Angry

[Juep]

So I have been suffering with Ra syptoms in both knees for about four month I have is in spine disc buldges and early onset a in hips this was all diagnosed on a MRI didn't show on X rays on meds for these. So my or Dr sent me to see an emergency Dr told him about four family history mum gran auntie and daughter ( she's on entanacept since 15 ) told him I had X ray came bk clear h said I have strong family history and have Ra in knees and all symptoms. He putbmebon celevoxib been on since last wed do help a bit went bk to normal Dr today told her what e Dr said she kept saying. I don't have Ra in spine. ! What's that get to do with it any way I said I know I haven't I've got is only seen on MRI she now wants blood tests even tho of symptoms family history in lot of pain she is waiting for results then she will contact Ra helpline surely I should have been referred to Ra

[nomoreheels]

Hiya Juep, welcome. Well, from your family history, symptoms & imaging I can understand why you're upset at not yet being referred to Rheumatology but I'm afraid it's because or rules & recommendations. Your GP has to follow guidelines set out by NICE (I presume as you've not said otherwise you're in the UK), one of these is by blood tests, he will need to take a Rheumatoid Factor test, possibly an inflammatory panel (ESR/CRP) which will give a picture of chronic (long term) inflammation & acute (current) inflammation & again possibly anti-CCP (an antibody usually found in those with RD). For further info re referral recommendations this link explains nice.org.uk/guidance/cg79/c...

It's a good sign that your symptoms have eased since taking celecoxib, this would indicate that you do have inflammation & it's responding to the NSAID. What may not be as clear if this is due to RD (Rheumatoid Disease) or OA (Osteoarthritis) given we all tend to get symptoms of wear & tear as we age & one of the most common joints it affects are the knees, but also the lumbar region & hips. This isn't to say it is OA but that it's another consideration. Many of us with RD also have OA once we get to our mid 40's onwards, I was diagnosed with both RD & OA when I had just turned 48 for example, in my knees, lumbar region, cervical regions & hips. I also had family history.

So, as RD determines, a little patience is what you'll need now whilst you have the blood tests your GP has mentioned & whilst you wait for the results. From then your go will have a clearer picture of whether or when to refer you to Rheumatology for a diagnosis. In the meantime maybe you could ask her to prescribe appropriate pain relief as you still have pain despite the NSAID helping the inflammation. Unfortunately little in Rheumatology is fast acting, that includes meds as you're probably aware from your daughter being diagnosed, I'm sorry about that, to be diagnosed in her teens must have been a concern.

I hope some of this helps. If you're not in the UK maybe you could refer to your Health Services guidelines for referral to Rheumatology.