk/1-recognising-s...

Has your GP prescribed pain relief or an anti inflammatory (NSAID) to help ease your pain? If not do ask, the less pain you have now the easier things will be to cope with at this inbetween stage. This is what my GP did but also told me to stop taking them a few days before my diagnostic appointment so I was seen without anything easing my pain or inflammation. Once you've had your Rheumy appointment & received a firm diagnosis pop back on & let us know how it went. Meantime if there's anything we can help with just ask, we've lots of experience between us to draw from. 😊

[mickie73 in reply to nomoreheels]

Thank you for your welcome. I hope to be seen soon..i think my GP is getting the opinion of rheumatologist for more investigations as well as a diagnoses.

I'm only on mild pain meds at the moment but I have asked for stronger ones.

[nomoreheels in reply to mickie73]

The blood tests, do you know if your GP's taken your Rheumatoid Factor & maybe anti-CCP, although the latter is more usually taken as part of your Rheumy's diagnostic tests here in the UK, unless these are the ones he's asking the Rheumy advice on? I take it the ones you say have been elevated are your inflammatory levels, your CRP (acute inflammation, what's happening now) & ESR (longer term inflammation)? Only once the Rheumy has repeats tests, imaging & done a full joint examination will you have a diagnosis, whichever it may be, a GP can't diagnose, but this is why we have Specialists of course.

Yes, do ask for more appropriate pain relief & if you have any inflammation an NSAID.

[mickie73 in reply to nomoreheels]

As far as I know,gp did all tests needed. Yes all was the inflammation and long term ones that's elevated. I know I will have to go through my history and symptoms. Which started last yr.

I will ask GP when I next see them.

Thank you for your advice. X