Thanks - and a question re OA

woodbine

Hi,
I have posted on here a few times fairly recently about problems with my unhelpful GP, who repeatedly refused to refer me to the hospital. Thanks to everyone who encouraged me to keep trying. When I last rang to make an appointment, I was told that I could have one sooner if I saw different GP as she had a few cancellations. After repeatedly asking to see a different GP, I was surprised to be offered this, but pleased. Turns out the other GP specialises in joint probs, and works at the rheumy dept at the local hospital twice a week - why on earthe the first Gp didn't suggest I see her sooner, I'll never know. She is reffering me to the pain clinic - after about 3 years of asking for this, I can't quite believe it! She's also told me to insist that the receptionists book me in with her in future. :P
She also sent me for a blood test, which showed that I'm quite anaemic. Apparently this is more common in RA that OA, but she still insists that I have multilple joint OA not RA. Does anyone else out there with OA also have anaemia (particularly as a result of the disease, not just because of taking lots of anti-inflams, which can cause it too) ?

Thanks again past suggestions and encouragement

Naomi

coco67

Naomi,
i am so glad you have managed to see a dr who has a bit of nouse between there ears, i hope you insist on seeing this dr from now on and things start to move forward and improve. good luck with everything xx

barbara12

Hi Naomi
I am so glad you have at last got someone to take you serious, I was the same till I came on the forum, the lovely people on here really do give us the confidence to keep on at our GPs.
I dont have anemia, but I do have OA in multiple joints, my gp sends me for regular blood test just in case the inflammation levels rise, and suggest it could be something other then OA.
The pain clinic will help get you the meds that best suit you, and can also refer you for acupuncture,
Good luck with everything
Love
Barbara x

dreamdaisy

People without RA or OA can become anaemic too, and it is generally easily sorted. I have dropped into the wrong zone for iron levels on a number of occasions so it's on with the iron tablets (and gut de-blockers :oops: ) whilst upping the watercress and nuts consumption. Low iron levels does not help one feel bright and refreshed, 'tis true, and I hope they can sort yours our sooner rather than later.

Some GPs are a disgrace to their profession. Mine refused to acknowledge, for five years, that there was anything wrong with my left knee and I, stupidly, believed her, as I thought she was the one to know. I hope you find this new doc to be better for you, woodbine. I wish you well. DD

border

I have had anaemia in the past and high C-RP levels. Don't know what the latter are at the moment, but try to eat fortified cereals (iron) and other food that have iron in them. Good booklet on diet and arthritis can be downloaded from Arthritis Care site. Take care and eat well.

kneegirl

I have had anaemia several times. I also have high CRP.

xx

speedalong

Hi Naomi, I have OA and am prone to anaemia too.

It had not occurred to me that there might be a link between OA and the anaemia. I had wondered though if the fact that I have two artificial hips and therefore long metal rods in both my femurs makes me more prone -as I have less bone marrow to do it's job than a person who hasn't got my metal work.

Speedy

woodbine

Thanks for all your replies - always good to know there are people out there in a similar position who understand

Naomi

hileena111

Hi,
I have OA in multiple joints, had one THR and have plates screws and pins in my ankle...I'm prone to anaemia....in fact am at the moment and have been prescribed iron....ugghhhhh....Iron tablets and a fridge full of prune juice LOL....dont know if it is the OA or not
Love
Hileena