Getting Actual Rheumatology Diagnosis

[Gus73]

I am 76 years old and Experience Pain And Stiffness In Different Parts of Body/Joints Which seems to Come and Go(Thank God)And Move Around My Body

It is Currently Always Presents I'm My Left Shoulder and Left Arm

It has recently been in my Back But Thank God That Has Subsided for Now

I Also have Diverticulitis, Hiatus Hernia,and IBS

So Lots Of Problems with My Stomach and Constant Diarrhoea

Because My Bloods Don't Show Any Inflammation My GP isn't Interested in My Various Joint Pain

Both My Parents Had What Was Known as Rheumatism (In those Days)

My Sister Had Rheumatic Fever(3 Times)

My Son Has Had Very Bad Psoriatic Arthritis for Over 20 years

Any Advice on What Other Suffers Have Experienced in Getting An Actual Diagnosis

Greatly Appreciated

Sorry For the Long Winded Post

PPS

I Am VERY Grateful for the Mobility I Have As I

Realise It Could Be So MUCH WORSE

[Sore_but_smiling]

Hello,I am sorry you are going through so much.

I don't have rheumatoid arthritis myself but I do have psoriatic arthritis.

Have you mentioned to your GP about your family history? Especially your son? As there is a genetic link with PSA and you can sometimes develop the arthritis without the skin condition. Also PSA rarely shows in bloods. Mine didn't and the GP used that as a reason not to refer me to rheumatology.

After 4 years of fighting with my GP surgery I had to pay privately in the the end and was diagnosed within 30 minutes. It was money well spent but I shouldn't have had too.

[Gus73 in reply to Sore_but_smiling]

Good Morning Thank You So Much for your Reply

Yes My GP Surgery is Refusing me for Exactly the Same Reason

Can I Be So Bold/Rude to Ask

How the Rheumatologist Actually Gave You Your Diagnosis And Furthermore were You Then Given Any Treatment

PPS

Unfortunately Since Me Writing My Post

The Pain Is Back in My Back This Morning!!!!!!!

Thank You Once Again

Best Wishes

[Sore_but_smiling in reply to Gus73]

The rheumatologist I saw privately looked at my previous GP notes, he also took into account a mri I had a year previously (under my GP) and I had a lot of bone marrow odemea, tenosynovitis ect in my feet.

He also physically examined me, I have the skin condition of psoriasis too, so that was easy to spot 😆, I had severe nail psoriasis also and Dactylitis plus alot of swelling. By the time I went private it had already spread to both my hands which I wasn't aware of but he noticed it instantly.

He referred me back to the nhs as urgent and under his care and 3 weeks later I saw him in my local hospital and was put on a treatment plan.

[Gus73 in reply to Sore_but_smiling]

Thank You So Much For your Very Kind Response And All the Information I Guess that might be a Route I need to Explore

As My GP Practice Are just Ignoring this Condition

Best Wishes

[medway-lady]

It can be hard as we get older some aches and pains are part of ageing. I know at 71 then I'm not as flexable as I was at 61 despite my RA being in medical remission. It is the case you can be zero negative and have RA and sero positive and not have it. So have you had any blood tests to test if your aches and pains are down to thyroid issues, anaemia, etc. It might be worth asking about other conditions which can cause problems and if you get negative results then look to getting your GP to refer you to a Rheumatologist. It's so easy to think all ills are down to RA but sometimes it can be just coincidence. I'd urge you to read up on the NRAS website and also NHS pages to see the diagnosis pathway and treatments. I'd not go private until my GP had checked on all the other things which it could be before paying out and don't forget that some medications are not available privately and can only be accessed and monitored by the NHS. Private is great for diagnosis ( I did that as had insurance from employment) and it might get a queue pass for treatment but in reality the NHS is generally good or at least it is here in seeing patients and accessing treatments. Although I must add sometimes it takes a fair amount of time and a good measure of patience is needed, x

[Gus73 in reply to medway-lady]

Thank you So much for your Very Kind Informative ReplyI have had 14 Different Blood Tests Done at My GP practice, to rule Other Health Conditions Out

I am Now Hoping to Eventually get a Referral to a Rheumatologist

But have Benn told the Waiting List is Approx 2 Years in My Area

Very Many Thanks Once again

Best Wishes x

[vonniesims]

I understand that if you are sero neg. Your diagnosis should be made by examination by a rheumatolog.ist

I am and have psoriasis arthritis, yes and agree look at the NRAS website . Good luck

[Gilliancheche]

I would say, ask for ultrasound. I am seronegative and this was the way I finally got diagnosis