Confused

kb77
kb77 Member Posts: 3
edited 30. Mar 2011, 07:07 in Living with Arthritis archive
Sorry if this is a bit long but I'm really confused!!

About 4 months ago I started waking (particularly in cold weather) in the middle of the night with pain in both knees. This pain disappeared after waking. I thought nothing more of it in any great detail until about 2 weeks. I have occasionally been getting the same type of pain in my fingers, again in both hands & then after an extremely busy night shift at work my knees were absolutely killing & when I looked at my left knee it had swollen up underneath (the swelling has now left a bruise). It took about 36 hours in total for the pain to go completely. I went to the doctors who said I had housemaids knee & that he was going to do a series of blood tests as I had also been feeling tired & light headed.

Anyway, I have been to the doctors this morning for my test results & I have tested positive for rheumatoid arthritis. He said my score was 31 so I am just positive & that my inflammatory results are just below the marker so unless I get any excessive pain he suggests I am tested every 2 years.

I am confused because now I don't know whether I have rheumatoid arthritis or not?? All I know is that my knees really hurt.

Thanks in advance

kb77

Comments

  • skezier
    skezier Member Posts: 11,333
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Kb,

    Welcome to the forum and not surprised your confused.

    I would think it would be better if you got a referral to a rumo really. gp's are not as good at arthritis as they think they are in most cases so maybe I would ask for a referral.

    It might be that it is too soon but its still worth seeing a rumo as they have the expertise.

    I hope you can get some of the confusion sorted and nice to meet you. Cris x
  • valval
    valval Member Posts: 14,911
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    hi if you get any more pain go back it better if ra treated early to stop dammage so do not wait 2 years if you having problems it could lead to dammage in your joints sure some one who knows more about it than me will be along good luck val
    val
  • tjt6768
    tjt6768 Member Posts: 12,170
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I agree, it would definitely be worth a referral to a rheumatology specialist.. They certainly know more than a GP..
    Even if they say to come back in two years it would make me happier than what the doc had said... Lol

    Best of luck matey :grin:
    e050.gifMe-Tony
    n035.gifRa-1996 -2013 RIP...
    k040.gif
    Cleo - 1996 to 2011. RIP
  • traluvie
    traluvie Member Posts: 2,579
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi..
    I think you should ask GP about a referral to rheumatologist if he is reluctant then i would see a second GP and see what they say..
    My bloods were ok but my gp still sent me to rheumy as my symptoms had got worse over 4 weeks..
    It is best to try and get the ball rolling on right meds etc not fair you have to suffer..
    Let us know how you get on...
    th_tn_TisFORTIGGER.jpgxxTracyxx
  • kb77
    kb77 Member Posts: 3
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks for the replies everyone.

    I will try & get in at the doctors this week & let you know how I get on.

    Thanks again

    kb77
  • tillytop
    tillytop Member Posts: 3,460
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi KB77 and welcome!

    I really feel strongly that you should ask your gp for a rheumatology referral sooner rather than later because you are obviously still in pain and, if you do have RA or some other form of inflammatory arthritis it needs to be properly diagnosed and managed effectively to minimise the possibility of joint damage. Diagnosis can be complex and needs input from a specialist - blood tests alone are not enough to diagnose RA and a rheumatologist will do further tests and will be able to advise you on the best way forward.

    Really good luck and please do post to let us know how you get on.

    Love Tilly xxx

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