Still waiting but you have helped me SO much!

Julie10
Julie10 Member Posts: 19
edited 20. Aug 2011, 20:06 in Living with Arthritis archive
Just thought I'd pop in an say a big thank you tonight! Some of you may remember that I am new here, undiagnosed as yet, and waiting to see rheumatologist on Sept 5th. Since I introduced myself, I have taken the advice I was given and have kept a very close eye on my symptoms and it has been a revelation to me! There are vague things which I think may be discounted such as the awful ache in my left shin bone, dizzyness and pain behind my eye but the wierdest things are happening with my hands. Yesterday I woke and my thumb on the right hand had swollen badly overnight and was as painful as the fingers on my left hand! Can this happen so fast? I was rarely troubled on my right hand in the past but that seems to be changing suddenly. I really am desperate for my appointment to come around ( not long now!) as I am back at work that day and I am going to struggle with writing and such for the first time ever. I really do feel that I have been given such a good grounding from you all before attending my appointment and, whatever the outcome, I feel very well prepared so, as I said earlier, I send you a MASSIVE thank you! Julie x

Comments

  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    We are a good bunch on here and we have a fairly good idea as to how to support those in need. I am glad that you found the advice you received helpful, we do know our stuff and, on the whole, we are a pretty wise group of people. I hope you keep in touch - we don't easily forget the newbies but we need to hear from them too, it is a two-way street. Take care, good luck with the appointment and let us know how you get on. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • mig
    mig Member Posts: 7,154
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi julie,Yes it can happen that fast,it had probably been niggling for sometime but you just didnt notice it with your other problems,before i was diagnosed last year i had aches and pains just put it down to getting older till one morning woke up with left thumb base red swollen and very hot,gp thought at first it was oa after blood tests turned out to be ra,so now go to rhemmy clinic and have blood tests to check meds are working and not causing problems.its not too long to wait though it does seem longer when you are in pain,there are loads of people on here who can maybe help better than me but we are all with you .Hope you cope a little better soon,thinking of you Mig.
  • bubbadog
    bubbadog Member Posts: 5,544
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I have had problems with my fingers swelling up, I've had to have my rings cut off and had the rings resized. Now the swelling has decided to go down. And now my bloomin rings don't fit me! hubby brought me new engagement and wedding ring. So I know how you must feel.
  • barbara12
    barbara12 Member Posts: 21,281
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Julie
    This forum does make a massive difference, being able to talk to people that understand, and like you said the advice you get is priceless.
    I have OA, and it has now spread to my left hand it wasn't overnight....over a few weeks really, but the strange thing is.....that was the very first thing I went to my gp about 15 years ago, and then it disappeared only to return again in the last few months.
    I really do wish you well with everything, and you know we are always here if you need us.
    Love
    Barbara
  • julie47
    julie47 Member Posts: 6,041
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Julie

    glad you are keeping some kind of diary on all of your symptoms and that by doing so you will be prepared for your forthcoming appointment.

    This site is very helpful I joined just over a year ago and I am so glad I did. :smile:

    Not too long to wait now, just remind me nearer the time and I will jump in your pocket.

    Take care
    Juliepf x
  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 30,027
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Oh Julie

    what a nice lass you are :smile:

    I agree without this forum a lot of us would be lost. Me included :wink:

    Well done for keeping your notes as you are. Are you sure you will be fit for work on 5th?? you might be taking a sick note in instead when you have seen the rheumy????

    Yes swelling can and dose happen quickly sometimes almost in front of your eyes!

    Keep going and keep taking your notes.

    Love

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

    Really glad your feeling a bit less scared about things now..... The pain diary i such a god idea cus I think 80% of diagnosis is done by history....

    Get pics as well if you can and don;t forget Anky's pain map could help you as well.

    hang in there flowr and yes it can flare up fast but it can also go fast as well. Got everything crossed for you flowr. Cris x

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