Hi new to forum

[welsh12]

I have been recently diagnosed put on Hydroxychloroquine and Methotrexate RA diagnosed after Covid and stomach issues had IBS for years but stomach issue felt different it's settled back down.I have acid reflux so concerned how my acid and ibs are going to do rheumatologist just seems interested in the arthritis. Had a stressful year definitely think all linked. People don't seem to understand RA often say that they have arthritis. Fortunately seen quickly by rheumatology GP doesn't want to issue prescription though wait at hospital is normally over an hour but there is cafe. Sure I will be checking in often on this journey and may be able to offer some advice and support to others at some point.

[AgedCrone]

If your GP doesn’t want to enter into a shared care agreement with your Rheumatologist, you can actually appeal . I had a GP who wouldn’t enter in to an agreement, and my Rheumatologist had a “quiet word”….. and the GP admitted he didn’t know what the drug was so therefore he wouldn’t sign off on it, but once he had an explanation….& was told what it was he agreed to the shared care.

[welsh12 in reply to AgedCrone]

Thanks yes I think hospital will have a word.

[KittyJ]

welcome to the group welsh, I hope you find it useful. Ask any questions you have and we will try to help you although we can’t answer medical questions 😊. The early part after diagnosis can be tough but we are here to support you, there’s a wealth of knowledge here 😊

[Sapphire1701]

welcome to the forum Welsh.. I too was diagnosed last year with RA following covid.. completely agree re stress related too. And yes the frustration of people just assuming arthritis.. RA is so much more than that.. people really don’t understand.

I hope you get the support and medical attention you need, use this forum too.. has helped me through some really difficult times. We’re here for you.

Sending best wishes

[madme1]

Welcome to the group! I was told for years that I had IBS, then told I had Chrohns then after two years and umpteen cameras, the diagnosis changed to Ulcerative Colitis. The Colitis came after diagnosis of RA. Which I've had since 2013. I also have a sliding hiatus hernia, but was told the hole was not big enough to operate on, so I can get acid reflux. But I'm still breathing, and still fighting!

[welsh12 in reply to madme1]

Thanks similar had hiatus hernia after son was born told too small yes trying to remain positive there are many people struggling with lots of health issues and I feel for younger people too.

[Haz58]

Hi Welsh. I have gastric reflux and I used to be on 10mg omeprazole. With the RA drugs I am now on 2 X 20mg a day. If your acid get worse as it can do with RA meds see your gp or ask at your next RA appointment. All the best.

[helixhelix in reply to Haz58]

Same for me. Stimach protection also good for NSAIDs too.

[welsh12 in reply to Haz58]

Thanks will do

[Hidden]

I have had RA for over 40 years. When my gums and or bowel are inflamed my RA is worse. An endoscope showed mild gastritis in 2014 and SIBO was also assumed, which still frequently flares. I get all kinds of bowel problems involving the stomach and the small and large intestine. At the moment I have reflux . I am presently taking gaviscon double action and have tried adding a tiny pinch of bicarb to my drinking water to make my bowel more alkaline . Many of us here have RA and bowel issues which researchers out there need to seriously explore . This is where a cure might lie. Shame many in the medical field don't appear to look at the whole person. Good luck.

[welsh12 in reply to Hidden]

Yes agree gum issues too my partner worked in the pharmaceutical industry its all about making money. I kinda knew I had RA when pain hit joints and stomach issues were different in fact went to gp about both at same time and he let me have time for two issues ha normally one .Trust your gut instinct as they say.

[Garnacha]

Hi Welsh, welcome to the group, they are so supportive & can offer good advice which has helped me no end since diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis in 2020.

I'm assuming you're Welsh as am I, I live in South Wales just outside of Barry & usually see the rheumatologist in Llandough, once at uhw x

[welsh12 in reply to Garnacha]

I am Welsh lived in Cardiff from Merthyr but now in London thanks yes group is very responsive

[Happy5]

Welcome aboard Welsh.

When is hospital for THR it was discovered I had blood in my vomit. They said due to paracetamol use, which I don't use as often as prescribed. Any way I was put on Omeprazole to protect my stomach.

You can ask your RA team or GP or both about summat similar.

[smilelines]

I find it so hard because I never know what symptom is from what so I am not even sure what doctor to see. My rheumatologist doesn’t deal with anything but medicine side effects and inflammatory arthritis. It is often hard to know if something is a side effect of the drug, disease or something unrelated. Hope you get things sorted out.

[welsh12 in reply to smilelines]

Thanks agree with you nurse at clinic glased over if mention issues not RA

[JanetJAM]

This is really interesting I have ibs and RA also a hiatus hernia wasn’t aware they were connected makes sense now. My optician also told me it can affect the eyes didn’t know that either. My rheumatologist is not interested in anything other than my joints.

[welsh12]

Yes asked the nurse for podiatry toe issues from RA was told to go back to GP ..