Could you explain this to a newbie?

matter

Hi,

My name is Matt. Sorry this is going to be a long post!

Hoping you guys can help me make sense of my girlfriends trip to the docs yesterday. I think she may have some kind of arthritis (poss RA) and have been reading up as much as I can. She on the other hand is taking the ignorance is bliss approach until anything is 100% confirmed (prob the right way after I've been scared to death by everything I've read!).

Anyway I couldnt get out of work to go to the docs with her yesterday so I'm relying on her to pass on to me what the docs told her but she cant remember the technical stuff the docs said so hoping you guys can read between the lines and say what you think is going on.

My girlfriend (she's 26) has been having really bad pain in both her knees for about 4 weeks now. She has also been getting a bad cramp like feeling in both legs and her groin hurts sometimes too (which I've read is prob to do with her hips - is that right?) She had been getting not so bad pain in knees and hips for a few months now but it has got really bad lately. Can still walk and bend and stuff but in a lot of pain doing it. There is probably fluid on both knees allthough I dont really know what fluid on the knee looks like so cant say for sure but it looks a bit swollen I guess allthough nothing overly noticeable. No redness or warmth that I can see allthough when she comes out of the bath her knees look really, really bruised - is that normal?

Went to docs a couple of weeks ago and had blood test and got results back yesterday and he said basically there was one wrong thing in the results (she cant remember what it was) and got to do the test again and see if it is same/different to see if it is arthritis (didnt specify which kind) or an infection. He also reffered her to a rheumatology treatment centre which is booked for late October.

After my gf said could you give me anything for the pain he has given her 500mg Naproxen and said take it with paracetomal.

What would the "wrong" blood test result be?
Does the fact that she has been reffered to a rheumatology treatment centre mean the dr suspects its RA?
Is the Naproxen relevant as to what arthritis it could be and what does it do?
Do any of you guys recognise the symptoms?
Is it likely it could "only" be an infection and not the dreaded arthur?
Is a 7 or 8 week wait for the rhumologist appointment normal or is that a long wait? Can you check for cancellations or something or pay to see one quicker? I've read if it is RA we'll need to get treatment going quickly for a better chance of fighting it.

Sorry for all the questions they prob sound stupid and insignificant to you guys! Thanks in advance for any answers

gemmapetken

Hi there

I am 28 and recently (i say that and then realise its been 2 years this xmas!!) with RA.

It could be that the blood tests were done for the rhumatoid factor (an idicator of RA in the body) or it could be her CRP levels (this indicates inflamation in the body) tests are repeated so that it is not a fluke reading.

Unfortunatly the NHS has to see a new referal within 8 weeks i think but it may be 6, so check it out. Ask GP to find out if you can have it earlier, if it is a choose and book appointment go on each day to see if there are any cancellations.

WOW i wish my hubby was like you!! She is lucky to have you! But make sure when she does decide to look in to this or she gets a diagnosis that you are there for her, i often rant at my hubby to let of steam, it took me a long time to come to terms with it!

Cant really help with any thoughts on what it might be, but keep strong. Try hot and cold compresses and ibrobrufen for the swelling, rest and duvet days are a must!!!

LOL
Good luck, i hope it is not arthur!!

Gemma

jaspercat

Hi, as Gemma said the wrong result could be the Rheumatoid Factor, my gp did mine 3 times before I got a positive result, you might be able to ask for a cancellation but 8 week wait to see a Rheumy is not too bad, they will probably start treatment within a few weeks with a Dmard, probably Methotrexate or Sulphasalazine, the sooner treatment starts the better.

I can't comment about her knees as mine started in my hands, it is good that she has someone being optimistic and that you are trying to help, if she is diagnosed with RA it could hit her pretty hard love Jaspercatxx

woodbon

Hi, I'm sorry you'r so worried, I can understand why as being on the outside and seeing someone you'r close to is unwell, its not hard to imagine all sorts, especally now we can look thing up on the internet and find all sorts of weird and wonderful things to worry about. :shock: Is it possible for your girlfriend to either phone or see her GP again tell him she didn't take all he said in and could he go over it again with her. He may even be able to give her a leaflet explaining what may be the problem. If possible, maybe you or a friend could go with her.

Blood tests cover so many different illnesses as well as arthritis, I couldn't even guess what the doc means. Only know mine are normal at the moment, but I don't know the things I they tested for or what normal means! :oops: .

Shes lucky to have someone like you, who cares enough to go to these lengths to help her find out what her problem is. I wish you both the very best of good luck and not too long a wait to see the rheumatologist. Waiting can be the worst bit! :?
Good luck Sue

lindalegs

Hi Matt and welcome to the Forum

First of all Don't Panic :shock: secondly don't believe all you read, the Internet is a very scary place sometimes and whilst knowledge is power too much knowledge can have you panicking and that won't help.

Arthritis comes in many strains and you're possibly seeing the worst case scenario and that won't necessarily be the way it'll turn out for your g/f.

The wait for the appointment is fairly normal and again don't worry damage doesn't occur overnight and IF she has got arthritis treatment will be started pretty quickly on seeing a Rheumatologist.

Swelling on her joints can be checked by pressing on it with a finger and seeing how long it takes to get back to normal flesh colour when the finger is taken off. As you know heat is another indication of inflammation. If they are swollen an ice pack could help - cover her joint with a damp cloth and then put a bag of frozen peas on top for 20 minutes and then she can gently move her knees without weight bearing - this will probably help relieve the pain too. Refreeze the peas to use again but don't eat them :shock: Heat packs help for some people but, for me, they're more of a comfort. If they are swollen try to reduce this if you can because it's the inflammed tissue that causes damage to the bone.

I've learnt all this from experience as I've had RA for 23 years and contracted it at age 27 and mine is aggressive. If she is unfortunate enough to have it then please try to reassure her it isn't the end of the world (it will seem it ) but lovely things still happen when you have it, we just have to approach our lives differently to most people.

Fingers crossed for her and if the worst should come to the worst we're always here for any help we can possibly give.

Please let us know how she fares.

Luv Legs

elnafinn

Hi Matt

What a fantastic guy you are. None of your questions you pose are stupid or insignificant. You are being very sensible and incredibly caring in all this. You are wise to prepare yourself now just in case. Hopefully it will not be any of the Arthritis family but if so, you will have learnt much useful information to file away and should you ever meet anyone else with "arthur" on your travels you will understand what they are going through.

The gp could also have prescribed an inflammatory med which is taken alongside the nsaids. I am prescribed co codomol 500mg(nsaid). Diclofenac is a good inflammatory med but should be taken with a stomach protector too. If this cannot be tolerated there are others.

Yes, your gf should see a rheumi and there is often that wait unfortunately. Should you be keen to speed things up,she could go privately at least for one session to see what is what. That does not come particularly cheap but that way you can ask around for a good rheumy and know you would see him and not a sidekick. Just a thought. We should not have to do this but that is the way it is.

Your girlfriend is going to be upset whatever the diagnosis and that is understandable and she already seems to be burying her head in the sand about it. You will have your work cut out being there for her, but I believe from your post that you love her very much and will keep strong for both of you.

We would love to hear from you as things progress should you feel like it and will do our utmost to help you and your girlfriend should it be arthritis.

I wish you well on your journey together.

Luv
Elna x

ps I have Osteo Arthritis

matter

Thanks for the replies and well wishes.

Looks like its just a waiting game until a few weeks time and keeping fingers crossed it is not what it seems. My one bit of hope at the moment is that she doesn't have any morning stiffness (it gets worse as the day goes on by all accounts) and there isn't any excess tiredness. I'm preparing myself as if it is though then i should know all the facts then if come a few weeks time the worst is confirmed I should be able to be a bit of support.

Her theory is she doesn't want to know any of the details yet until its 100% confirmed as no point worrying over something that may not even happen. She's very much a live for today kind of gal! Think she knows its likely to be arthritis but not sure she realises quite how serious that would be.

Have to admit I never realised arthritis was as much as a life-changing condition as it is. Reading up on it the last few weeks has been a huge eye-opener and you guys have my utmost respect.

elnafinn

Hi Matt

As I said I have OA (in various joints for a good few years) but 1.5 years ago a consultant asked me to be tested for RA as he wished to be certain. I had the blood test and it came back positive. On seeing a rheumi, taking my history, examination, aspirating fluid from my knee joint, he confirmed that I did not have RA. (The fluid he aspirated was the incorrect colour for RA). Blood tests are not always reliable, that is what I am trying to say.

What will be, will be, but I believe you will both work through it together. You appear to have the strength for two.

Luv
Elna x

valval

hi well done u will have answers for when she wants some. it takes some getting your head around i put off going to rhumy till things had started getting bad as not sure wanted to hear what he had to say, so no pressure she will get there when ready we never remember what told so go with her to rhumy as u can ask questions ect for her as it will all be to much or so i have heard.doc was telling me about blood test she was sending me for know it had long name but not much more so if comes back positive will have to go get her to write it down so can google it lol. good luck she so lucky to have u

ritwren

I agree that the blood test could be for anything. You've gotten some really good advice here and I hope it helps you a bit.Do try not to worry too much until you know some facts. It's often worse imagining things than actually having them happen.
The only thing I would add is don't give brufen or any other anit imflammatories when taking naproxin. This is very important, don't take asprin either. Naproxin is a prescription only NSAID (antiinflammatory) and you should'nt take 2 types together. If your girlfriend's pain does'nt settle then suggest she goes back to her GP. It would maybe be a good idea if she rang the GP practice nurse even who should be able to tell what the blood tests were for without having to make an appointment with the GP.
do let us know how you get on
rita

valval

with naproxin if u get stomach prob they can give u stomach protector to help stop this can take some types of pain killers with them but check which first

jordan7j

Hi Matt, just read your post and alll the replies. I'm sure you can see everyone here is very helpful and supportive. Your girlfriend is a very lucky woman to have you, you've taken the time to go through all the info, to help her. Lets hope you dont need all this support, and that its some kind of infection. If the pain gets worse get her to ask for something to add to the naproxen, and also to explain some of the things he told her, maybe take notes or even a dictaphone to record everything. Its easier to go back over it after, when you have time, rather than take it all in at the time. Good luck to you both. Jay

dopeykit

Hi Matt,

I wanted to reply because my partner and I just read your post together and we both really felt for you and your gf because we have been in a very similar situation. I'm also 26 and when I first got ill I had very similar symptoms to your gf and it is my partner who has always pushed me to seek the proper medical care. In fact reading your post made him howl in recognition (particularly of me not actually ever remembering the details or his particular favourite telling the doc 'fine- how are you>' when asked how I'm feeling).

I find the frozen peas really helpful, taking the drugs at the same times everyday (and with food - dont ever take them on an empty stomach), gentle movement (particularly going for short walks) and pacing myself so I don't overdo it.

I really hope your girlfriend doesn't have arthritis but if she does please don't feel like it is the end of the world. Yes its a pain (literaly and figuratively) but I still have a great time, busy social life and happy relationship (even though I occasionally milk it to get foot rubs or avoid unlaording the dishwasher!).

Let us know how you get on - all th ebest,

kit

eckstardeluxe

Hi there

Just something else worth considering. These symptoms also sound like Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction. I had this at the end of my pregnancies and then after. It is a pain in the groin that travels down the legs and in the pelvis and very very painful indeed. It is related to changes in hormones affecting the ligaments in the pelvis. It makes walking and turning in bed etc extremely painful. Does she have awful difficulty climbing stairs and the legs swell after? It is strongly related to pregnancy but can happen at other times as well, the joints of the pelvis become seperated


The knees does sound like it could be arthur related though.


Just wondered.

tamnwill

Hi Matt,
Don't panic honey, arthritis comes in many many types & strains. The internet holds a wealth of info BUT it can also be a great provider of 'huge' anxiety, and sometimes just total poppycock!
May I suggest you get yr gf to ring her gp surgery and ask the receptionist to look up the results of the blood test, as they can access what the GP had written on their screens.) If they can't help ask to speak to the nurse as she may be able to. I say to try these two other points of contact because more often than not getting through to the GP is impossible! ( or maybe the surgery has a phone consultation service?, mine does, it's very handy! You could ask, what identifying factor was it that they were testing for again? What should it be in a 'normal' person, and what was yr gfs results.
Lots of reasons cause inflammation levels to be raised in a blood test, for example if you have a chest infection the inflammation levels can go up, for that fact 'any' illness, like a virus even. They may just be being super cautious as she says she has pain in a few areas and to the GP it's a plausible explanation. Also remember, GP's ( god bless em) are no masters in any one medical field, they have the tough job of knowing a little bit about 'everything'................ so seeing an expert (rhumy Consutant) is quite logical.............and lets face it GP's generally 'do logical' !!!! She is a lucky girl to have your support and concern, just try and temper your nerves so's not to inflame her anxiety. Perhaps you see her head being planted well and truly underground as denial? but quite often it's simply a coping strategy and can be quite a positive thing. Being stressed about something you have little knowledge about is a frightening place (as your experiencing). Write a list of things you want to ask when you go with her to see the consultant, discuss them together before hand and don't feel bamboozled by the jargon If you don't get it? Ask for an explanation in layman terms.
Keep us posted and I love your commitment
big hugs Tamsin [/u][/b]

tamnwill

Hi Matt,
Don't panic honey, arthritis comes in many many types & strains. The internet holds a wealth of info BUT it can also be a great provider of 'huge' anxiety, and sometimes just total poppycock!
May I suggest you get yr gf to ring her gp surgery and ask the receptionist to look up the results of the blood test, as they can access what the GP had written on their screens.) If they can't help ask to speak to the nurse as she may be able to. I say to try these two other points of contact because more often than not getting through to the GP is impossible! ( or maybe the surgery has a phone consultation service?, mine does, it's very handy! You could ask, what identifying factor was it that they were testing for again? What should it be in a 'normal' person, and what was yr gfs results.
Lots of reasons cause inflammation levels to be raised in a blood test, for example if you have a chest infection the inflammation levels can go up, for that fact 'any' illness, like a virus even. They may just be being super cautious as she says she has pain in a few areas and to the GP it's a plausible explanation. Also remember, GP's ( god bless em) are no masters in any one medical field, they have the tough job of knowing a little bit about 'everything'................ so seeing an expert (rhumy Consutant) is quite logical.............and lets face it GP's generally 'do logical' !!!! She is a lucky girl to have your support and concern, just try and temper your nerves so's not to inflame her anxiety. Perhaps you see her head being planted well and truly underground as denial? but quite often it's simply a coping strategy and can be quite a positive thing. Being stressed about something you have little knowledge about is a frightening place (as your experiencing). Write a list of things you want to ask when you go with her to see the consultant, discuss them together before hand and don't feel bamboozled by the jargon If you don't get it? Ask for an explanation in layman terms.
Keep us posted and I love your commitment
big hugs Tamsin [/u][/b]

sharmaine

Hi

Your gf is lucky to have you! I don't know too much about RA - I have OA in both knees, shoulder, hands etc. I hope she finds out soon .... at least she has some meds to take for pain. We sufferers of arthur all have to deal with pain and discomfort - we rely on our GPs to give us the right combo of meds to keep us sane.

Please keep in touch and let us know how your gf gets on.

I'm sure someone on the site with RA will help to allay some of your concerns.

Sharmaine