Can anyone shed some light pelase

bailey27

Hi
Had my rheumy appointment today which was brought forward as i've een having terrible problems lately.

Basically he told me that there was no signs of inflammation on the mri scan and that he wasnt prepared to give me differnt meds unless he had signs of inflammation on the scan / bloods.

I had a scan a year ago on my pelvis which showed signs of inflammation and this scan was of back. I then explained that most of the pain i was getting was in my hip, groina nd lower back and then told me me that I'd be sent for another scan of pelvis - baring in mind i just had a scan which was a nightmare sorting out and i was under the impression that it was the same so he could compare them both.

I am now very upset and frustrated because i have been sent away with no help really. I am in pain most days and am getting very down because i feel like i am banging my head against the wall.

dopeykit

Hi Bailey

Sorry you had such a rubbish appointment and your rheummy was so unhelpful.

I think you have AS - or a spondyloarthropathy - is that right? Are you hoping to get onto a better DMARD?

I have psoriatic spondyloarthropathy and no inflammation in bloods or much on MRIs but when they did an ultrasound of my small joints (like my fingers, heels, wrists, elbows and feet) they could see inflammation - that was when I got MTX. Maybe you could ask for an ultrasound - its a quick and inexpensive text so they shouldnt be too difficult about it.

Also you could try a different anti-inflammatory - some work better than others for people.

Really hope you get sorted and your pain gets better

kit

Starburst

I second the ultrasound suggestion. What meds are you on at the moment? Perhaps it's worth looking at your anti-inflammatories and painkillers, if you take them.

woodbon

HI, I think you need to have your pain relief looked at as sometimes a different drug helps more and anti inflammatories too, might help, so you can have some relief until the second scan is sorted out.

I am so sorry that you feel upset, maybe you could talk to your GP or nurse about it, they may be able to make things clearer for you. Hospitals sometimes are so busy that they don't give you the time to talk that they should.

I hope that you do get some pain relief soon. I know I had to take several different tablets until they found one that helped more. I do still get pain but cope better with tramadol, slow release, but something else may work for you.

Good luck, love Sue

bailey27

Thanks for that.

Will suggest when i go back next. Which will be a while i guess.

I am feeling ok today, no pain just stiffness not sure whether the pregabalin tabs helped or whether the flare up has run its course. I am going to stop taking them and see what happens. What they do help with is my sleep. USually i'd wake up early hours and need to get get because by back and hips hurt back but now i sleep right through til about 7am! whhooppee! (Gone are the days when i could have a day in bed watching tv! lol)

Anyway i am feeling ok today so fingers crossed it will last.