xray results

maggsy
maggsy Member Posts: 25
edited 11. Feb 2013, 14:55 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi Everyone,
The x ray result on my right knee came back today normal which is a shock as i had MRI scan done in 1994 and was told then that i would need a tkr at some point, My Gp has now arranged for more blood tests to re check for RA as i had blood test in 2011 for this but it came back negative, i saw rheumo consultant in 2011 and he diagnosed me with OA in both feet, hands, and knees. had referal to mobility to have some inserts made for shoes which helped for a while but now having a lot of pain again. GP has referred me back to mobility so they can have alook again. Has anyone else had this prob with X rays showing nothing, and also a negative RA result as at the moment i feel as if i am going around in circles. And like some of you i feel as people think im making it all up, just wish i could give them my pain for a day and then they would know what i'm going through. My joints only swell slighty, ( so don't think its RA as not much swelling) well it would be great if anyone has any advice on any of the above

Maggsy

Comments

  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    There are auto-immune forms of arthritis other than RA and some are sero-negative. A rheumatologist would be aware of this though.

    I’m not sure how helpful x-rays are. They don’t measure pain, only damage done. I’m also not quite sure what a ‘normal’ x-ray is as it might mean ‘normal for one’s age’. I’ve just got a ‘normal’ chest x-ray back but it does show the effects of asthma.

    I can see that orthotic insoles made some time ago might need adjusting.

    I think your GP is doing the right thing by referring you back to the rheumatologist and the mobility people. If you are still deemed not to have an auto-immune arthritis then the treatment will be pain relief and exercises until such time as a TKR is needed.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • PowerOn
    PowerOn Member Posts: 200
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi maggsy
    I do not know how good x-rays are.
    GP has recently started being nice to me because x-rays showed changes on both my knees but none on my ankle, sometimes my ankle hurts a LOT more then my knees-no sense there then.
    I think physios should have a say in diagnosis as they know where the sore points are and know from the way we move and the wear on our muscles if we are using our bodies as we should or not-physios know a lot more then x-rays.
    The good side is that at least your GP is helping you so I hope something helps.
    Good Luck.
    Best joke I ever read, "With that information and a diagnosis of spondylosis, your doctor can develop a treatment plan‏" or back in reality totally ignore you. Is ok I have a sense of humour and a boxing glove, not defeated yet.
  • PowerOn
    PowerOn Member Posts: 200
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    sorry physiotherapists
    Best joke I ever read, "With that information and a diagnosis of spondylosis, your doctor can develop a treatment plan‏" or back in reality totally ignore you. Is ok I have a sense of humour and a boxing glove, not defeated yet.
  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 29,884
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I am so sorry

    Tests do NOT measure pain do they?

    I am glad your GP isn't giving up though and clearly believes you so isn't giving up and has a plan for your care.

    Sadly a fair few of us have, at times, had test results which belie the level of pain or effect on our mobility :?

    Love

    Toni xxx
  • lizzieuk1
    lizzieuk1 Member Posts: 302
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi magsy,

    Its been long researched and shown that degree of change on xray does not correlate well with reported level of pain, make sure you don't feel like you can't report your pain because of the xrays if it hurts tell them!!
    Also the xray won't show the clear state of the joint surface, meniscus and ligaments in the joint so they need to consider that too, this may be why the MRI had more to report originally - think I'd be suggesting another MRI to the doc - obv they r more expensive than xrays so prob why that was done instead!

    My ra also has little swelling but I def have it!x I am rheumatoid factor positive though.