Not sure what to do...

[Lizzog]

I'm 58 yo with a strong history of RA on both sides of my family on the female side. I'm post meno and noticed a few weeks ago that my ring finger was swollen and a bit stiff - not in the morning but pretty much most of the day.

I went to my GP who sent me for bloods as she noted that my pip joint was swollen. I also had an X Ray- both have come back no further action, but she has said that given my history she can write a referral letter for a private consultation, but not an NHS one as my RA Factor was below 15 (it was 12).

I'm unsure whether to go and see someone. I am hypermobile and over the last few years have suffered with a number of tendinitis issues. I am now wondering if what has happened to my finger is actually tendon related and not RA.

Has anyone had any similar experiences?

[Deeb1764]

my first test I was a no but then a year later tested and needed to be seen. Might be worth having a chat with NRAS for a discussion on best plan moving forward.

[Lizzog in reply to Deeb1764]

That's a good idea. I'll get in touch with NRAS and see what they advise.

[medway-lady]

What harm will it do by going to see someone then if its RA it'll be on a waiting list if not then its forget about it. I'd go mad worrying about the what if so might be money well spent. xx

[Lizzog]

I spoke to my physio (currently treating an ongoing achilles issue). He thinks that my finger issue is tendon related and not RA but thinks it's in line with the other tendon issues I've been having.

[cyberbarn]

I am hypermobile too, but felt that the issues I was having was over and above just the hypermobility. I pushed for a rheumatology referral and eventually ended up with a diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis. It has been hard to get them to listen to me though as everyone assumes that 'joint pain' is inside the joints, whereas mine was outside the joints or between the joints. This makes more sense with psoriatic arthritis as many with that have enthesitis. In fact achilles issues are often a sign of PsA.

[Lizzog in reply to cyberbarn]

Thanks so much- I’ll take a look. I naively assumed you’d had psoriasis and I’ve never had that?

[Ascidian in reply to Lizzog]

Not everyone with psoriatic arthritis has psoriasis at time of diagnosis. Some get it later, some not at all. Many sufferers (such as myself) have very low RA factors and very low CRP levels. My CRP rarely goes above 2, even during a flare. Sadly, this does mean it can be difficult to get a diagnosis. This may not be what is causing your problems, but I certainly think it might be worth investigating. Good luck. X

[MandiS]

I come from family of RA sufferers I had stiffness in 1 finger and swelling on and off for many years then other parts of body would swell. GP referred me and I was told I had high EsR and CRP but as I had a cold it was normal for these to be elevated and it was transient arthritis but nothing needed to be done. 6 months later of feeling really unwell and in a lot of pain I could not move and went privately and was diagnosed with RA and started on meds. My GP called me and advised that looking at my medical history I may have had RA for 5 years plus but no one picked up on it as no one considered my medical history. Thank god for Bupa I would hate to think where I would be now if I had relied on the NHS.

[Lizzog]

That’s scary and is at the back of my mind which is why I’m considering private due to the restrictions on being referred via the NHS.

I’m just trying to find a consultant who understands my other issues- hyper mobility and also POTS so lots to consider 😕