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I have psoriatic and osteoarthritis. Only one of them flares (the psoriatic) the osteo is merely aggravated by the following causes.

1. The weather. There is no doubt that my OA worsens in the cold and damp which can occur in all four seasons of our climate. I can literally feel it in my joints when the barometric pressure is falling and the only thing I can do is take things a little more easy and rest more often until the weather improves.

2. My stupidity. I keep thinking that I have learned to stop when I think I can do more, to reduce the risk of payback from stressed joints but I haven't. Earlier this week I decided to paint a patio set, the weather was warm, I got carried away. Two days of fun is now being rewarded with some miserable days. Serves me right.

3. Diet. If I overindulge in pickles, chutneys, vinegar and fruit my OA pain is aggravated. That's all easy to avoid.

4. One of the notable things about my OA inflammation is that it is localised to the stressed joints and goes within a few hours of rest (and maybe voltarol).

5. I am tired all the time. My OA does not make me extra tired, I go to sleep tired, wake up tired, my body is having to work harder and harder to achieve less and less. That's just arthritis combined with ageing.

6. My psoriatic arthritis flared in the first week of January, it was not aggravated by weather, stupidity or diet, my body was attacking itself, my disease was active despite the meds. I finally got out of bed in the first week of March. DD

Hello @Rose86 and welcome to our online community.

It sounds like you are dealing with a lot of pain and not knowing the reason why must make it more difficult to bear. Many members on the forum have RA and though there may be some similarities in symptoms - mine started with joint pain that switched from one joint to the other - the only real way to find out is by having the appropriate tests, so you're doing the right thing by seeing a rheumatologist.

It's a pity that appointments are being held up during the current situation - I wonder if you spoke to your GP again if they might be able to contact the hospital on your behalf?

I can understand how it must be affecting you mentally and I'm sure other members will be able to give you support online, but if you want to speak to someone the Versus Arthritis helpline is open Monday–Friday from 9am–8pm. The advisors aren't medically trained and aren’t able to offer you individual medical advice but they can give you tailored support as well as lend a listening and sympathetic ear. The number is 0800 5200 520 and here's the link for more information:

Best wishes, and do let us know how you are getting on.

Anna :-)