Arm/wrist

[Zipster369]

I've got an apt 8the june with a rheumatologist. I've got a positive ana, raised esr, high rheumatoid factor and positive ccp. I'm petrified this pain is something like cancer. My right wrist started hurting and then left 2 lumps. Now I don't know if it's the lumps that are hurting or my actual wrist. Then my left arm started feeling like I had pulled it and then for 3 days my hand has been really painful to open and close my fingers. Night sweats and generally lacking any energy or motivation. Co codamol or anything not even touching the pain. I'm scared how fast its progressing.

[Hidden]

We can’t diagnose but it is possible with the information you have given it is likely to be Rheumatoid Arthritis but a rheumatologist will confirm this. If you are still in pain ring your Gp they may give you stronger NSAIDS . Ice and heat packs may help . Volterol gel may help. Good luck let us know how you get on

[Sunnyseas]

Hi, I’m sorry you are suffering badly. RF and CCP does indicate RA given what I’ve read, but the rheumatologist will need to examine you as well, please don’t worry that it may be cancer. Contact your GP again, he may prescribe an NSAID that may improve things until your rheumatology appointment. Fatigue, fever can all be part of an RA flare.

I’m also awaiting diagnosis and hope that if I do have it I will find a treatment that reduces all the unpleasant symptoms.

I wish you well and hope that with the right support you will feel better soon, ss

[Lolabridge]

Hello Zipster.

I'm sorry to hear you are suffering, feeling anxious and stressed. Your symptoms are typical of RA and, if it is indeed RA, unfortunately stress makes it worse. It's good that you have an appointment soon with a rheumatologist and can get a suitable treatment started. Try your best to relax a bit in whatever way works for you.

If you have not done so already, do take a look at the NRAS website and especially the section on diagnosis at nras.org.uk/diagnosis

There is so much really helpful information on there, including about pain management at nras.org.uk/managing-the-pa...

Do come back here for support and let us know how you get on.

[allanah]

Well we cant diagnose you but your symptoms sound like mine when I first got RA. The doctors will really help. Go with a list of questions as the appointments pass very quickly.

[oldtimer]

What a good description of Rheumatoid Disease you have just given!

It certainly sounds much more like that than cancer.

Have a look on the pages on the NRAS website about diagnosis and the early stages of the disease which will give you some idea what to expect next. It often takes a bit of time to start on the correct treatment too.

[AgedCrone]

I think quite a few of us told you about three weeks ago to stop worrying about cancer....believe me...I have had cancer & your symptoms still sound like Rheumatoid Arthritis.....your GP would not refer you to a very overworked Rheumatology Department if there was the slightest indication of cancer in your test results.

Please try to put cancer out of your head......you are seeing a Rheumatology Consultant in a few days......just try to enjoy our lovely weather & look forward to getting medication to treat what is diagnosed.

In the meantime, if you can see your GP...maybe you could get something to help with your anxiety.

[nomoreheels]

Your symptoms sounds very much like RD, as others have said, not cancer so please stop worrying about that, if it was cancer you'd have been referred to an Oncologist not a Rheumatologist. We've all been where you are now, it is painful & can be concerning, it's the not knowing what you're facing, but we all came through it & mostly we do well. It's not long now until you'll see a Rheumatologist so try not to stress, that doesn't help & could aggravate your symptoms. It would be a good idea not to be taking anything a couple of days prior to your appointment, that way you'll present with accurate symptoms & that makes a difference in the Rheumy's prognosis & treatment plan for you. Meanwhile possibly try an Epsom Salt bath, foot bath or hand bath plus plenty of rest, that's not to say do nothing, you do need to move your joints in order to ease stiffness.

I've noticed that you never reply to the people who have tried to help by responding to your posts. Is there any particular reason, has nothing been helpful?

[Zipster369]

Yes I am grateful for the responses. I will try and not worry until I see the rheumatologist. Thanks for all the replies.