Hi Everyone - just got diagnosed a couple of weeks ago and am waiting for referral. In the meantime I am in absolute agony. Diagnosis is a result of a sudden flare up (never had one before) in my hands, feet, back which scared the hell out of me as was getting pins and needles in my hands. Still have symptoms but now I have got the most horrendous pain in my right side under my arm (not right under my arm but a bit down) which feels the same as when I cracked a rib. Its only on one side any advice please as I also work with children so need to be active and pain free. GP gave me amitryptiline which made me into a zombie so I stopped after 2nd day and because I also have ulcerative colitis (another autoimmune condition!!!) cannot take anti-inflamatories so waiting for my GP to do a script for Celecoxib as advised by the gastro team. Please any advice on what meds are best for the pain and if this pain on my right side is RA, who I rest or exercise. I am used to dealing with oesteo arthiritis (also in hands and feet) which improves with exercise. I cannot live with all this pain. Thanks for reading my story and giving advice. Sharon
NEW DIAGNOSIS - NEED ADVICE PLEASE: Hi Everyone - just... - NRAS
NEW DIAGNOSIS - NEED ADVICE PLEASE
I guess you mean the GP reckoned it was RA and has referred you to a rheumatologist? Generally GPs can't categorically diagnose it, needs a specialist to do one definitively. Sounds like splitting hairs but there are a range of different inflammatory arthritis , and if you have back pain could be one other than RA.
Anyway, harass the GP to do your script! Celebcoxib is an anti-inflammatory, so should make a difference. It's a new generation Cox-2 anti inflammatory so presumably ok for your stomach. In the meantime you are stuck with ice packs and heat pillows, things like green mussel gel to smooth inflammed joints, resting splints. Some people have had good results with CBD oil. And generally if everything is inflammed do try to rest. Gentle exercise is good, but don't force your joints.
(Your ribs could also be inflammation - costochondritis.
Hi thanks for advice really appreciate it. Yes waiting for my appointment with Rheumatologist to get things sorted. GP has said RA from blood test results, my bone marrow test was good by my inflammatory levels are high, GP also just told me "don't know if you are aware but your inflammatory levels have also been raised"!!! Which explains why I have been in so much pain, would've thought GP would try and find out why they have always be raised. Was going to ask about CBD as a friend of mine uses it for something else and has said its a life changer. Holland and Barratt have some for sale is that any good or does it need to be prescribed. The rib pain is only on one side and just under my armpit so not on any joints and comes and goes so not too sure what is happening there. The pins and needles in my hands is doing my head in as its so uncomfortable/painful and stops me using my hands a lot. Looks like a brilliant site for advice so will definitely be making use of it. Thanks again Sharon
CBD oil fro Holland and Barett isn't great. Try CBD Brothers or Bud Utopia. They are both incredibly helpful too. It is a bit trial and error as different strains work in different ways.
Do either of them ship to the UK?
Yes, both of them do
How has it helped you?
Hi I used to have my hair fall out in bunches but since the rhuemy doc put me on folic acid six days a week my hair has stopped falling out. I take 5 mg daily for six days the seventh day I take my methotrexate injection hope this helps
Need advise 
Advice after preliminary diagnosis of probable RA
Advice please 
New, worried and feel lost
Please need help 
