Newbie introduction

grottybags1

Hello everyone,

I’m not one for lurking on forums, reading everything without anyone knowing I’m there so I thought I’d take the time to introduce myself. I live in Norwich and, since spring of last year have had some issues with my joints, mostly my right shoulder and normally after a day of delivering first aid training.

Then, on Boxing Day of 2011, I noticed an ache in my left ankle. I didn’t think much of it as we’d been out walking mother-in-laws dogs the day before and I just assumed I’d turned my ankle a bit. 2 days later, my right ankle started grumbling too. 2 days after that, my right shoulder joined in and was permanently painful although heat did help.

After a few weeks, I took myself to the GP who arranged blood tests (which took 3 weeks to get an appointment to have taken). She also prescribed me Naproxen twice daily which helped the pain a lot. I returned for the blood test results in February when she told me everything was normal and to come of the Naproxen. I did. The pain was back within 2 days.

I eventually managed to get an appointment with the GP after 3 weeks and told her the pains had recurred and were worse and spread over more joints this time. She then told me that my ESR had actually been borderline but to Rheumatoid Factor was present. However, given my family history of Rheumatoid Arthritis (my Nan and Great Aunt), she agreed to refer me to Rheumatology at the local hospital.

Rheumatology have run more blood tests, x-rays and ultrasounds on my hands and feet and an MRI of my back (which is now also uncomfortable). I was at the hospital for results yesterday. The MRI results aren’t back and the x-rays were clear and the bloods were normal. However, the ultrasound showed inflammation in my big toes and they’ve started me on Hydroxychloriquine. They’re labelled me as having “a low grade inflammatory arthritis”.

I’m somewhat confused about what I’ve been told, given the pains I’ve had in joints that they’ve not bothered looking at (hips, knees, shoulders) and the fact the only evidence of anything is in my big toes. I also though realise that I’m in a far better place than so many other people on this forum and that I’m receiving treatment which means I stand a chance of any progression being slowed.

However, I’m also full of questions such as will this eventually be diagnosed as RA or something else? Will I only ever be as bad as Low grade? Is this what they tell people before the blood tests show something different? Will my condition worsen? I know no-one on here can actually answer these questions and I ask them in a completely rhetorical way. I thought I’d sign up to see if I could learn more about what is going on for me. If I can help anyone else along the way, I will try to. I’ve worked in Social Care for over 20 years so feel I can at least be an ear to those that need it.

Thank you for reading…..

valval

hi welcome as you know it a bit of how long is a bit of string no one knows they will monitor you until they decide which you have with over 200 types it can take a while good luck great having you with us val

dreamdaisy

Hello, it's lovely to meet you and I am glad you have found us. RA can be diagnosed via blood tests if a positive RF (rheumatoid factor) shows but there are forms of inflammatory arthritis which do not reflect that, including a sero-negative RA. Complicated, yes? I have one of those, psoriatic arthritis, and that was only diagnosed after my skin obliged with a bout of psoriasis (tedious story, won't bore you.) Given the fact that you have a family history of RA I am pleased that you have been referred to a rheumatologist, I doff my cap to your GP as he/she appears to be on the ball and that is a very good thing.

No-one can predict how your 'version' of inflammatory arthritis will develop, including the doctors, but taking the appropriate meds should help to slow the progression, thus lessening the risk of joint damage etc. Please let us know how you get on and I hope that the rheumatologist can help. I wish you well. DD

suzygirl

Hi and welcome to the forum. I take Plaquenil, it can take up to 3 months to have any effect. In the meantime youmay well still need the naproxen and or pain killers.

No one can predict how disease progresses, keep a note of your symptoms to tell the rheumy to aid him in making a diagnosis.

Others will be along shortly. There are so many forms of arfur it may take a while to identify which particular type you have. The important thing is that you are being treated.

7worlds

Hey grottybags. Welcome to the forum. The fact that your bloods came back normal can be very common. The same thing happened to me. My bloods were normal but i had swelling, and pain in my hands and feet. My doc referred me to hospital where i was diagnosed with the same as you. I was put on drugs for inflammatory arthritis, the bloods were done again and i was told to come back in three months. When i went back i was told that the bloods showed i had sero positive rhumatoid arthritis.So, chances are, when you go back, your bloods will read something more specific. It is possible that your bloods will always be normal and that is why the docs use other methods like ultrasound, to make the diagnosis. The main thing is that you are getting the right treatment. I believe that knowledge is power, so try and find out what you can and i found it helped me to do a list of things i needed to ask the rhumy the next time i went. Unfortunately it can take a while for the arthritis to come out of the shadows completely, but hopefully things will be clearer for you soon.
Take care

7worlds

barbara12

Hi grottybags and welcome to the forum,
You do seem to have a really good GP ,and this can make all the difference, it took mine nearly 3 years to get me to a rheumy, they are doing all the right test, this is good has your treatment wont be delayed.
I do wish you well with everything x

creakyowl

Hi grottybags

I just wrote a reply and welcome and it disappeared!

I also have RA and am in Norwich. Sorry you need this forum but I also wish you well and you're welcome to PM me if you want any info about services etc. I've had it 12 years and sort of know my way around the set up here.

Best wishes

Creakyowl

stickywicket

Hello grottybags1 and welcome from me too. I’ve nothing to add to what the others have said except that, if you want more info, you’ll find Arthritis Care do lots of booklets. (‘Publications and resources’ button on the top right of the screen.)

refereerick

Hi grottybags1,
I've no real information for you, I've had mine come on quick and severe in the last 4 weeks, so i'm a newbie here too.
Like you i've been lucky with my GP and the consultant (mines Dr De Silva as I attend the N&N too, I only live about 7 or 8 miles from Norwich) and am awaiting results from bloods and xrays.
Just wanted to say welcome to the forum and you'll find everyone here so helpful and supportive, I have!
Take care, Rick x