Appointment Today - Good News/Bad News

annebr

I had my first rheumy appointment today, as you all know I had prepared for it. The Consultant was very nice and the appointment was as you all had described.

The good news is there is no inflammation in any of the joints so she has ruled out RA or inflammatory arthritis. So I am really pleased about that.

She did say that all my joints are very stiff and the she did believe that I had muscular skelatal (sp) pain. This could be a kick back to the OA in my hips and the lack of activity while I was recovering from ops. She said to try and go swiming as this may help.

She also spoke about depression and how this increases pain levels and to speak to my GP about maybe getting my pills changed for this. The swelling in my leg is more general, my GP had said this was down to the way I walk now and the blood not circulating properly.

I was sent for neck & shoulder xrays & she took lots of bloods just in case & I have to go back in 3 months or sooner if they show anything.

But basically I feel a fraud, I am glad I don't have RA but maybe I have been making something out of nothing. I didn't go back to work & have spent the afternoon crying & sleeping. I didn't want to have anything but I did want to know what was wrong with me.

Sorry it's so long.

Anne

valval

hi ann we know what you meen it just so you can think it not in my head they would not have taken xrays if they did not think there might be something there are 200 types of arthritus and all different they do not all cause swelling so do not dispare you have pain and they know that so do not worry they will find out what causing it all be brave we are here for you val

elnafinn

Hi Anne

You are not a fraud you know you do not feel right. Naturally you are relieved to know you do not have RA, or inflammatory arthritis, so that is a couple of possibilities to cross off the list. You are not being told that there is nothing wrong though, Anne. You are going for xrays and had a blood test. Pain is the chief symptom of most musculoskeletal disorders. The pain may be mild or severe, local or widespread. I know we all prefer to have a firm diagnosis, so the correct treatment can commence, but often these things take time to sort out, frustrating though that is. It looks as though you are being looked after which is a blessing. I understand about you not wishing to go back to work this afternoon and feeling despondent. People at work will expect you to know what is wrong. Well, it is not always that easy unfortunately and that is what your answer can be, if/when they enquire.

Chin up, tomorrow is another day.

Hugs
Elna x

Wonkylegs

HI Anne,

well what a busy time at your appointment!

I am so glad that your consultant has been so thorough .... and you know that she wouldn't have been so thorough if she didn't think you had something going on!

As someone with RA I can honestly say that I can't blame you for being glad that you don't have it! But at the same time I can understand why you feel that you haven't got an answer.

I know from my husband's problems that it can be really really frustrating to be told what it's NOT rather than what it is - and to have people not understand why you are frustrated when test results are clear.

I hope that when you get the x-ray results that it gives you more idea of what is going on.

Take care
sending loads of hugs
WOnky xxx

skezier

Hi Anne,

Sorry you are no further forward Flower, all we ever want is to know what is wrong and yet it can be such an up hill struggle at times.

Its good RA has been ruled out but well my pa didn't show up in any tests but the signs and symptoms made it obvious in the end so though OA might be the culprit are they wanting to see you again and have you got more tests to come?

Leaving you a ((((( ))))) and a hope they will get round to helping you soon, its as someone said (sorry I can' remember who) so much is a case of what isn't wrong rather than the thing you need the most.... what is wrong. Hang in there and sending a bucket of hopes to you that they will get to the bottom of it soon. Love Cris xx

speedalong

Hi Anne,

It sounds like you handled the appointment well. It is good you don't have RA but annoying that you have no definite diagnosis.
At least the consultant is being thorough. Did he look at the x rays or is he going to feed back on those at a later date?

You definitely aren't imagining your symptoms or a fraud and none of us think that. It is possible to have real pain without any sign of inflammation. Depression and stress can make our tolerance levels of pain lower - I find my hip seems to hurt more when I'm stressed.

If you are stiff have you considered having a remedial sports massage? I pay for mine but they do really help with stiffness and pain associated with this, they also used to help with the pain in my back, neck and lower legs that resulted from the problems in my hips. You could also ask if you could try hydro as gentle movement in warm water might well help with the stiffness.

Let us know when you hear more.

Speedy