Might have some RA type condition....feeling a little scared/confused

[Nikkirip]

Im waiting on a referral to Rhematology. I woke up 5.5 weeks ago with a sore swollen wrist and eventually 1.5 weeks ago got it checked out with the dr. Two blood tests have cone back 'positive' but I don't know how positive.

Since then I'm not sure whether I'm imagining things. I keep getting funny pains in both sides of my chest that cone and go and can best be described as lung cramp, and my plantar fasciitis has come back in both feet ( i got it for the first time last year but it seemed to go after a while) and my right hand is peculiar. Incidentally my wrist is feeling loads better. I'm starting to get a bit scared. Could this just be me over thinking it?

[Hidden]

Hello. Sorry to hear you are having these symptoms. I think waiting for a diagnosis, not knowing quite what is going on, is a worrying time. Its hardly surprising that you might feel on the alert for 'something happening'. Saying 'don't worry' makes little difference, as its rather inevitable.. Be kind to yourself. Once you have seen the Rheumatologist and had the various blood tests etc you will then be able to start treatment (if required) and feel you are moving forward.

[Nikkirip in reply to Hidden]

Thank you

[iAce]

Hi Nikkirip, sorry to hear you’re having trouble and that you’ve come back ‘positive’ enough to be referred to Rhematology.

All I can say is I started just as you did with wrist pain the total hand cramp and from that day forward my body sort of fell apart in different ways in different day in different places and I hadn’t even had my bloods done.

When they eventually were done I came back positive and although it helps explain the sudden onslaught of symptoms it is still none the less scary and daunting and unfortunately it is only down to the individual how the feelings and pain are managed.

Sorry it’s not much help to you but in a nutshell, yes it could be RD or it could be stress related or it could be both just wait until your consultation and take it from there.

All the best x

[Nikkirip in reply to iAce]

Thank you. Hopefully it won't be too long a wait.

[Gnarli]

I'm sorry you're having such a rotten time. Can I suggest keeping a diary with photos of any swelling? It would help to see an over all pattern as we can sometimes get too immersed in the detail. Wishing you well

J

[Nikkirip in reply to Gnarli]

Thanks Gnarli ill do that. I ha e a picture of my wrist when it first started as I was quite impressed with the sudden size of it (that was before my GPs appointment) so I'll add it all together.

[helixhelix]

Yes, you could be overthinking this...but that's pretty natural in your position! Gnarli's idea of a diary is a good one. Note things down and then try to forget about them. If you get swollen joints then take photos of them as chances are they won't be swollen by the time of your appointment. As you could be in for a wait. You could be lucky to live somewhere with an early referral service, so just a few weeks, but it could be much longer.

Do you know which of the blood tests were positive? It's a good idea to ask your GPs surgery for a print out of your blood test results, as these can go astray before they get to the rheumatologist so good to have a set with you.

But to reassure you, I've had RA for nearly 8 years now and my life is 95% normal. The majority of people with it do fine - but forums like this tend to over represent the smaller minority who have a really tough version.

[Nikkirip in reply to helixhelix]

Thank you that is reassuring. I have an active lifestyle incorporating a 3.5 year old little girl and our ponies, hockey and walking so it worries me hugely that I can't carry on with that.

The positive tests were Serum C Reactive Protein Level and Antinuclear Antibody. Although I don't know the levels as the receptionist would not provide them. Getting a print out is a good idea.

[sjhewitt42]

Hi.. I’m not sure how much it would help but maybe you could go back to your GP and ask them to explain the positive and what you were tested for. I’m not sure how long you have to wait for your Rhumatology app but you will drive yourself mad thinking about the what ifs. Hope that you get some answers and if it does turn out to be RA there are many routes your Rhumatology department can go down to treat you. Best wishes, Sarah xx

[Nikkirip in reply to sjhewitt42]

Thank you. Might be worth doing that if nothing else to rationalise my worries.

[Hidden]

Many people have positive blood tests but never get RA, while others with negative results do get RA. But getting over worried about things won't help. I've had RA for over 30 years, and I can't say it's had a negative impact on my life. I worked through most of it, and used to get to work by bicycle. My 5 children and I would take long walks in the countryside where we often had picics. Happy days. We'll be thinking of you. XXX

[Nikkirip]

Thank you.

[alexask]

Have you tried changing your diet - try for a low inflammatory one? Is there any history of RA in your family? If your wrists are getting less stiff then that is a good sign.

I would suggest taking curcumin as an anti-inflammatory.

Try and get as much sleep as you can. Make sure your teeth are as clean as can be.

[alexask in reply to alexask]

Also the chest pains are most likely stress related. Rather than say not to worry I suggest you watch some of this:

youtube.com/watch?v=QOBowbB...(Not working as expected?)

[Nikkirip in reply to alexask]

Thank you. Yes my maternal grandmother had RA. My mum has osteo arthritis but she thinks that's linked to an awful riding accident she had.