Hypochondriac

[MaryVerdi74]

I feel like a hypochondriac …i have had two major surgeries in the last two years , but had lots of joint pains etc for years ..( had fractured & dislocated shoulder , broken ribs ) Not long after the surgery last year , the bottom of my toes (left foot ) started to feel strange then the right toes the same , now my right thumb & some fingers & left thumb ..I can’t sleep for the pain in the hand & have booked a private appointment with an orthopaedic surgeon out of desperation as my physiotherapist said it could be carpal tunnel syndrome ? I have pain in my ankles ,hips , in fact , everywhere .My hands seem to puff up and feel tight and socks etc make my feet swell ..The doctor did a blood test for RA last year which came back normal .I asked if i could see a Rheumatologist , but he said the department wrote back and refused as my blood tests were ok ..,I Think because i am 74 years , it is considered to be ‘ my age ‘ but i have been like this for years and would just like to have some pain free days ….

[ruth_p]

You are defined as not a hypochondriac, your pain is real and they should be listening to you. Hopefully the private appointment will be useful and you will get some answers.

[vonniesims in reply to ruth_p]

As I understand if you can have RA and your bloods are normal if you are sero negative. Diagnosis is made on examination, maybe the orthapaedic surgeon could give his views. Good Luck

[MaryVerdi74 in reply to vonniesims]

Thank you xx

[MaryVerdi74 in reply to ruth_p]

Thank you xx

[Downtime]

You’re definitely not a hypochondriac… the pain is real and you need a diagnosis. The blood test results are irrelevant as more than 20% of RA sufferers are seronegative which means it doesn’t show in the blood. Your doctor should know this and refer you to a rheumatologist as soon as possible. Hopefully you’re private appointment will be fruitful and give you some answers. I was in a similar position 6 years ago and eventually had a private appointment with a rheumatologist who diagnosed RA within minutes.

[MaryVerdi74 in reply to Downtime]

Thank you xx

[sylvi]

You could still have RA as there is a condition called sero-positive and RA doesn't show in the bloods so i would contact another gp and see what they can do for you. xxx

[MaryVerdi74 in reply to sylvi]

Thank you xx

[Hidden]

Morning. Being in constant pain is not a fantasy, so by definition, you are not a hypochondriac. I hope your next appointment is more fruitful. Unfortunately women have a history of being ignored/ disbelieved, especially in regards to health. Sharpen your elbows and raise your voice x Good Luck x

[MaryVerdi74 in reply to Hidden]

😊thank you xx

[Hidden]

Hi MaryVerdi74

I think it is shocking that they're not listening to you and focusing on your joints and pain. This seems to be a common problem being dismissed due to age. A relative of mine is going through a similar experience. You are definitely not a hypochondriac.

It doesn't matter what age we are. Everyone deserves treatment to go about their day without extreme pain and have help in order to manage the pain.

Good luck with your private appointment and hope you eventually get some respite. 💐

[MaryVerdi74 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you xxx

[Sheila_G]

You are certainly not a hypochondriac. Glad you are having a private appointment. They will spend more time with you and sort out what you really need. You can then have further treatment on nhs if you choose too.

[MaryVerdi74 in reply to Sheila_G]

Thank you sheila x