Hello, I’m Emma and would really like some advice please. I have been referred to a rheumatologist and have first appointment on Friday. I have CRPS in my left arm/hand. I started experiencing pain in my good hand several months ago and thought it was due to over compensating for my bad hand. I had moved house at the time and put it down to that, but things have gotten worse.
I noticed my good hand was painful/swollen and middle finger was misshaped and I am unable to make a fist properly. GP said it’s RA. I also experience stiffness in my feet and knees when I move after being sat in same position for a while. My joints feel tender to touch as if they are bruised. Am really worried I won’t be able to use my hands.
I have had bloods done and GP asked for one of them to be repeated, not sure why. I have had X-ray of my hands done too. My mother has had RA for 20 years and my younger brother was diagnosed with it. I am worried that I have it too and think it is likely.
I am currently taking naproxen which is helping and I take zapain.
My question is what to expect at my appointment on Friday and should I not take the naproxen a couple of days before as I’m likely to have bloods tested again? Many thanks for reading this long post 😊
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It's usually suggested that you leave off your pain relief and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory treatment for 2 days before your appointment, so that they can see what you are like without.
If you put 'new appointment' into the search box, there will lots of posts with answers! If you can, take someone else with you when you go to help remember everything you need to tell them and what they tell you.
Take a record of your symptoms, when and where they started, how much pain you have (rate it on a scale 1-10?), how much stiffness and how long it lasts, and other related problems like fatigue, or a rash. What you have taken for the symptoms and how effective it was. mention your family history too.
Welcome to the group you didn't want to be a part of. Your story will be familiar to everyone here. There are some contributors here with a lot of detailed knowledge I don't include myself in this group), but everyone has different experiences and so info, support and understanding are available.
I would say to write down how your joints have been affected, and queries you have because your mind will go blank when you have the consultation. Take someone with you if you can, or write down what you're told. Don't do what I do and say "I'm fine" like a reflex, but talk about the bad days. The new treatments, though they take time to work and it takes time to sort out whats right for you, make a huge difference to outcomes, and most people can get on with a good life when treatment is effective.
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