Just a Question

Faybulous
Faybulous Member Posts: 4
edited 9. Nov 2012, 14:13 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi, I haven't posted here that much, it's just good to read other people's posts. I'm still not completely clued up on my arthritis, I tend to try and ignore it and get on with college and things but I wanted to ask a question.
Basically, I have osteoarthritis in my arm and rheumatoid arthritis in my hips, the doctors finally figured out it was osteoarthritis in my arm earlier this year, they couldn't tell me much and weren't very helpful because it developed quite quickly and got worse while I was trying to get people to believe that something was wrong with my arm and I've started having similar symptoms in my other arm that I orginally had in the arm that was diagnosed. It might just be nothing but I don't really have a doctor that I see about my arthritis, they basically told me there wasn't anything they could do if I didn't want an operation and left it at that. My question is should I go and chat to them or my GP about the similar symptoms in my other arm or wait and see if it is just a one off thing, It might be a strange question but I'm not sure and I don't really like to ask the people around me for advice because I always kind of feel like they get fed up.
Sorry about the rambling :-)

Comments

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

    i think you need to talk to someone about the pain in the other arm but maybe not the people you have already seen but someone else? A fresh pair of eyes might be useful for you to be honest.

    I hope you can get some help there and hang in there. Cris x
  • constable
    constable Member Posts: 2,115
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi there

    I can well understand your not wanting to ask people around you and that you feel maybe people around you will get fed up with you.

    First off, I am sure that is not the case, and secondly, yes you should get it looked at. I've had the same since I've had my THR arthur has sprung up in numerous other places and yes I always feel bad about keep going back to the doctors but you should. On each occasion I have had confirmed arthur and although there is not much they can do it is good to know that you are not imagining it. So get yourself that appointment and let us know how it goes wont you.
    Karen xx
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    It seems an unusual situation in that RA doesn't usually present first in the hips but, if you've had it confirmed by your rheumatologist, then it must be.

    GPs can't prescribe for RA but it's true that there is not a lot can be done for OA other than exercise, rest and pain relief until it needs surgery.

    I think I'd be wanting to see my rheumatologist again just to find out for sure what type of arthritis the new pain was. If it's RA, and it's not controlled well, you probably need more, or different, meds.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • bubbadog
    bubbadog Member Posts: 5,544
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Fay, I want to ask do you have a good relationship with your G.P? If you do I would firstly go and see them, tell them your concern's and then tell them you want to see a new Consultant and then they can refer you to someone who can help you. Hope that may help alittle!
  • hileena111
    hileena111 Member Posts: 7,099
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi
    I would try and get an appt with the rheumatologist again {RA} and discuss it with him. You still dont have to have an op.
    What sort of OP? a THR? that is {I think} an orthopaedic surgeon. Admittedly they cant do a lot except surgery for OA.
    Your rheumy should be able to do more for your RA.
    Your GP can only prescribe pain dullers for OA.

    Love
    Hileena

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