Mri s etc.

[Gina_K]

Hi,

Did anyone know that an MRI on your wrist takes 35 minutes (the small bone scanning takes longer). Listening to classical music on a Saturday afternoon in a big tunnel is not how I expected my life to be. What use is an MRI anyway? can they do anything? My bloods are all normal at last, but still a swollen wrist???

However, I stayed in a lovely hotel on Saturday night a treat given to us by a friend, I even wore 'normal shoes' grossly uncomfortable but did not care, had fabulous meal and felt back to normal! My wrist actually did not hurt!

It annoys me that 5 years ago I had a sore shoulder for about 6 months and also had an MRI (10-15 mins in tunnel)and physio and 3 steroid injections, yet no one checked for RA. G.Ps can be dopey.

[Hidden]

Sounds to me like you are lucky you got the MRI, around here its as much as they can do to XRAY. I had the obligatory sore shoulder, had physio for rotator cuff impingement and the steroid injections, but have had recurring problems, same pain, which I now recognise as the RA pain. Seems to be a running theme others have mentioned this too. Plantar faciitis, carpel tunnel syndrom (I had the operation years ago on both wrists because everything was so swollen. Glad you had a good night and spoiled a bit. Take care.

[Gina_K]

Thanks Julie, The weather has dried up here and I think my pain subsides with dry weather. Its funny when you look back you recognise the pains were the R/A. Have you managed to stay working and active?

[Hidden]

HI Gina. See my comment on Emandedmum latest blog! I was only diagnosed last October, although I have had many days when I have been unable to work because of the pain in my joints prior to that diagnosis. Now, the Metho has just started to take effect, the swelling has gone down. But my joints still hurt if I overdo it and my knuckles swell slightly on days when I have done too much. So whilst I go out on the farm everyday, I don't feel as though I want to. So long as there is inflammation/swelling, there is damage right? I am hoping the meds will continue to make me feel better, but who knows. The fatigue is the worst it is so debilitating. I was looking at some pictures of me from last October and compared them with my face now and I have aged about 10 years! I know I am not as bad off as some who have really damaged joints etc., but I still wish I didn't have to work everyday. I think if I was employed by someone, they would get fed up of me not pulling my weight and I would have to have time off. I have not had a day off since my diagnosis, it's just that I don't do so much or so quickly. I have become so slow, and I get brain fog from all the pain killers. Things have improved since I started taking the anti-depressants. I can't stand the cold and yes like you, I think the wet days make it worse. I have a vest, t-shirt and two jumpers on every day. I wear thermal leggings and jeans and two pairs of socks! That's in the house! I wear a hat and scarf and when it was really cold I wore 2 hats! I need a wrist support on the left wrist and have to wear fingerless gloves. On cold days I wear full gloves over the top of the my fingerless ones when I am outside. It's no wonder I am tired really carrying all that lot around! My goodness me I am droning on now. With the drier weather hope you are feeling better. Take care x

[Gina_K in reply to Hidden]

Julie, As you were only recently diagnosed, I think things will get better for you it is early days, you might get a biologic anti tnf like Humira maybe. It sounds as you are so cold you might have sjorgens (we are all doctors now) I think you have to really push the docs! I am 2 and half years since diagnosis, but like you the tiredness is awful. I took 4 months off, as I could'nt walk for about 6 weeks!. I now have some joint problems, but much much better have more good days than bad. However, I don't think any employers understand R/A. Once you are in work you expected to perform 100%. Funnily my R/A specialist said farming is challenging with this condition. I phrased that gently for you.

Anyway, go easy on yourself and don't be afraid to ask for help. As women we know that if you are not lying on the kitchen floor we are expected to keep going!