Hi, new diagnosis and now just waiting

katieduk

Hi
and thanks for the kind welcome on the 'hello' thread
Well, after now having it confirmed by the blood tests -( apparently there is RA in the family so I thought thats what was wrong.... :roll:)
I am now waiting for the rheumatology appointment.. my GP did not suggest anything to manage things until then - so far I have only been taking paracetamol and Ibuprofen for breakthrough..warm baths seem to help but as much as I would like, I cant sit in a hot bath all day! :P
Most of my pain is currently in my elbows, the wrists and fingers seems bareable atm, but the elbows feel like they are fire.. constant bad achy hot feeling - along with the loss of apetite, hot fevery flushes and general rubbish feeling - any everyday tips would be good - like how do I know when I need to stop - or when to 'work through it? :?: natural remedies etc?
I warn you now I am going to be REALLY annoying on this site - I am determined NOT to let this affect my life - had to much rubbish already happen over the last few years!
xx

angie1973

Hi Katie,

I don't have RA I'm afraid so won't be able to offer any pearls of wisdom on that front as mine is OA, but I know wheat bags and heat packs are really good. I use them, but my aunty who has PA, and my other aunt who has RA both use them and say they work well.

But as for other stuff, I'll leave that to those who know.

Welcome and hope you enjoy it here! I certainly do!
Ange..

dreamdaisy

Only over time will you learn your limits. Constant tiredness is a factor of arthritis, breaking tasks down into manageable chunks, with rests in between will help to preserve energy and stamina, and not until you see a rheumatologist will you be given anything that may provide some relief. I say may, because finding the right course of treatment for you could take some time. Although the majority of us here have arthritis in one form or another, we all react differently to the same meds. I used to hope for a pain-free and acitve life. Now I don't bother 'cos it ain't gonna happen. After 13 years of this rubbish I know that for sure!

Start keeping a diary of symptoms, what hurts, what doesn't, how tired you are, what makes you tired, how good or bad your energy levels are, if you have inflammation photograph it, 'cos you can bet your bottom dollar on the day of your appointment everything will be fine! Keep an accurate record as this will help them build a picture of your RA, the family gift that keeps on giving! Perhaps wearing a tubigrip on your elbows will give suuport and heat at the same time, or buy elbow supports. I'm sure others will be along soon with more ideas/info. Ask as many questions as you like, no question too small or too silly for us: it's a steep learning curve. DD

katieduk

thanks Ange

I have a hot microwavable hot water bottle which I use for period pain etc.. but not very mouldable... Will definatly go a purchase some wheat bags.. sure I can heat them up in the micro here at work!
xx

katieduk

DD
seems like you are a voice of wisdon - I really appreciate all advice.
I know its all a lot to take in - and as for the family gift - tell me about it - food allergies... hayfever onset in 30's... gall bladder problems (now out thankfully!) and now RA - dont you just love genetics?! :roll:
I had already though about keeping a diary, just last night, so will start filling it in today - which so far seems like a 'not so bad' day
Hope everyone feels ok today

x

dreamdaisy

Ooooh, don't ge me started on genes! Born with ezcema, then aquired asthma (my mum's side), now psoriatic arthritis (psoriasis was dad's side, I've further developed things) I am one flawed human being. Thankfully, I have no maternal instinct whatsoever, so this curse dies with me, which is a good thing. Sometimes, however, I do wish for revenge on someone, somewhere, for this farce called life. (Which apparently, is also a 'gift'.) DD

frogmorton

Hi Katie

Good to meet you and dont worry about being a pain - we all are from time to time especially at the beginning.

I didnt get anything from the doc's either till I saw the rhuemy! Terrible isnt it? I found ice packs better than heat - have you tried that?

You can buy co-codamol 500mg paracetamol and 8mg codeine over the counter? Dont take paracetamol as well though :shock: and you can use the antgi-inflam gels too if it helps.

Hope the apt is very soon Katie.

Love

Toni xx

lululu

That's the spirit Katie, you have had good advice only thing I can offer is to keep a diary of all your appointments you have and why and how you feel and any comments etc. Because somtimes when dealing with med profs. things go wrong and it may be usefull for you.

best wishes and welcome

lulu

carola

Hey Katieduk

Welcome to the forum.

Haven't got much more advice to add aside from when you go to see Docs write down questions to ask and symptoms, when you get the symptoms etc and take the notes with you.

Keep up your positive attitude as it is the best medicine out there!

Keep smiling, Carol

katieduk

frogmorton wrote:

You can buy co-codamol 500mg paracetamol and 8mg codeine over the counter? Dont take paracetamol as well though :shock: and you can use the antgi-inflam gels too if it helps.

Toni xx

Hey - I know what is out there for pain etc to be honest - I am a qualified Pharmacy Tech and worked in Western Gen in Edinburgh for 5 years, dispensing drugs to all the clinic patients - including those at rheumi clinics!! Ironic really :roll: .... I really would like to keep the number of meds to a bare minimum, and dont actually react well to codeine... DD - another family trait! :P
But thanks again for the advice...

You guys are all great - so glad I found you!

ironic

Hi Katie,
It's not so good managing all the pain while you wait for your appointment.
Have you tried any of the anti-inflam gels? Crepe bandages are a cheap temporary support for joints.
Nice to see you posting,

Lv, Ix

dippydoodah

Hi Katie
Welcome to the forum from me too. I won't be much help at the moment as I am an OA sufferer (so far anyway, time will tell) and relatively new to all this myself.

I agree what others have said though, write everything down. I didn't when I went to see my Rheumatologist for my first appointment and I came out regretting not saying what I wanted too. Write down any questions and all symptoms you are suffering from.

All I can say is rest when you can. Im only just really learning all this with my OA as Im a bit stubborn when it comes to getting help but Im realising sometimes you have to ask.

I hope you get into some sort of routine with meds and rest to make your days as comfortable as possible.
Caroline x

speedalong

Hi katieduk and welcome,
I think your GP is being a bit mean not giving you any pain relief in the meantime ... sounds like you have fighting spirit though....

Iris and Marion swear by a hot wax machine to help sore wrists and hands - I think that Marion got hers from argos? If your elbows are hot then maybe they would do better with cold. Sharmaine used a cold spray on her knees that used to help. The max strength iboprufen/voltarol gels are good too.

any everyday tips would be good - like how do I know when I need to stop - or when to 'work through it? :?:

Now that is a million dollar questions!!! Most of us are still working that out for ourselves!! It is so easy to over do it on a good day and then pay the next. I think the main thing is to prioritise what is most important, only physical stuff that is really necessary. Find ways to make life easier. In the past you might have used the stairs in shops to keep fit - now you use the lift to save you legs etc Keeping exercising is also important - swimming is great if you like it. Boring old "in moderation" is the key.

natural remedies etc?

Marion tells me that Omega 3 oils help with inflammation and are backed up by scientific research. DD and I both find a sports, remedial massage helps, others have found acupuncture works ....

I warn you now I am going to be REALLY annoying on this site

Ooh good!! That means you'll be posting plenty and getting us all thinking .... bring it on!!

Speedy