Down Another Path

[tazman3]

After my initial meltdown and panic about pmr and steroids, I went to hospital yesterday to see the specialist. I had been panicking as to why I was seeing a Rheumy so very quickly after seeing a decent GP (3rd time lucky). I had been expecting the 25 week wait and was worried about what they had discovered. I have been on 20mg pred for 10 days and was dreading having to increase it if (as was suspected) I had GCA.

After reading about all the apathy and lack of knowledge in the NHS about this disease, I was geared up for challenge! Well, it turns out I don't have pmr, I have Rheumatoid Arthritis. I saw a wonderful doc and was at the hospital for over 3 hours. He examined me thoroughly, listened to all my health issues/history and treated me like an intelligent adult. I asked him if he was sure it is RA and he said that my markers couldn't really get much higher! He showed me on the screen and there it was lit up like a beacon. I asked him why nobody had told me and he said they had only just had the results of the blood tests. That is why I was fast tracked. The sooner treatment is starts the better with RA.

He seems to think that RA has been lurking around in my body for quite a long time and that my hand and elbow OA has been intensified by it. I had more blood tests, chest, hand and feet x-rays and am now set up at the clinic. He even offered me a steroid injection in my bottom, so that I can come of the pred quickly. Obviously, I jumped at the chance.

I still have an autoimmune disease and will have to take Methotrexate and folic acid. I will need regular blood tests to check my liver. When I think back, other minor complaints make sense when inflammation runs wild in the body.

I expected to come home from the hospital upset and frustrated with a battle ahead. I am happy to say that I cannot fault the care and treatment I received. I didn't think I would ever be relieved to be told I had RA, but I was already starting to feel the black cloud coming with the pred.

From this experience I have learned a lot in a short space of time about pmr/gca and whilst I am relieved I don't have it, I totally sympathise with those who do. Inflammation is a powerful beast and I had no idea. I just thought it was the cause of a sore throat or what happens when we are injured.

Thank you so much for all the guidance, support and calming influence of certain members! I still have a challenge ahead and will need regular trips to hospital, but it's amazing what proper care, concern and treatment can do.

[SheffieldJane]

I am glad for you that you feel this way. A correct diagnosis is often a massive relief. Go well!

I imagine that healthunlocked has an RA forum. There seems to be a wealth of info out there and respect for your condition - not the same blank-look battle and ignorance, we encounter.

[Hidden]

All The Very Best Tazman 🍀

[Hidden]

Glad you got a correct diagnosis, it us a relief to make sense of your body playing up. Good luck with your treatment!🌻

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Good luck for future.

[Marilyn1959]

Good Luck taxman. I hope now you have a diagnosis your condition is appropriately managed so that you can be the best that you can be.

[1602]

What a great Rheumy. Can I have one??? Good luck on your new journey xxx

[tazman3]

Thank you for all your kind wishes. I will stay interested in all your stories and hope that someone will push further study and treatment for pmr/gca. I will remain interested and will dip in now and again to see how everyone is doing. The more people know about this horrible condition, the better.

I was convinced I had pmr as all the symptoms fitted and the pred eventually got going and helped massively with the pain. Obviously, things are not that straightforward!

Good luck to you all.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to tazman3]

No - and even the so-called experts get seriously caught out sometimes!

[Hidden]

Thanks Tazman & let us know how you do too! 🍀

[Blearyeyed]

Good luck with it all and thanks for letting us know.

At least , although touch wood you won't , if you do get warning signs in the future for PMR you know what you are looking for.

RA , may be more common , but the pain and life-changing from it can be just as bad as PMR , so do get yourself over to the RA forums to get some great advice on how to help your condition from those friendly folks too.

And even if you haven't got PMR , you are one of our friends now too , so if you ever feel low with your illness and want to just get a pick me up from some friendly souls you can always come back and say hello.

Take care and hugs as you go , Bee x