Hi I'm New

dunk64

Hi all
i,m new to this i was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis about 8 weeks ago im 45 years old and have always been active but about 5 years ago i had a bad car crash which left me with 2 broken arms 1 off which has a metal bar in and a fractured sternum i was doing well untill about a year ago when i started with swellings in my wrists and knees
i just thought i was over doing it and never had it cheeked out untill i was made by family to go to the doctors as they had noticed i had lost alot of weight (never been over 9 stone )
i had the blood test that came back really bad as the doctor put it was put on codeine and paracetamol with diclofenac sodium which did nothing ,,last week doc started me on 20 mg a day of prednisolone which do help with some movement but the pain is unbearable and some days i can't even walk ,we have even moved a bed downstairs as the pain of going up stairs is real bad
i had to give up the job i was doing working in my local shop as lifting and serving on a till was doing me no good at all and having to live on benefits after having a wage coming in is the hardest thing so i am trying to find computer courses that i can do and maybe get back to work
All so does any one know how long it takes from when your doctor refers to the hospital as it was september when she referred me and i have still not heard ,,,,,all i want is to try and get the pain under control so i can get back into work

salamander

Hi Dunk, Welcome to the forum. I'm sorry you are feeling so terrible.
Can you go back to your GP and ask them to push for an appointment? This is what mine did when an 'urgent' appointment came back for 8 weeks later. Keep pushing, got mine in 3 weeks instead.

One of the things I didn't do whilst waiting to see a consultant was to ring the Occupational Therapist at my local council adult services. You can ask for an urgent assessment and they will bring things to help you at home i.e. aids to get in the bath, cook, raise chairs, get out of bed. You don't pay for it. They can also assess you for any other urgent help and advise you too. I wish I'd done it but kept thinking I would get better.

Like you, I didn't find the pain meds any good at all but you can get stronger ones - ask your gp. At best they took the edge off. If yo have some wheat bags that you put in the microwave you might find they help or hot water bottles. Some people find ice packs useful.

Am sure other peeps on here will have some good tips for you. A lot of us have been there and know how much you are suffering. It's the worst pain ever and I really wish your appointment comes through soon. In retrospect, I think I should have gone to A&E and got myself admitted that way but you must do what makes you feel comfortable.

woodbon

Hello, Its nice to welcome you to the forum and I hope that you will find it helpful and supportive. It sounds from your post as if you have had a really hard time recently. The car crash sounds very nasty, but then to have RA on top, is just so unfair for you and my heart goes out to you. Anyway at least you've found us now!

It sounds as if the appointment with the rheummy is taking far too long for someone with your problems. Have you talked about this with your GP who referred you to the hospital, if you tell him just how bad things are and the difficulties you have coping they should be able to give you an early appointment. Also, it may be that your GP's secretary could chase it up, as these things sometimes get overlooked or stuck somewhere in the system! :? I don't have RA, I have OA but their are lots of people on here who have ra and I'm sure someone will be on soon to give you better advice than me. Also, the Helpline number at the righthand side of the top of the page here is a very good source of information and support as well and they have leaflets explaining things as well as people to talk to who understand. Good luck, lots of love Sue

barbara12

Hi dunk64
And a very warm welcome, I am so sorry you are suffering like this, if it was me I would try for an emergency appointment, or at least go back to your GP and tell them how much pain you are in.
I am sorry I cant be more help, but I am sure others will be along soon
PS dont forget the forum is closed tomorrow for maintenance.
Sending you some cyber hugs (((((()))))
Barbara x

valval

welcome from me as well i do hope they get you in quicker val

dunk64

thank you for the replies and i will look into finding an Occupational therapist and im bk at the doc's on monday so will ask about stronger pain killers