OA or Possibly RA ??
PDS
Member Posts: 6
Hello, I am new to this forum so hope I am going through the correct procedure to ask questions .
I have had what was diagnosed as OA in my neck and lower spine over 10 years ago. In the last few years (I am 60) both my shoulders (right one the worst), the base of my right thumb, both knees (left one the worst) and my upper spine have all be diagnosed as OA. My upper spine becomes sore to touch, like bad sunburn.
What seems unusual to me is that most of them flare up at the same time, if it were OA surely the various pains would be constant or independent of each other, but they seem interrelated like a RA attack.
Any views ?
Oh well, keep taking the pills.
Paul
I have had what was diagnosed as OA in my neck and lower spine over 10 years ago. In the last few years (I am 60) both my shoulders (right one the worst), the base of my right thumb, both knees (left one the worst) and my upper spine have all be diagnosed as OA. My upper spine becomes sore to touch, like bad sunburn.
What seems unusual to me is that most of them flare up at the same time, if it were OA surely the various pains would be constant or independent of each other, but they seem interrelated like a RA attack.
Any views ?
Oh well, keep taking the pills.
Paul
0
Comments
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Hello Paul and welcome to the forum. Yes, your are 'going through the right proceedure' but I'm not sure how helpful you'll find us as, I guess, essentially what you're looking for is a diagnosis and none of is is qualified for that.
I've had RA for so many years that I now also have OA and I'm still struggling to find an answer for you. All I can do is refer you to Arthritis Care's Publications and Resources and maybe you can work it out for yourself. http://www.arthritiscare.org.uk/PublicationsandResources/Arthritisbasics/Typesofarthritis
The only way to get a proper diagnosis of RA is to ask to see a rheumatologist. You're perfectly entitled to do so. It's possible that your GP is a bit blinkered and has simply decided that yours is OA without your having had any tests done. A blood test would be a start.If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
Steven Wright0 -
Hi Paul
I too can understand your queries - they make sense to em too.
In the circumstances I would be reading reliable information (such as on the main site here) and keeping records of frequency of symptoms so that you can do what you have to do which is to see the GP and ask to be referred for a (2nd?) opinion :?
I also suggest you consider taking someone with you when you see the GP.
Love and luck
Toni xxx0 -
Hello PDS, it's nice to meet you and I am glad you have found us. You do sound as though you are in some trouble there and I empathise. I have an auto-immune type which has led to OA in my ankles and knees and with me the OA pain is constant - and aggravated by low-pressure weather such as we have here today. I know the my other type is pretty well-controlled by the meds I take for it but the OA is immune to those alas.
I concur with the others, read up as much as you can and keep your own records of what is what - pain fluctuations, what aggravates matters or eases them, tiredness and energy levels etc then go back to the GP armed with your dossier and see what he says. I wish you well and please keep in touch. DDHave you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben0 -
Hi Paul and welcome
Like you I was diagnosed with OA just over 3 years ago, it was just my knee then, then my right hip and within weeks my left hip ...now like you my spine neck and my right hand has joined in.
I ask this question every time I see a consultant, why do all my joints flare up, and they just cant give me an answers....it does make me wonder if I have some sort of inflammatory Arthur, but the meds would be the same really, I am on antiinflams, gabapentin for the nerve pain from my back, and cocodamols for overall pain, I do try to take has few as possible, depending on the day.
Oh and amytryptaline to help me sleep...sorry about the spelling.
We will have to keep striving to get some answers
Wishing you well with everythingLove
Barbara0 -
Just an update.
My right knee has progressively become more painful ending up with significant swelling to me knee. I have see a consultant whos opinion (before the analysis of the fluid drawn off) is that I have CPPD or Pseudo Gout in addition to OA.
Anyone else have this problem.
Paul0 -
hi welcome to the forum i have oa in all my joints too apart from the pain which goes on every day,you can have more then one flair up i do.mine vary from 1 week to 14 weeks is the longest at the moment i have a flair up in the top of the spine and the fingers of my left hand what a life hey0
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I can't say I remember any posts about CPPD or pseudo gout. If you started a thread with that title others would be more likely to see it.If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
Steven Wright0
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