I was just hoping to get a bit of advice. I'm 20 years old and currently in the process of trying to get a diagnosis for RA and have so far had two hospital appointments an initial consultation and some scans. My scans didn't show any signs of inflammation however my blood tests and family history strongly indicate RA. I just phoned the hospital to confirm my appointment for next week however they said that my follow up appointment will now be over the phone. As I'm sure you are all aware of how difficult and stressful it can be trying to get a diagnosis I'm getting quite distressed as I'm very confused with how things will proceed given the current pandemic. I'm worried that I won't get a diagnosis especially if they aren't able to further assess my inflammation and run more scans in person and I don't want to be back at square one again. When getting your diagnosis what tends to be the process, I'm just getting really worried that they won't give me a diagnosis over the phone or I'll just be back at square one again - it would be great to get some reassurance.
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Geb777
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Like you, my daughter had her consultation a few weeks ago with the rheumatologist, bloods taken, joints inspected, etc. Her follow up appointment ( with results) was changed to a telephone consult. It was very productive, diagnosis of Sjögren’s given and prescription for Hydroxychloroquine in the post! Next appointment 4 months time... hopefully face to face. We couldn’t ask for more than that. Be thankful that you actually had your bloods and scans already...be optimistic that, likewise, you will be given a diagnosis. If they can’t, at this stage, then do ask what you can do to alleviate some of your symptoms. I appreciate it is very frustrating waiting to be diagnosed but we are all also getting by in very unsettling times. Best of luck.
Wow that's great to hear and very reassuring I'm glad your daughter got a diagnosis and prescribed medication. I'm definitely trying to stay positive - I feel more reassured now and hoping I can have a similar positive phone consultation!
it can take a while to be honest. my RA also had a family history and i was under alot of stress. It was diagnosed once i had the serology tests done so this is the rheumatoid factor. if you have joint stiffness in the morning this is a definite sign. Rheum in latin means to move so if its flaring up randomly this is a good indication. what i can say is and can only speak for myself this disease is managable - for the last 14 years i havent let it affect my life. being tired can be a big part of this and loosing weight. I was started initially on methotrexate but i was really nauseous. baraticinib was the next drug i tried and i have to say i have felt relatively 'normal' but stress exacerbates it still xx
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