GP Diagnosis

[EnglishRose63]

Hi guys I saw my gp yesterday and he says my rheumatology letter states they're leaning more towards inflammatory arthritis and not rheumatoid. Which is good news, (although I did think they were the same thing)

My ultrasound is on Monday. Its been a long waiting game and I'm still off work. Not really sure what to expect at the scan.

Can I ask the person doing the scan if he/she can see any inflammation or will I have to wait even longer for the results?

After the scan should I ask my gp for a steroid shot to ease the pain and swelling until my rheumy team get the results so I can at least be out of this horrendous pain and go back to work?

Gentle hugs ❤️

[helixhelix]

Odd. Inflammatory arthritis is the generic name for a bunch of diseases including rheumatoid arthritis....maybe the just don’t think its developed enough yet to determine which one,

Which bit are you having scanned? As sometimes you can ask to have the screen angled so you can see it, and get them to explain as they go.

[EnglishRose63 in reply to helixhelix]

Hi helix helix, I'm just having both hands scanned as that's where most of the swelling, stiffness and pain are. I can't clench my fist at all.

[Hidden in reply to EnglishRose63]

I hand my hands scanned and the radiographer immediately said do you have RA . It is very noticeable and generally they will say if you ask. Good luck

[EnglishRose63 in reply to Hidden]

ThanksJ1707

[Kerensa21]

Weird? Can remember my rheumatologist saying some kind of inflammatory arthritis & that RA was the most common kind before blood tests came back. Can you ask GP for copy of letter & ask to be copied in on letters in future from rheumatology.

[EnglishRose63 in reply to Kerensa21]

Hi Kerensa21

My bloods weren't too bad apparently, no rf.

I'll ask to be copied in on letters in future, thanks.

[Kerensa21 in reply to EnglishRose63]

You can ask GP for copy of that one too; it’s your right under Gdpr rules; my GPs were really good about it; being informed stops you worrying. The other blood test is anti-ccp so letter might give you more info. Good luck.

[Carol41]

How confusing for you, of course you can ask whoever is testing/treating you.

I've always known that RA is inflammatory, I am curious as to whether there any other type. Look after yourself and don't be afraid to ask questions. Wishing you well Carol x