Waiting to get blood tests

[shally12]

Hi I am new here, this is my first post. Just wanting some advice on the symptoms I have and whether they are related to RA. Been suffering sometime now with severe lower back ache, my thighs are numb most of the time, my both legs feel like lead,and my calves feel like an elastic band around them, (only way I can explain it! lol!!) my knees are swelled, also feet and ankles, my hands are really sore and swollen, mainly my both middle fingers, overall I feel like crap, difficulty walking, sleeping, getting up and down stairs etc.... spoken to doctor and have booked an appointment for blood test this coming Tuesday, that is for Reactive Protein (whatever that means) and also Rheumatoid factor. Like I said above I am just looking for a little advice about it all and if it is RA, what to expect in the future regarding medication etc.

Thanks for reading

sharon x

[bubblyalex]

Please call 111 about the elastic band feeing straight away... a classic DVT symptom in that location as told by the hosp when I asked about it. I have one and you really need to get seen and have that checked for urgently.

[Hidden]

I agree with bubblyalex. This is a worrying symptom. If you do go to hospital they will give you a blood test and speed things up a bit.

I can understand you wanting to know about RA treatment etc but get the results first then we can advise and share our collective knowledge.

Please call 111. Let us know how you get on x

[oldtimer]

Once you have had your legs checked out, go to the NRAS website and look at the pages on diagnosis. It explains about CRP (C reactive protein) which if raised gives, usually, an indication of inflammation, but not in everyone. Rheumatoid factor is positive is an indicator, but many people with Rheumatoid Disease are 'sero-negative' that is the test was negative. Good luck with getting sorted out!

[helixhelix]

Are your calves hot, tight and slightly red? If so I agree with others than need to get this checked.

Anyway, as to your main points. Yes what you are experiencing could be RA or could be problems with the vertebrae in your lower back and neck.

If you have raised inflammation (CRP over 5) and raised rheumatoid factor (over 20), then RA become more likely. However you will need to ne referred to a specialist as a GP can diagnose this.

The future these days for people diagnosed is very positive as there are now wonderful treatments. So please don’t scare yourself readimg out of date rubbish on the internet. One step at a time.

[springcross]

I agree with bubblyalex too. This needs investigation - call 111 - good luck. x

[madme1]

Hi Shally12 I can definitely relate to those symptoms and RA. Glad you are going for tests. Reactive Protein is a marker for RA that they look for in your bloods. They also may run a liver and bone profile in this test, lipid profile and thyroxine level. Sometimes an underactive or overactive thyroid is how RA starts, but you might be different. If it confirms RA you may be referred to a rheumatology specialist nurse or consultant. From there a course of treatment may include, weekly doses of Methotrexate, and/or other drugs or injections. Hope this helps, and remember you are not alone.