Hi. My story is that I have been having problems for 13 years. 2002 diagnosed with fibro myalgia & ostoe arthritis. Have family members who have sero negative RA. Recently had a lump on my wrist x-rayed, report for x-ray said looks like signs of RA. Had an appointment with rheumatologist for 10th June but was told this was provisional. They have phoned back today saying that now they have reviewed situation my appointment has been bought forward to 19th March, which is great. I have done what has been suggested here and taken photos of swellings and made a short pain diary. I am taking someone with me so thats good. I can't help worrying a little about the appointment as I have seen a rheumatologist about six times over the years with symptoms of RA (plus mentioned the family history) and they have always said no it's your fibro causing the problems. Now with the x-ray evidence they should consider RA more seriously. I am having terrible pain problems in my wrists and hands at the moment, so timing of appointment is ideal. Also my middle toes are painful, my knees and ankles are swollen and I am so tired it's so hard to do anything at all. Any more advice on what to take with me to appoinment, or ask consultant would be very gratefully received. Thanks.
Another pic of my gorgeous faithful friend (the one who gets me up in the morning with a waggy tail and a smile). Franbie xx
Hello Franbie,
You certainly have had a struggle to be heard and taken seriously for a very long time and I know exactly how frustrating it is. Slightly different, but still autoimmune disease, I had urticaria with swellings of lips, eyes and also tummy. It took 10 years to be diagnosed with angeodema/urticaria and finally RA. But that's enough about me, I would say that you are doing all the right things by taking photo's, diary and taking someone with you to your appointment.
The very fact that your appointment has been brought forward is a positive factor particularly as the X-ray report suggests RA. But when you have lived with the frustration of not having any firm outcome from all your previous visits to rheumatologists it's quite understandable that you have doubts about this new appointment of yours.
You have pain in all the same places as I have at the moment and like you I am so tired that I don't know what to do with myself.
I hope what I have written here helps you a bit even if it's just knowing that your not alone with your pain. My thoughts are with you for 19th March and I wish you good luck.
Take care till then and rest as much as you can, like me. June xx
Thanks June. You have helped with what you have written & it's is nice to know I'm not alone. I hope you have some relief soon. The tiredness is so hard to deal with it's really hard to get things done. Franbie
Yes Franbie, I find the tiredness so frustrating, particularly as I look after my sick husband. I took myself off to bed yesterday as soon as he went off to have his dialysis, I don't do that very often, but perhaps I should because I feel a bit better today.
It's good that you have had some supportive/informative messages, it all helps doesn't it. I feel very positive about you being diagnosed and treated
June x