Fever = Covid? = No Help

[dreamlady]

What a nightmare 3 days in still no idea what is wrong, no bloods, no help, no nothing, mixed messages etc. Since Wednesday afternoon when out of the blue I suddenly developed a temperature of 38.5. Went on the NHS111 online site went through a list of questions, told possibly covid and to contact doctor for other issues huhh. Spoke to doctor in the morning she wanted me to have my bloods done asap as she thinks that it is a major RA flare as currently on no meds. Doctors no help, rheumatology no help more interested in how my fatique levels are but want me to get my bloods done asap. Thursday afternoon I rang 119 have to say couldn't have spoken to a nicer person, managed to get an appointment in a new local testing site the same day. Was told that results would be back in 24 hours and they were, negative as expected as I haven't been anywhere. Bloods now booked for Monday results will be back in the afternoon. It will be 5 days since this all started before answers can be looked for, and maybe I can see someone because I feel not right but I don't feel ill.

I think the moral of this tale of disaster if you have a fever or any of the other main symptoms try and get a test asap as if your gps and anything like mine they won't do anything without a negative test result.

[Pippy25]

Firstly I'm glad to hear your result came back negative for Covid that must have been a relief for you to hear. It feels like things are all of a jumble at the moment and seems to be depend on a few things as to what kind of communication and service is being provided. Some have been fortunate and had a good level of service from their health care providers (and praise where praise is due here) and some have not and there has been a lot of concerns and frustration. Perhaps try giving your GP or Rheumy another call, make a list of what you want to say or ask and I hope that they will listen to your real concerns. I'm sorry you are not feeling great, I hope you get some answers soon and send you my best wishes, Take care x

[Mmrr]

Good news that you are negative for Covid 19. I hope things work out with your care now 🤞

[Lolabridge]

Sorry to hear you have been struggling to get proper care but it's good news your covid test was negative. But perhaps it's another virus causing your raised temperature - I'm sure there are others circulating.

But why are you not on any meds for your RA? I also had an allergic reaction to Sulfasalazine so can understand you were taken off that by why not put on something else? I hope your latest blood tests show what could be going on and, if you are having pain, swelling and tenderness do ask your GP for help because a course of steroids would help you until Rheumatology can get their act in gear.

[dreamlady in reply to Lolabridge]

Thank you Lolabridge rheumatology decided I would be fine just on methotrexate new locum is adament that my chronic fatigue is due to methotrexate so I have had to stop for 4 weeks after all the US I had in December showed nothing waiting for an appointment with the pain clinic. Basically going round and round in circles btw I am sero negative

[sylvi]

You can get tested even if you don't have a fever.xxx

[Summerrain14]

I’m really hoping that the blood tests on Monday will prompt some further support from your health care team. I am so pleased your covid test is negative but not good that you had to go through this just to get some blood tests for your RA. Do keep asking as you should not be left with no support and feeling so unwell. x

[Neonkittie17]

Glad you are alright and hope you are soon settled if you’ve had an RA flare. Do you have a rheumatologist? x

[Sheila_G]

I don't understand why you are not on medication if you have been diagnosed with RA. Is this through choice? x

[dreamlady in reply to Sheila_G]

No definitely not by choice, following instructions from consultant who believes that my extreme fatigue is caused by methotrexate so I have had to stop for 4 weeks, only just got through the 1st week three more to go.

[Sheila_G]

Oh I see. Unlikely to be a flare caused by being without mxt for a week. Apparently it stays in the system for 6 weeks. Your high temp suggests a virus to me. Have plenty of rest if you can and drink water. I hope you start to feel better soon. x