Prednisolone

[Nomoney2018]

Hi

Went back to GP as still having joint pain. My rheumatologist thought it was OA but when I went for ultrasound nothing was found. My GP has now put me on prednisolone 6 a day for 3 days to see if this helps. I'm still awaiting a diagnosis. My inflammatory markers were normal last time apart from the rheumatoid factor which was quite high. Dr took more blood today. Has anyone else gone through this? How long did it take for your diagnosis?

Thanks

[Simba1992]

The RF is raised if you have CVD, normally. There are other reasons for joint pain than RA and OA. Have you had your thyroid checked as an example?

[Nomoney2018 in reply to Simba1992]

Thanks for your reply. No I don't think they tested my thyroid. I currently have CHD and heart failure. The pain in joints started in July.

My dad had severe RA.

[Simba1992 in reply to Nomoney2018]

Yes the high RF is most probably connected with your heart condition. Did you have your CCP taken as well. This is a better predictor of RA. It may be of help to check thyroid function as well as estrogene/ progesterone balance. I hope you get answers soon. Good luck. Simba

[Nomoney2018 in reply to Simba1992]

Thank you.

[oldtimer]

It is often a long journey getting a diagnosis unless you have a classical presentation, I'm afraid. The blood tests are only a guide to what you might have and for most, the diagnosis becomes only apparent with time.