Not RA

[Sewnso]

So seen the rheumatologist today, all the aching disformed joints are osteoarthritis, dry mouth, throat, cough & 1 dry eye to drink water, get eye drops. The raised rheumatoid factor he wasn't worried about or the raised pv. So good news in a way as do not require dmards, but still in pain and nothing but painkillers/tens unit to try to control it.

[helixhelix]

Oh dear, you must be feeling rather deflated. Sometimes I think OsteoA is as bad as RA because there is so little treatment. I have both and these days it's the RA that gives me more grief.

Sometimes doctors get the diagnosis wrong, as RA can be a tricky b****. So continue to keep note of your symptoms and don't hesitate to go back to your doctors if you have badly swollen joints that are hot and red.

[Sewnso in reply to helixhelix]

Will do helixhelix, I have had what I could only describe as flare ups which is not normal for oa, since leaving work I have only had one so could be stress related.

[Gnarli in reply to Sewnso]

I've just been told the pain in my feet and ankles is osteo, not Rheumatoid. My lovely podiatrist had sent me for xrays as they were getting quite painful. She told me that osteo flares in a similar way to RD and has given me a leaflet on the subject. Homework! At my age! Tut!

[Hidden in reply to Gnarli]

I have OA, I have flares as well, mine last between 2-4 hrs. The way I describe it is: Feels like a huge wave crashing over the top of me & pushing my body down with gradual force. The feeling of flu symptoms. During last summer, in the middle of the heatwave, I had a flare, wrapped myself up in layers, hot water bottle, curled up on the sofa, shivering. Few hrs later, roasting!

[Sewnso in reply to Hidden]

Yes they feel like the start of flu, I describe mine like having been in a washing machine every part hurts. My joints are on the move again so getting prolonged weeks of pain ☹. Today strangely as it's cold I feel a bit better.

[Gnarli in reply to Hidden]

Yes that's a good description of a flare of osteo. My RA flares mean fluey feelings, getting red-hot, swollen joints, you know what it's like. Yesterday huddled up under a heated throw and feeling 90 with a warm dog sticking like furry velcro means the osteo is having a little moment and it stinks!

[daisychains58 in reply to Hidden]

Yes I’ve had Similar, waking up freezing and flu like symptoms. Next day it’s gone.