Do I need to phone my consultant?

[joycen60]

I was diagnosed with sero positive rheumatoid arthritis 3 years ago and since then have been on sulphalazine without any more problems.

Recently however my ankles have become a bit stiff and my knees, as well so walking is becoming more difficult. They are not particularly painful. I think perhaps I am not doing enough exercise.

What I would like to know is will it be ok to just up the exercise and see what happens or will I be making things worse?

I am in the middle of cancer treatment so don't really want any more hospital appointments if I can help it.

Thank You

[allanah]

Personally I'd ask the oncology team if their treatment could aggravate the ra symptoms as you have been well on the sulpha. It might make the RA drugs less effective?

If not , im sure hot pads , and gently moving your ankles in circles will ease the pain and then I chat to your rheumy about the pain nd the treatments you are on.

I hope your treatment goes well and you enjoy ringing that bell at the end x

[joycen60 in reply to allanah]

Thank You for your reply. I have an appointment with the oncologist next week so will ask him then.

[allanah in reply to joycen60]

Good luck xxxx

[helixhelix]

Good advice from Allanah. You could always ask for a physiotherapy session to give you a plan to increase exercise carefully. In the meantime as well as heat, just make sure you move around as much as you can. I find sitti g for more than 30 minutes is not good.

[AgedCrone]

Why don’t you to your rheumy nurse .....she will be able to advise you on exercise...but also ask your oncology team if anything you are being given by them might cause your symptoms.I too had cancer with RA,& I found whilst on Radiotherapy, & for a while after I was stiff & could sleep for England...but it all passed.