More help please

vickyg

Hi everyone,

I posted maybe a month or so ago about having osteo in my hip joints but a slight positive Rheumo factor test of 6....I washaving lots of other symptoms hair loss,dizzy spells,joint pain in other joints,chronic fatigue etc...the doctor I saw(not my usual) told me not to worry take fish oil and glucosamine no referral or anything..........well update is I have seen another doctor now,they did more blood tests,I went back today and I am more frustrated than ever now

my rhuemo factor has gone up to 18
but again no inflam markers and all the other tests are fine,including my thyroid(I am underactive on thyroxine ),she has said she is thinks it is my depression :? yes my prozac has just been put up but I am depressed more because I feel so damn awful and nothing seems to be being diagnosed!!!

could anyone please tell me if ypu can still have RA or Lupus with no inflam markers

I feel so down and tearful like no one cares,I try to talk to my Husband who has been supportive but he said stop feeling sorry for yourself you have a referral so just wait and see what they say!!!!! I honestly don't know what to think,I feel like a hypocondria or something!!!

jordan7j

Hi vicky, I'm sure many people here will tell you that you can have RA andd/or lupus without the positive markers. I know what its like, I am waiting for results of lupus, I have RA and OA. They dont seem to take you seriously, make you feellike its all in your head, therefore the prozac increase!!! Keep insisiting on being listened to, its really hard to convince them that you are not imagining it, or making a fuss over nothing. Take care Jay

vickyg

Thanks Jay so because I don't show anything on inflam tests it doesn't rule out RA or Lupus??

I guess I just want to know what is up,I have 4 children so need to get on top of all this,I feel so awful 24/7

skezier

Hi Vicky,

I am sorry you are feeling down, but it isn't surprising given whats happening and the fact the doctors are not too interested will ll help to make you feel as you do.

Blood tests are not the only way the inflammatory types of arthritis are diagnosed and I think you need to get them to give you a referral. I know sometimes that very hard, my gp's on mass are not interested in me at least, but it does sound as if you need to go and see a consultant who can then diagnose and help you. Are they treating the thyroid, sorry you may have said?

Is it possible for you to change practises? I can't and so want to so I tend to tell people to change if they can. I really hope you can get them to help you. Take care Cris

vickyg

Hi Cris,

Well she has reluctantly, referred me today(sorry I didn't explain)as I think they are stuck as to what it is apart from saying OH it is just your depression!!!

My thyroid is being treated has been for 10yrs,it is all within normal range for that.

I think I have just got to the point I feel I am banging my head against the wall.

I am kind of well if there is nothing wrong why has RHeumatoid factor doubled since last from 8 to 16!?!?!?

I guess I will have to wait a few months in the hope of WHEN I see the Rheumatologist they may have answers!!!

skezier

Hi Vicky,

Its too easy for them to say oh its (insert anything they know you have here!) but I am glad she has referred you. I hope that will help get you sorted out. While your waiting for the appointment keep a pain/tiredness diary and jot down things that you are feeling pain and stiffness wise. Sometimes Rumo's are really thorougher but if your like me you remember what you didn't say ten mins after you leave their room.

Good luck and keep us posted. take care Cris

woodbon

hELLO I am glad you have had a referral. It can take a lot of visits to your GP and hospital before some people get a diagnosis. I think your GP is'nt very helpful, putting up your anti-depressant when you are complaining of pain. Still, you have your referral now and hopefully they will sort you out quickly at the hospital.
Good luck, love Sue

vickyg

Thanks for all your replys I am not playing a NHS waiting game for my apt I guess,but I think I will do as Cris has said a diary as well!!!!