Update

[BakerTom]

Thanks for all the replies to my first post. They were all really helpful. Sorry I haven't reply to any yet, but I had an emotional few days.I've just been back to the doctors, (different, more senior gp this time) for some pain management advice. I told him all areas that hurt and he said "Ooh, rheumatology will be very excited to see you" Erm, Good? 🤣 . Gave me Naproxen and Codeine.

He took bloods today, which is earlier than was planned. Should have results by Monday, got xray appointment through for Thursday. So hopefully I'll see rheumatology not long after that

[Gnarli]

No need to apologise. We understand 'cos we've all been there and it's an emotional time especially in your particularly rubbish circumstances. I hope the new painkillers work their magic very soon and allow you some sleep.

[Madmusiclover]

Don’t apologise! Keep us informed.

[springcross]

Thinking of you and all that you're both going through. x

[madme1]

Keep fighting Tom, I can certainly relate to some of what you are feeling. After having to wait about 3 months to see my first rheumy specialist, who then told me he was sending me to physio! He'd seen me for all of 2 minutes and never did the 27 joint check they are supposed to carry out. In the end I went back to my gp, and said do you know what doctor I feel so ill I would admit myself to hospital today. He said OK go home and wait for the ambulance. Thank god I made that decision Tom, that same consultant came running into the room where I was, in full blown panic knowing that he'd made a mistake. He then accused me of lying about the pain I had when I first saw him? So keep fighting and don't take everything they tell you at face value. Never be frightened to question what they say. After 9 or ten years of this I've learnt to stand up for myself.

[BakerTom in reply to madme1]

I've just seen my blood results and they are all normal. ESR 2, and Serum c is less than 1.

[Boxerlady]

Did they test anti-CCP? That was the one which got me referred, the earlier tests I had were normal.

[BakerTom in reply to Boxerlady]

<0.5

[Mmrr in reply to BakerTom]

You could be seronegative.Apart from some white blood cell anomalies, my bloods are always normal.

Did your GP mention seronegative blood results to you?

[BakerTom in reply to Mmrr]

No, didn't mention that. He has referred me to rheumatology on the basis of my symptoms though

[BakerTom in reply to Boxerlady]

It could just be lots of musculoskeletal problems that have built up over the years, with a little bit of RA in my hands(I have some nodules on my knuckles)

[Bethany02]

Some people are very sensitive to codeine especially 30/500 it knocked me for six also it's very constipating so be aware. Naproxen are great for arthritis type pain but eat something before you take them can make you nauseated hopefully you will be seen soon