Help

dpkrr

Hello, looking for help!

For a number of years I have had joint problems... pain, swelling, stiffness etc.

I have been to the rheumatology clinc a few times and over the years have had more than one opinion on what the problem is. I was first thought to have ankylosing spondylosis then diagnosis was changed to spondarthritides (? not sure of spelling). Then another Dr said it was osteoarthritis. Now the doctors talk more of seronegative arthritis.

My bloods are normal, but GP says it can still be seronegative arthritis.

I am waiting to have an operation for trigger finger and was told I had a rheumatoid nodule on my finger... & also on my other hand. What are they?

This has gone on for a good few years now. I take varoius meds and have steroid injections. I find life difficult because of the limits of what I can do because of pain, stiffness, etc.

Any information would be great. Thanks

traluvie

Hi and welcome..

Sounds like your very confused aty the moment, and i am not surprised..
Doesn't seem like the doctors are sure either?? which is no good for you..
I may be able to answer some queries you may have..
I have the same symptoms as what you described.. mine has been 10 months..My bloods came back normal, and xrays, my rheumy did bone scan which showed i had inflammatory arthritis in various joints and osteoarthritis in my knees..There are over 200 different types of arthritis which is why i think it can be very hard to give an accurate diagnosis..inflammatory arthritis covers a wide spectrum of other arthritis, so i could have any one of those..Some people it takes years for an accurate diagnosis and for others this may not happen..The depo injection i have too and i find it helps with my swelling and stiffness, how have you found it?what other meds do you take and do you find they help in anyway??
A rheumatoid nodule is a swelling/tissue lump normally firm to touch they are commonly found at pressure points like the elbow, back of the forearm, and metacarpophalangeal joint. I am not a doctor but i thought it rheumatoid nodules were associated with rheumatoid arthritis?? it might be worth speaking to your GP about this? Do you get on well with your GP??
When are you due to have your op for trigger finger??
Don't forget you are not on your own , we can understand and empathise..Feel free to ask any questions..

barbara12

Hi I have been diagnosed with OA, but because of nodules and swelling in quite a few joints I was sent to see a rheumy, and to be honest he wasnt interested, so I am tempted to have an initial private appointment with one then go back to the NHS
It is so hit and miss, how they come up with a diagnosis, it does get you worried.
I do wish you well, and please let us know how you get on.

dpkrr

Hi Tracy
Thanks for your encouragement.

I do get on very well with my GP. He is not happy with the way things have gone/been done at rheumatology in the past.

Nodules are back of hands near knuckles, it was hand surgoen who found them & has followed it up with my GP, still waiting for finger op on left hand. have had 3 op on right hand :-(((

Regards

traluvie

It's good to hear you get on well with your GP..
Maybe you can be referred to another rheumatology department, may need a fresh pair of eyes to look at your case..
The helpline are very good(number is at top of page) maybe they can help..

frogmorton

Hi DPKR

welcome to the forum from me too

I be sero-neg too

Hopefully they will start you on some new meds now - disease modifying rheumatic drugs - which will start to control the arthritis for you. You may be on them already as some are the same as for AS l think???

Ask away

Anything we can do we will.

Love

Toni xx

dpkrr

Hi Toni,

Thanks for your welcome

at the moment i am on Celebrex, zydol & have depro or kenalog (think that right spelling) injections & sometime prednisolone tablets.

but GP has mentioned DMRD, but I have long history of stomach problems, have had few ops & I am wary of changing drugs

Regards xx

stickywicket

Hi there dpkrr and welcome from me too.

I understand your 'stomach' concerns. I've not had any stomach ops but have had lots of problems with mine over the years, largely caused by anti-inflammatories in the early years when no-one realised they must be taken with food.

I just wanted to say I've been on DMARDS for 10 years now (Also taking a stomach protector) and I've never had any problems with them tho' I know some do.

dpkrr

hello, Thanks for the welcome,

I am now going back to rheumatology, having had blood done again, GP thinks its a good idea!

Problem with my stomach is that I have had several ops my gut. :-(

Regards

julie47

Hi dpkrr

welcome to the forum.

I have ra and also the nodules. I have them om my fingers on both hands and up both arms stopping at my elbows. The rhummy peeps do not seem concerned about them and as I hate ops I will just leave them. (even though mine look horrible and hurt if you catch them).

I am also on damards and have been for many years. I also always always take with food.

juliepf x

stickywicket

dpkrr wrote:

Problem with my stomach is that I have had several ops my gut.

If it were me, I'd just explain my past stomach history and let them make the decisions. They'll monitor you well.

dpkrr

Hello,
Just a update on hosp visits!

I had the EMG done during the week, and they found a problem with my left arm, with nerve. Going to recommend that since I am having trigger finger on left hand sorted,that they deal with this at the same time.not sure what that involves yet. Also have appointment for rheumatology clinc, at start of Sept, was surprised how quickly it came through.

Regards, dpkrr

stickywicket

Thanks for the update dpkrr. I'm glad they seem on the ball with you and that the rheumatology appointment came through so quickly. Let's know how it all pans out.