New member

[Mackymay]

Hello

Just thought that I would introduce myself as I am new here. I have been having pain in my hands, wrists, jaw and feet which has been getting worse recently. I was referred to rheumatologist in January who ordered blood tests and X-rays. Just had blood test results back this week which shows elevated antibodies for rheumatoid arthritis however normal inflammation markers. Is this enough to receive an RA diagnosis? I just don't understand why I feel so sore all the time and really would like to start treatment in order to alleviate my symptoms. I am now waiting on an appointment with the consultant rheumatologist. I have joined here because I would like to have more information regarding treatments etc.

Thanks

Mackymay

[Gnarli]

Hello, Mackymay and welcome. The NRAS website has huge amounts of reliable information, a helpline open in office hours and volunteers willing and able to talk through worries and concerns. This forum is peopled with informed and helpful folk happy to share their experiences. I have learned so much being here. If nothing else it's a relief to find I wasn't alone

[Hidden]

RA is complicated . I have good bloods that show little or no inflammation but I have active RA. I’m seron negative. Best wait until you see your Rheumatologist get a confirmed and proper diagnosis. For now rest rest and rest sore joints ice or heat packs or both if they work. Keep on top of you painkillers and ibuprofen. I hope you don’t have to wait too long but if pain is bad see your Gp for some stronger pain relief. Hope you haven’t got it but you know where we are if you need us.

[sylvi]

Welcome from me, i have sore joints, but not usually swelling and they never show up in my bloods. There is plenty of good advice here, go through the posts and there are a lot of them, but you will find lots of info in them.xx

[Bopeep12]

Welcome....I think. Sorry you have RA but this forum and the people on it are wonderful, incredibly supportive and understand. Good luck.

[Lolabridge]

Hello and welcome. Sorry you are suffering but I hope you will soon get a diagnosis and be started on a treatment. Meanwhile take it easy, pace yourself and try to get plenty of rest.

[Grayling]

Hi, and welcome, the journey you are about to take can be a long one, or short depends on the tabs they give you. As a rule they start you on a mixture of tabs, and try you on them for several months, (I hope they work for you from the start) if not they will change the meds, and so it goes on, I'm eight years down the track and still trying to find the right combination. At the moment I'm on Humira and MTX injections and plenty of pain killers. If you get this far don't drink alcohol with MTX it can shaft your liver. Good luck and stay in touch

[EmmaS-NRAS NRAS]

Welcome to the forum Mackymay. Whilst it is really only a consultant who can diagnose RA so hopefully you won't have to wait too long for your appointment. As Gnarli mentioned, if you wanted to talk through any concerns you have the Helpline team are available Monday to Friday 9.30-4.30 on 0800 298 7650 or emailing [e-mail] I would recommend having a look at our diagnosis section of our website nras.org.uk/diagnosis as this will give you some insight as to what to expect at your consultation and how best to prepare and some questions you might want to think about beforehand.

Do let us know how your appointment goes and, in the meantime, I know you'll find lots of supportive voices on here and message from others who understand what you're going through.

Best regards,

EmmaS-NRAS

[Mackymay]

Thanks for all the replies, they are helpful 😀