Diagnosis....

annie_mial

well, sort of. For want of anything better, the hospital are calling it sero-negative polyarthritis, which doesn't mean a great deal.
It's quite a relief however, to have an official label for it..........and it does roll off the tongue rather well.........can see myself going into work tomorrow and telling everyone (they won't be able to spell it, either).
It's also a relief to have a firm treatment plan and some forward plans, too. Perhaps by the Spring we will know more.
In fact, I'm quite a happy bunny tonight!

Annie

skezier

Hi Annie,

Glad it was a decent appointment and more importantly that they are now doing you some treatment. The name well I certainly can't spell it but I can't even spell my own name That’s why I don't have an H :oops:

I really hope you soon feel the benefits of the treatment plan and Luv and ((( ))) Cris x

Starburst

Hi Annie,

I was a bit unsure with my 'semi-diagnosis' of sero-negative inflammatory arthritis. I tend to leave out the sero-negative part, most people don't know what that means anyway!

Apparently, it's quite common to have arthritis that doesn't show up in bloodwork.

I'm glad you feel happy tonight. I understand that relief of a having an official name and a treatment plan. Good luck with it all.

Sophie x

chris7

Hi Annie

Sorry I haven't a clue what it is, but I am glad the appointment went well for you and you can get some treatment going. I can understand the relief at getting a diagnosis and hope all goes well for you.
take care.
Chris xx

annie_mial

Thank you Cris, Sophie, Chris.................basically I think it means that I have arthritis in most joints but they can't yet tell which type. It is a relief that I will be able to give enquirers that name instead of having to reply 'I don't know" when they ask what the problem is! Several acquaintances have looked at me rather oddly, when I've been hobbling about with sticks and they get that reply.

Annie

salamander

annie_mial wrote:

Thank you Cris, Sophie, Chris.................basically I think it means that I have arthritis in most joints but they can't yet tell which type. It is a relief that I will be able to give enquirers that name instead of having to reply 'I don't know" when they ask what the problem is! Several acquaintances have looked at me rather oddly, when I've been hobbling about with sticks and they get that reply.

Annie

Hi Annie, it's good you have got some kind of diagnosis. My GP told me this week how difficult it is to diagnose what we have. Like you I was relieved to be able to tell people what is wrong with me after all these months. Let's hope they can offer you some good treatment for it.
S

annie_mial

Thanks, Sally. Whatever it is, it's very aggressive and I have already been started on methotrexate. I thought I'd be left at a fairly medium dose, but I've now been told to increase it slowly to the max.

I never thought I'd feel so relieved at getting some action!

Annie

oneday

rolls of the tongue, i tried it and feel like i have false teeth in.
at least you have a starting point now and will know the correct treatment/way forward.

annie_mial

Oh, Oneday, that did make me laugh - I'm beginning to feel quite lightheaded!

Annie

salamander

annie_mial wrote:

Thanks, Sally. Whatever it is, it's very aggressive and I have already been started on methotrexate. I thought I'd be left at a fairly medium dose, but I've now been told to increase it slowly to the max.

I never thought I'd feel so relieved at getting some action!

Annie

Let me know how you get on. I'm starting on mtx soon and would be good to exchange notes. What does are you taking?

woodbon

Hi, Well, at least it sounds pretty impressive! I'm glad that you had a good visit and can now look to the future with hope. Love Sue

annie_mial

sally36 wrote:

annie_mial wrote:

Thanks, Sally. Whatever it is, it's very aggressive and I have already been started on methotrexate. I thought I'd be left at a fairly medium dose, but I've now been told to increase it slowly to the max.

I never thought I'd feel so relieved at getting some action!

Annie

Let me know how you get on. I'm starting on mtx soon and would be good to exchange notes. What does are you taking?

I started on 7.5 six weeks ago, now at 12.5 but increasing to 15 at the end of the week.
I have to increase slowly till it's 20mg then I have another Rheumy appointment, but they have already said it will probably go up to 25 mg.
I'm doing fine so far, few discernable side effects (for once; side effects from practically everything else I take and I have 7 different medical conditions).

I think I am lucky, both in my consultant and my GP, who's soooo good, she's always happy to clarify things and just generally chat about all this.

Annie

salamander

annie_mial wrote:

sally36 wrote:

annie_mial wrote:

Thanks, Sally. Whatever it is, it's very aggressive and I have already been started on methotrexate. I thought I'd be left at a fairly medium dose, but I've now been told to increase it slowly to the max.

I never thought I'd feel so relieved at getting some action!

Annie

Let me know how you get on. I'm starting on mtx soon and would be good to exchange notes. What does are you taking?

I started on 7.5 six weeks ago, now at 12.5 but increasing to 15 at the end of the week.
I have to increase slowly till it's 20mg then I have another Rheumy appointment, but they have already said it will probably go up to 25 mg.
I'm doing fine so far, few discernable side effects (for once; side effects from practically everything else I take and I have 7 different medical conditions).

I think I am lucky, both in my consultant and my GP, who's soooo good, she's always happy to clarify things and just generally chat about all this.

Annie

I'm reassured about the side effects, what I don't understand is that if it takes 12 weeks to kick in why are they putting the dose up already as they wouldn't know if it is working yet? Am I right or is there something I am missing?

annie_mial

It probably only applies in my case, because they very often give steroids alongside the metho to start with to give it a push when it's as aggressive as mine seems to be. I've got to go up as quickly as poss because I'm already on steroids for a different condition and none of us want me to put those up any more as I have long term side effects from them. In fact, we all want me off them, but I can't do that until the metho is obviously working and the sooner the better.
I knew I was taking a risk, but I've been in such a state that for me that risk was less than leaving this Sero-Neg PA to rage much longer.

Annie

salamander

annie_mial wrote:

It probably only applies in my case, because they very often give steroids alongside the metho to start with to give it a push when it's as aggressive as mine seems to be. I've got to go up as quickly as poss because I'm already on steroids for a different condition and none of us want me to put those up any more as I have long term side effects from them. In fact, we all want me off them, but I can't do that until the metho is obviously working and the sooner the better.
I knew I was taking a risk, but I've been in such a state that for me that risk was less than leaving this Sero-Neg PA to rage much longer.

Annie

Annie, your case does sound quite serious. I just wondered about how they were making those decisions. I am currently on steroids though reducing them to v low dose - they want me to come off them too. Have got a fatty liver from them for a start. So I will be taking both for a while too. I can really feel the difference when I go down on the stds - lot more pain and swelling. I keep hoping that they have made a mistake and I don't need anything! Wishful thinking. I hope it goes well for you but no doubt we will talk again soon. all the best. S

annie_mial

Thanks, Sally. Let me know when you start and if I can help at all just PM me.

Annie

ichabod6

I like the happy bunny bit.

I.

annie_mial

I'm now a very happy bunny!

Annie

trisher

Hi Annie the happy bunny

I'm so glad you have at last got sorted.......I hope you remain upward and onwards don't go too far will you.

Fingers Crossed for you

love and Hugs(((()))))

Trish xxx

frogmorton

Hi Annie
Well done you!
Glad you have a name and a treatment plan
You take care
Love
Toni x