No Injection

annebr

I was booked in to get another steroid injection into my shoulder yesterday with my GP. I did get some releif from the last one about 6 weeks ago so I was hopeful, I know they can be hot or miss.

Anyway, injection all prepared, me all prepared and it was aborted. I have had quite a bit of muscle deteriation on my left shoulder and some on my right. My GP dictated a letter on the spot to my rheumy as he wants it checked out.

Now I reckon the rheumy will discharge me on my next appointment as I don't have RA or inflammatory arthritis, MY GP reckons that I do have some sort and that a normal person would handle it but because of everything else I am finding it difficult.

My OH is worried sick as I have lost more weight I am now 5' 8 and weigh 7.5 stone. But food just doesn't appeal to me at the moment. My hips are really painful at the moment and I am so tired. I can handle work but at the weekend I want to sleep all the time.

Sorry for the long winded moan. Has anyone got a magic wand?

Anne x

dreamdaisy

No. I wish I had, but my wand is on the blink. Of course you hurt - you are very thin, your body has no resources on which to call, hell hun, what are we going to do with you? I'm piling the weight on, thanks to the steroids (and beer!) and it's falling off you. Why do they think that you do not have an arthritis of some form? Sero-negative arthritis exists - Oh I feel guilty that I cannot remember your history but my mind has gone blank. If your body is crying out for sleep, then sleep. Rest is essential, don't fret about 'lost' time, this is healing time. Don't keep forcing yourself to do things, that is deleterious to your health which is weak enough. I'm sure more useful people will be along soon to answer you: all I can say is I am thinking of you. DD

dorcas

Hi Anne

so sorry to read what's happening with you :roll:

Your doc has done the right thing referring you to rheummy.... many of us know it can take quite some time to get a diagnosis, especially if it's one of the sero-negative inflammatory arthers.

When your appointment comes through make sure you have someone with you and insist that the rheummy investigates your symptoms so that you can get a diagnosis....and the proper treatment.

between now and then keep a daily diary of how you are feeling and the symptoms you have...this can be very helpful for the rheummy as it gives him a better picture of your illness and how it is affecting you.
Some things to note: morning stiffness and how long it lasts; pain redness, swelling in any joints; tiredness/ fatigue during the day, sleeping pattern, impact this has on your daily life.
also take list of what drugs your on and what you've tried and what is effective (or not).

I wish there was a magic wand too Anne.... for now please know that we are here for you.

love and (((hugs)))

Iris xxx

skezier

Hi Anne,

I am sorry to read things are not so good for you just now. Maybe with the diary (good idea that one) and your history the rumo will be able to help diagnose your bones?

Hows the IBD investigations gong? Anne that affects both your appetite and your ability to absorb things so maybe you can get some help there as well. I so wish I know what to say that would help you but sending you a ((( ))) and so many hopes you get some kind of help soon. Luv Cris xx

chris7

Hi Anne

Sorry to see you struggling there and so frustrating that the steroid jab didn't happen. I hope you are getting some rest today, you clearly need it. I know what you mean about work, I get through it on adrenaline and then collapse at home and take enforced duvet days without guilt. You have earned them. Hope you get some answers and help soon from your GP or rheummy. I leave a few hugs and a wish for better days for you. ((( )))
Chris

julie47

Hi anne

I am also sorry that you couldnt have your injection.

When my arthur was exrtemly active i too went down to 7.5 stone i am 5ft5.5 so i am not as tall as you but i too got worried as i looked terribly thin, ribs arms legs, hipbone.

I was sent to a nutritionist where she told me to eat yoghurts cheese and spec drinks. Perhaps you could be reffered.

now i am 8.12 and its enough. look quite healthy ah!!

anyway i hope you get sorted good luck

love juliepf x

annebr

Thanks everyone. To be honest the rheumy was pretty thorough with the exam and I had went along prepared. I think it's a combo of the OA in my hips, secondary pain on other joints, the pernicious anemia & gastric probs.

Cris, I was back at the gastric clinic last week & they can confirm a dignosis until I do the capsule endoscopy as you know I put that off because of the prep. They have taken some more tests & if the results are the same or worse I have agreed to get it done.

I too seem to run on adrenaline Mon to Fri then collapse at the weekend, I have quite a stressful job which doesn't help. Then I feel guilty for wasting my weekend.

And to top it all I have a reoccuring cyst inside my eye, it's not big but irratating. I got an appt through from the hospital for Tuesday which I thought would be just to look at it but they have told me to be prepared for a minor op!

I think the problem is you can cope with one thing but when everything hits you at once you feel drained.

Anyway things can only get better.

Anne xx

speedalong

Hi Anne,

Being in pain and struggling to work and then spending the weekends resting and feeling guilty about it ... is bound to take it's toll. I lost weight when arther was raging too. Also the constipation affects of the painkillers ... didn't help my appetite. Post op, (less pain, less painkillers, eradication of constipation and I'm now having to watch my weight again ...) I don't have experience of steriod jabs and muscle wastage. I had muscle wastage in my leg that had the latest op - pain meant I was using crutches, not exercising and my range of movement was impinged. Are you going to have an op on your hips? That would help with two of your joints?

Speedy

lululu

Sooy anne I do not have a majic wand either, take care and maybee try to have some time off work to recharge your batteries.

annebr

I have had physio, hydro and 2 ops so far on the right hip, they haven't touched the left so far. They have been trying to delay a THR as I am (only) 39.

I do believe everything has just hit me at once, I have just got over a bout of tracheitis and as you all know even day to day living with arthritis is exhausting.

Thanks for all your words of support.

Anne x

ironic

Hi Anne,

Really sorry that you are still having a bad time of it.
I know your job takes it out of you. Could you manage a flask of soup or malted drink when you are at work? Or as someone else said the build up drinks just to get your system started.
Your a fighter I know that Anne, you will get things sorted.

Sending loads of hugs,

Lv, Ix

marion1952

Hello Anne

It's a vicous circle when you lose your appetite - the less you eat the less you want to eat..

Can you try and eat something small every hour?? Something like fromage frais, small pieces of cheese, small cup of nutrional soup, egg custard? Also, those fortisip drinks ar definitely good and you can get those on prescription..

Hope you pick up soon and the rheumy can give you some help..

Marion

Wonkylegs

HI Anne

so sorry to see that you are still struggling to get them to agree what is what :x :x :x I wish I could find that magic wand for you!

Please do rest ... your body is telling you that it needs rest ..... and if you dont' listen it won't be able to repair the bits it can repair. I know - I tried to keep going and I failed myself and my body by keeping going for far too long.

I will be thinking of you and sending lots of hugs (((((()))))))

Oh and if I see Arthur I'll give him a good kick on your behalf

hugs
WOnky xxx

frogmorton

Hi Anne

Poor poor you

You are having an awful time of it.

I agree with Wonky though - do you need a bit of time off to rest? You are clearly running on energy if you are so very thin at the mo.

I hope that the rheumy has some ideas even if it is NOT inflamatory :? Have you had the usual tests did you say like MRIs etc? Just wondering although you sound sure he checked you thoroughlt.

The only thing for sure is you have a good GP to not 'let it go'.

LOve and hugs

Toni xx