Is it arthritis?

emmadilemma

Hi, I am 23 years old, and since November, I've been having joint pain. It started in my right wrist and the GP thought it was carpal tunnel, but after I had tests at the hospital, I was told it is not carpal tunnel. I had blood tests a few weeks ago to rule out gout, and the doctor has referred me to
the rheumatology department at the hospital because the pain spread to my other wrist, and over the last 6 months, it has now spread to my knees and ankles. The pain can be excruciating and I get very swollen knees and it is difficult to walk. I have to get the balance right between sitting and standing, because if I do either for too long, the pain and swelling starts. It is definately worse at night, most nights I find it very hard to sleep because I can't get comfortable. I have been given cocodamol 15/500, because I can't take ibuprofen, but it doesn't do anything, even when I use ibuleve gel at the same time.
I also get burning eyes, which I have been told is a symptom of arthritis, and I get very very tired by about 3 in the afternoons, I struggle to do my housework and normal day - to - day tasks that were never a problem before.
It is awful, the doctors have said it probably is a form of arthritis but until I have further tests, they can't make a diagnosis.
I would just like someone elses opinion really, and this seems like the best place to come.
I would really appreciate any thoughts on this, thankyou,
Emma.xx

speedalong

Hi Emma,
I'm not a medic and not in a position to give you a diagnosis. However, it sounds like arthritis to me ... There are lots of different types and different treatments ... lets hope your appointment comes through soon. You sound like you are combinining exercise and rest - the best recipe and a fine balance to achieve.

Take care and keep us updated.

Speedalong

salamander

hi Emma, when I was ill last summer and my gp said I needed to see a rheumatologist I did quite a bit of research on the web about my symptoms. I trained as a nurse years ago and knew it was not good news and everything I read confirmed it. One of my closest friends (but not any longer!) got very angry at me for doing this but I told her I'm the kind of person who needs to know the full facts in order to make sense of things. I imagine that is how you are feeling right now.
It can take a long time to get a diagnosis in this field and there are lots of kinds of arthritis and it could be possible that you don't have it!
You don't say when your appointment is. When I was in really a lot of pain I found most of the painkillers ineffective, even the strong ones but that may not be the case for you. Why not ask your gp if you can have something stronger? Also, in my hospital you can ring for a cancellation appointment so you can bring yours forward, they said to ring early in the mornings. Might be different at yours. If you really get into trouble with your joints ring your council's occupational therapy department and they can come and give you some emergency aids. I didn't do this and it was a mistake as I struggled for weeks.
Sally

valval

hi emma sorry you r going through this the system does take a while to give a name to what you r going through but you will get there and the meds r good when you get the right ones. so pleast try not to worry as stress makes things worse. try ice (peas) wraped in a towel on swollen joints and wheat bags when joints aching good luck hope you do not have to wait to long

helpline_team

Hi Emma
Welcome to the Forum. I hope you get lots of help & support from it.
Any pain or swelling in the joints is classed as arthritis. At your age and looking at your description of your symptoms I would imagine your GP is thinking this may be Rheumatoid Arthritis. It might be a good idea to go back and ask for something better to control your pain, to ask him to do blood tests such as ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) CRP (C Reactive protein) and Rheumatoid Factor which test for Rheumatoid Arthritis and ask him to make the rheumatology referral urgent so you don't have to wait too long to be seen by a specialist and get treatment if you need it.
Emma, this time of getting symptoms, having tests and waiting for appointments can be a difficult and worrying time. If you would like to talk things through with one of us here please do ring us on the freephone number.
Best wishes
Val