Help with Getting a Proper diagnosis and Possible Sug... - NRAS

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Help with Getting a Proper diagnosis and Possible Suggestions of Treatments I might use/get.

Gus73 profile image
56 Replies

I am 75 yrs old and for many years now have had Problems with Aches and Pains in some of my joints.Currently Every Morning when First Wake in Bed, I am in a Lot of Pain in my Body.

Once I Can Get Up and Begin to Move Around, Thank Heavens the Pain goes Away.

I've never had a Diagnosis as such,

.Has anybody got any Suggestions what this might be.

P.S If I happen to Wake in the Night I'm in the Same Situation.

Any Advice would be Gratefully Received and Appreciated,

Many Thanks Ann

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Gus73 profile image
Gus73
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56 Replies
vonniesims profile image
vonniesims

What does your GP say?

Gus73 profile image
Gus73 in reply to vonniesims

I spoke to my GP a couple of years ago, at the time I had High Blood pressure and all he was interested in was getting this under control, which has been successfully achieved.I suppose the thing I find somewhat misdefying is, Why does all this Pain Disappear after I have been up and about a while in the morning (which I am Truly Grateful for)

But it's back with me every night, and during the night, when I have to make visits to the bathroom.

It's all a Complete Mystery to me.

Do you have any suggestions????

PS I should mention perhaps that Both my Parents Suffered Severely with what was called Rheumatism in those days.

Many thanks for your input

Kind Regards Ann

AgedCrone profile image
AgedCrone in reply to Gus73

It sounds as if the pains you are experiencing are indeed rheumatoid arthritis you get pain with that after a night sleep, or long periods of sitting in one position but the pain can wear off after a while.

Have you actually had the blood test to see if you do have rheumatoid arthritis …are you taking any prescription drugs.?

I think your best bet is to make a list of your symptoms and how are you feeling in general and make an appointment to see your GP and ask for some blood tests to find out what is causing your pain.

vonniesims profile image
vonniesims in reply to AgedCrone

Are you on statins?

AgedCrone profile image
AgedCrone in reply to vonniesims

What has that got to do with Gus’ painful joints..?

Jackie1947 profile image
Jackie1947 in reply to AgedCrone

They can cause painful joints as I found out.

AgedCrone profile image
AgedCrone in reply to Jackie1947

Oh your Q came as a question to me!

Jackie1947 profile image
Jackie1947 in reply to AgedCrone

😀 statins and joint pain

AgedCrone profile image
AgedCrone in reply to Jackie1947

V s question came as a reply to me…but what drugs I take is nothing to do with this conversation.

Yes I believe the wrong statin can cause joint pains…but those pains are usually full time…not just when you get up in the morning .

Jackie1947 profile image
Jackie1947 in reply to AgedCrone

Wires crossed 😀

Gus73 profile image
Gus73 in reply to vonniesims

No I don't take statins

Taichigirl profile image
Taichigirl in reply to Gus73

If it helps I’m same in winter. Yes get medical opinion but also keep thinking that it may ease off as warmer weather kicks in. (Whenever!!) . Xxx

Gus73 profile image
Gus73 in reply to Taichigirl

Bless YouIf it's not rude of me to ask you if your on any medication for theses symptoms we are both experiencing

Many Thanks for your input

Taichigirl profile image
Taichigirl in reply to Gus73

Hi I am diagnosed with RA & have taken methotrexate for about 5 years. It took quite a while to get used to the meds & things seem to quieten down when I am eating healthier & in moderation. I am trying to keep inflammation down & things I eat & drink but also the winter weather ie cold, wind & damp affect me. I hope you can. find what helps for you as we are all different. Best wishes x

Gus73 profile image
Gus73 in reply to Taichigirl

Thank You for thatI will look into my diet So that might help me

Thank You for responding to me

I wish you well

Take Care

Best Wishes x

medway-lady profile image
medway-lady

I admit my RA is controlled and at 70 I wake up like this sometimes anyway. In my case it's probably age, in my head I'm 50 but the body ain't. I think you could ask the GP for a few blood tests as it could be anything or indeed nothing.

Gus73 profile image
Gus73 in reply to medway-lady

This Happens to me every night and during the night when I have to make visits to the bathroom.However after I have been up for a little while in the morning it disappears (which I'm Extremely Grateful for)

I find the whole thing a complete mystery.

I perhaps should mention that Both my Parents had Severe Rheumatism (which was what it was called in there days)

Thank You for your input

Kind Regards Ann

medway-lady profile image
medway-lady in reply to Gus73

Please ask GP for blood it might be thyroid? I used to get stiff with that too. I hope it’s not RA but if it is as already said there are meds which work well. X

Gus73 profile image
Gus73 in reply to medway-lady

Thank You I will have to speak with the GPI just find the whole thing a mystery as after I finally get up and get going in the morning,it disappears altogether (which I'm Extremely Grateful for)

I wondered if anyone else had experienced this????

I might also Mention that Both my Parents had Severe Rheumatism which was what it was called in there day.

Many Thanks for your input

Kind Regards Ann

AgedCrone profile image
AgedCrone in reply to medway-lady

You want to aim higher ML…I’m older than you & in my head I am only 35.

But I guess my body is 135? 😩😩😩😩

KittyJ profile image
KittyJ

another one to suggest speaking to your GP to get some tests/checks done as we can’t tell you what it may be, it could be something or it could be nothing. Do you have Osteoarthritis?

Gus73 profile image
Gus73 in reply to KittyJ

I have Been diagnosed with Osteoarthritis as suchI just find the whole thing a Complete Mystery, as after I've been up and about for a while n the morning the Pain Disappears!!!!!(which I am Extremely Grateful for)

Perhaps I should mention that Both of my Parents had Severe Rheumatism (which was what it was known as in those days.

Thank You for your input

Kind Regards Ann

KittyJ profile image
KittyJ in reply to Gus73

Is it just pain Ann or swelling and redness too ? You really should pester your GP for some answers especially as it’s been going on 2+ years. Let us know how you get on.

Gus73 profile image
Gus73 in reply to KittyJ

No swelling or redness as suchI do get swollen feet and ankles but this has always been put down to fluid retention

it is just Aches and a lot of Pain

Kind Regards Ann

JenniferW profile image
JenniferW

When you say 'I've never had a diagnosis as such' what does that mean?

Have you spoken to your GP about the symptoms ? Have they run any tests? If so what were the results?

If on the other hand you mean that e.g. rheumatoid arthritis is in the family and therefore relatives or you have assumed it's RA from the symptoms, then try taking anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen for a few days to see if they help. If they do then that suggests it's inflammation of some sort, and get along to the GP who will run initial tests. If your knowledge is based on family experience from a long time ago then the good news is that treatments are much more effective than in the past.

Gus73 profile image
Gus73 in reply to JenniferW

When I last spoke to a GP at my practice, he was not interested As at the time (some approx 2 years ago) I had quite High Blood Pressure and all he was interested in was getting this under control. Which is now all sorted.

As far as I'm aware No tests have been done by the GP with regard to any Arthritis as such.

What I find strange is that this Pain (Thank Heavens) Disappears, once I'm up and about in the morning.

Any Suggestions with Particular Reference to this????

Something for which I'm Extremely Thankful for.

I will try the Ibuprofen at Nighttime and see if this helps(As you have suggested)

Yes Both My Parents Suffered Dreadfully with what was Known as Rheumatism in those days.

Many Thanks for your input and kindness

Take Care Ann

KittyJ profile image
KittyJ in reply to Gus73

Please check you can take ibuprofen with any other meds you take first, don’t just take what someone on here says as we are not qualified to advise on that.

Gus73 profile image
Gus73 in reply to KittyJ

Thank You So much I will do that

Gymcactus profile image
Gymcactus in reply to Gus73

Hi just a word of caution I have controlled high blood pressure but was told by GP never to take Ibuprofen as it can interfere with BP meds.

Gus73 profile image
Gus73 in reply to Gymcactus

Thank you for that.I currently don't have high blood pressure at all.

I check it regularly.

Many thanks for your input

Kind Regards Ann

JenniferW profile image
JenniferW in reply to Gus73

It's normal with Rheumatoid arthritis to feel at your most stiff in the morning according to my rheumatologist. However the NHS pages say this can happen with Osteoarthritis too.

Have a look at the NHS pages on RA and see whether is seems to match up with your symptoms. An the osteoarthritis pages for comparison.

nhs.uk/conditions/rheumatoi...

nhs.uk/conditions/osteoarth...

If you write down any symptoms you have, including anything random e.g. dry eyes and then contact the doctor with the list they might listen a bit more this time. Best of luck.

Gus73 profile image
Gus73 in reply to JenniferW

Thank You I will look these Site's upStrangely enough I don't have any particular joint swelling, Other than swollen feet and ankles,which I put down to water retention at my age.

However last time I went to the Optician he said I had Extremely Dry Eyes.

I will take on board what you have said and see how I get on.

Thank You So Much for your input

Kind Regards Ann

JenniferW profile image
JenniferW in reply to Gus73

You're welcome.

strongmouse profile image
strongmouse in reply to Gus73

There are a range of arthirits type illnesses. It would be best to see your GP. Tell him about any other symtoms, including your dry eyes. They can arrange a blood test to check for inflammatory markers.

As we get older joints can degenerate and become stiffer (osteoarthritis). However, if you have rheumatoid arthirits this is an autoimmune, inflammatory disease.

Gus73 profile image
Gus73 in reply to strongmouse

Than you for your response I am going to endeavour to get a GP appointment. I will ask about this Blood Test which shows inflammatory markersThis has never been suggested to me

Thank you for your input

kind Regards Ann

Amnesiac3637 profile image
Amnesiac3637

Dear Ann. Loads of help and good suggestions already but you really need to take a list of questions and yourself to the GP and tell them what you’ve told us.

Everyone has their own experience and opinions about what you may have but none of us has access to your existing medical records and your state of health and it’s no good anyone, least of all you, trying to diagnose what’s ailing you without the requisite tests. As a retired Practice Nurse I would say we would much rather you came as soon as possible so you stand the best chance of swift treatment if you need it.

Best of luck with whatever it turns out to be - hopefully nothing serious- and do let us all know how you get on.

Gus73 profile image
Gus73 in reply to Amnesiac3637

Many Thanks for your helpful adviceKind Regards Ann

welsh12 profile image
welsh12

Hi you really should share your thoughts with your gp as others have said no one can tell you on the forum if you have RA. Best of luck.

Gus73 profile image
Gus73 in reply to welsh12

I will try again again and see how I get on.Kind Regards Ann

Seal49 profile image
Seal49 in reply to welsh12

Just a question. Is there any history of psoriasis in your family? I have what Rheumatologist is calling PMR as I have had psoriasis. They claim there is about a 30% change people with psoriasis get PMR. My symptoms were like yours . I now take prednisone and it's so much better. Good luck.

Gus73 profile image
Gus73 in reply to Seal49

It is Strange you should ask this.My Son has had extremely Bad Psoriasis and Subsequently Psoriatic Arthritis for many,many years.

He has been under the Rheumatologist for many years.

He has Many Disfigured joints, throughout his Body.

It makes me sad to see him suffer so much, as I feel at my time of Life It should be me, having to bare this.

Many Thanks for your input

Kind Regards Ann

welsh12 profile image
welsh12 in reply to Seal49

Not sure if you meant to ask me? I have no RA in family or Psoriasis. My mother lived till 91 no joint issues. I am 62 not long diagnosed Covid triggered my RA.

Runrig01 profile image
Runrig01

So what you describe is typical inflammatory pain. Pain and stiffness worse with rest and inactivity, and improve with movement. Mechanical pain is the opposite worse on movement and better at rest. The fact yours is worse with inactivity, warrants bloods doing to look at rheumatoid factor and inflammatory markers. Then they can refer you to a rheumatologist to see which inflammatory arthritis you may have. I have ankylosing spondylitis, which predominantly affects the spine and pelvis, but in my case virtually every joint in my body, with treatment symptoms improve

wilbertjellyfish profile image
wilbertjellyfish

I have to say I'm stiff in the morning and after rest but dispite all the meds I'm on, the pain doesn't go away during the day it's just a bit easier to work with. The jury is a out on a diagnosis after 6 1/2 years with me. I think it's normal to be a wee bit stiff with age in the mornings but RA and it's associated diseases is on a different level. I'm currently back to taking a couple of co codamol around 5am so I can get out of bed around 7. Sometimes I need my husband to help me get out of the bed or even sit up. I have my stick beside the bed to get to the bathroom.

I'm 46 but in my head I've aged a bit too. I think I'm around 30 now, not the 24 I was for about 20 years, my body thinks it's 90. 🤣

Haz58 profile image
Haz58

All I can say is I was told if stiffness and pain lasts for up to 30 minutes once you are up it's likely osteoarthritis. Any longer then possible RA. But yes I agree with everyone else. Write down your symptoms and times of day/night. Write down what you were doing before the pain started. Then ask for the tests for inflammation, thyroid, vitamins etc. I have osteoarthritis and RA and although on meds for RA my osteoarthritis still makes me very stiff and in pain during the night and the mornings and if I'm sat still for too long. Testing is the only way plus perhaps x-rays/ scans on your joints that hurt. All the best.

Gus73 profile image
Gus73 in reply to Haz58

Many Thanks for your input.I will get in touch with the GP again

Kind Regards Ann

katieoxo60 profile image
katieoxo60

Good morning Gus73, a tip check your blood pressure tablets some of them give muscle pain. Of course if you have high blood pressure it could be part of another illness causing the trips to the loo and pain till you are active. I wiggle my feet before getting out of bed that usually takes some of the pain/ ache down so I can go to the loo. If you want to PM me I will always reply as I prefer not to talk about medical things on the main page. I am not medical but have years of experience of varied illness as I have more than one health issue. Your parents illness would have been an opinion of the Drs at the time , I think you need to persist with your GP to get investigated and rule out all possible causes , after all you may just have a weak bladder or a serious illness. Don't panic just don't be fobbed off your synptoms are strange as you say. Good luck let us know how you get on please.

BonnieG123 profile image
BonnieG123

it sounds like just arthritis. Being stiff from no activity and fine after up and about. Be thankful. I can hardly get into bed, then hardly out of bed, then try to move with difficulty and have to sit after a bit of meal preparation or housekeeping to rest before I can get up again. You may want to check with a rheumatologist to make sure nothing else is lurking about. Have a blessed day! 🤗

Gus73 profile image
Gus73 in reply to BonnieG123

Thank You for your response.I am So Very Grateful for All the Blessings I Have, and am Very Very Much aware after reading All the Posts on here that things for me could be a lot,lot,lots, worse

I am Sorry that you and so Many others on here are in so much Pain, All of the time.

I Never intended to upset anybody,

Kind Regards Ann

BonnieG123 profile image
BonnieG123 in reply to Gus73

I hope no one was upset. Pain is different for everyone and you just wanted to know what was going on. ❤️

Gus73 profile image
Gus73 in reply to BonnieG123

Bless You Thank You that Is So Kind of you❤️

brads27 profile image
brads27

I'm the same, I take co-codomol before I go to bed. But still have pain in the morning.

Gus73 profile image
Gus73 in reply to brads27

Bless youI've tried Ibuprofen and paracetamol, but they don't help me either.

Thank You for your input

Kind Regards Ann

brads27 profile image
brads27 in reply to Gus73

What causes the most pain Ann, mine is arthritis in my knees. I have bought some elasticated knee supports which help and like you I am ok when moving about.I play crown green bowls which helps but fine it difficult to bend down like I used to so I have to adjust how I bowl. I was told a few years ago that I would be out on the list for knee replacements if I lost weight. I lost the weight and felt ok so didn't bother going on the list. My knees are worst now but my new GP told me if I can walk so far I'll not get any surgery.

Mall profile image
Mall

Dear Gus,

No one here can give you a diagnosis. Make an appointment to see your GP specifically in relation to joint pain. Don’t tag it on to an appointment about something else like high cholesterol. There are blood tests and physical examination and even X-ray the GP can request to aid his diagnosis. The symptoms you describe can be attributed to many forms of arthritis or other health issues. Go see the GP specifically about your joint pain then they can’t be dismissive of it, insist as it is having an impact on your general well-being and ability to function normally day to day.

Best wishes

M

Gus73 profile image
Gus73 in reply to Mall

That Sounds Like Good Advice. I will do that. Many Thanks for your inputKind Regards Ann

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