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 😊