Hi All - I'm New !

pols090607

Well pretty new, haven't been on here for ages !

I'm Paula, 35, Mum of two gorgeous little girls and have arthritis (obviously).

My story is that 10 yrs ago I started having flare ups in ankles, knees and wrists and the ocassional shoulder stiffness. Basically, things have pretty much stayed as they are. Although there's no rheumatoid factor in my blood results, last count my ESR was up to 60 and the anti CRP (or CCP ?) was raised too, which they said 'can' be an indication of rheumatoid. Basically I'm a bit in limbo really, no real diagnosis apart from palandromic arthritis which they said means it comes and goes from joint to joint ?!

My medication is Diclofenac 75mg X 2 per day, Co-Codamol and Codeine as an when. SInce August I've had two steroid injections too as I find they really help.

The consultant has suggested Methotrexate as there's some 'slight' wear and tear going on in my wrist but I'm really holding out on it as having two young children I can't really afford to be ill from the side effects and I do try to cope the best I can using what meds I'm already on.

I also take homeopathic medicine and have done for about 8 years, this helps me so much, although it's no cure, I know that..

I was wondering has anyone had any experience of using hydrotherapy pools and physiotherapy. I am thinking of asking my specialist for a referral ?

Anyways, just wanted to say hi and introduce myself, I hope everyone is coping alright in this extreme cold (makes me feel 10 times worse).

Merry Christmas,

Paula xx

dorcas

Hi Paula!
welcome (back) to the forum and Merry Xmas to you too.':D'

I've never used hydrotherapy but do get hot wax treatment from my hand therapist which I find really soothing and helps with stiffness and pain for a while. Used it for feet and elbows too.

I did have physio but didn't help me much, but Acupuncture which was included by the physio was really helpful for nerve pain.

We are all so different and what works for one doesn't necessarily work for the next one...so my advice is to give anything your docs suggest might help a try...what have you to lose by trying?':roll:'

look forward to reading your posts too. Iris X

jaspercat

Hi Paula, just wanted to welcome you back, I have to admit that physiotherapy did nothing for me, I have tried acupuncture on my back for a spine injury and it helped me quite a bit, haven't tried pool therapy because there is not a pool locally, hope you all have a lovely christmas love Jaspercatxx

wibberley

Hiya Paula and welcome to the forum from another 'in limbo' forummer.

My Rheumy says I'm having a relapse of jeuvenile inflammatory arthritis, which at 43 is stretching it a bit. I think he's just keen to give it a title with minimal investigation!

I've so far been getting by....well not really...on anti-inflammatories, but hopefully going to start Sulpha soon (big lack of communication between my Rheumy and Doctor so everything is taking forever!). They'd have preferred to start me on mtx, but I've 3 kids and am not keen on dampening down my immune system just now, when it's rare for all 3 of them to be free of coughs and colds!

I'm waiting for a referral to an NHS homoepath as am keen to give it a try. Reflexology didn't help and acupuncture was too expensive to persevere. Can't advise re hydrotherapy or physio but anything that helps your wellbeing must be good!

Would be interested to hear how you get on.

Lois x

Wonkylegs

HI Paula,
welcome! (Back)

sorry you feel in limbo - I remember what that feeling was like, but the treatment is often no different when you get the label, so try not to let i t get to you too much.

must go, veg box just arrived .... so hugs & talk later

right .... back now ......

I take MTX and I know how scary it is to think of taking it. However, I found that it was the right thing for me (having worked my way through everything else first :roll: ) and it has made life much better.

I think that the experiences we all have with MTX are so varied that the only way to know whether it is for us is to try it - you might get on really well with it, and it may be what stops any more joint damage for you.

good luck with whatever you decide!

annie_mial

Hi Paula, good for us to have another new face, not so good for you having to be here!

I've still got a temporary 'label' rather than a diagnosis, but I started on MTX a couple of months ago.........so far no benefits, but no side effects, either.

Hope to see more posts from you

Love
Annie

salamander

pols090607 wrote:

Well pretty new, haven't been on here for ages !

I'm Paula, 35, Mum of two gorgeous little girls and have arthritis (obviously).

My story is that 10 yrs ago I started having flare ups in ankles, knees and wrists and the ocassional shoulder stiffness. Basically, things have pretty much stayed as they are. Although there's no rheumatoid factor in my blood results, last count my ESR was up to 60 and the anti CRP (or CCP ?) was raised too, which they said 'can' be an indication of rheumatoid. Basically I'm a bit in limbo really, no real diagnosis apart from palandromic arthritis which they said means it comes and goes from joint to joint ?!

My medication is Diclofenac 75mg X 2 per day, Co-Codamol and Codeine as an when. SInce August I've had two steroid injections too as I find they really help.

The consultant has suggested Methotrexate as there's some 'slight' wear and tear going on in my wrist but I'm really holding out on it as having two young children I can't really afford to be ill from the side effects and I do try to cope the best I can using what meds I'm already on.

I also take homeopathic medicine and have done for about 8 years, this helps me so much, although it's no cure, I know that..

I was wondering has anyone had any experience of using hydrotherapy pools and physiotherapy. I am thinking of asking my specialist for a referral ?

Anyways, just wanted to say hi and introduce myself, I hope everyone is coping alright in this extreme cold (makes me feel 10 times worse).

Merry Christmas,

Paula xx

Hi Paula, there a few threads here on sero negative arthritis (arthritis without RF). Lots of people have it. I've just finished a course of hydrotherapy and found it fantastic. It is the only way I can exercise at the moment and plan to continue going to my local pool. I don't know if it helps or not but I loved it and it made me realise I could exercise safely.

As to the methotrexate, I am due to start in a couple of weeks. Like you, I had (have) reservations but the rheum nurse told me I could do permanent damage to my joints if I delayed it. I too have problems with my wrist. Obviously, you have to do things in your own way and own time but just wanted to tell you my experience.
Sally

skezier

Hi Paula,

Welcome back Limbo isn't such a good place but hopefully they will get you sorted soon. I hope you and your family have a really good Christmas. Take care Cris

libbie

Hello Paula!
I am a newbie too, have just joined. Pleased to meet you here.
I have osteoarthritis in the feet and knees along with tennis and golfer's elbow in one arm and tennis elbow in the other arm, which after steroid injections is no better after a year. I am now being referred to a Rheumatologist, so fingers crossed i get some relief! The cold weather you are quite right makes things 100 times worse, joints get so stiff. It sounds like you are doing an incredible job coping with the children and your condition, so well done! Thankfully my three children are all old enough to help out, i can't imagine how difficult it must be on a "bad" day. Sending you a big hello and Happy Christmas!
Libbie :-)

pols090607

Hi and Thanks for all the lovely warm welcomes.

Hope everyone has had a reasonably pain free (?) christmas. I look forward to chatting and getting to 'know' you all.

Thanks again xxxx

emilyck

pols090607 wrote:

Hi and Thanks for all the lovely warm welcomes.

Hope everyone has had a reasonably pain free (?) christmas. I look forward to chatting and getting to 'know' you all.

Thanks again xxxx

hiiya paula hope all is well with u i have no idea if im doin this rite lol so here goes im emily 26 suffer with r.a in 90 percent of my body i also have a daughter jodie who is 6 with health issues

i am supposed to be on methertrexate but havnt taken any for the past month and seem to be doin ok apart from i had my knee surringed just bfor xmas as had to much fluid on my knee but i am able to do alot more things now and not so tired (it aint as bad as it sounds). i was on the injection for methetrexate but after a year or so started feeling sick for 24 hours after having it done so opted for the pill version agen but i new i would keep forgetting to take it mainly y i went for the injection

it does help i guess i should start takin tabs agen as have been ill twice since stopped takin them but have to take 7 tabs a week and i think that partly y i was putting on the wait and eating lots witch didnt help hope u had a good xmas and enjoy the new year

hope u get this

em xx