Overall assessment for OA?

Megrose489

Don't know if this is a silly question, but wondered if you can actually have an overall assessment for OA. When I've been to my GP, it's always been a case of consulting him about knees, or feet or hands. I asked him last time, when I went about my thumb, if he thought it was all OA and he just said 'well, if you've got it elsewhere..."

A few days ago, I had a blood test for my cholesterol level. I asked the nurse if she could also add a test for inflammation, but she wasn't able to do it. I would have to see the doc. So, can you ask for a general assessment - maybe discussing pain relief - or does it have to be a focus on a particular joint?

Our surgery only has one doctor at the moment - absolutely ridiculous - and a lot of people have changed their GP because of appointment difficulties etc. I've got to wait a month to see the practice nurse for feedback on my cholesterol! I may have to go back to get this injection in my thumb after all. It hasn't improved and, in fact, is getting more painful.

Meg

dreamdaisy

I have regular bloods, which measure many things including inlammation, but that is because I have an inflammatory auto-immune arthritis - this has no relation to my OA which came along later as a bonus.

Do you have any visible swelling or any hot joints? GPs deal with OA and, like all arthritis, it is a progressive and degenerative condition, but it is unusual for someone with OA to be referred for blood tests. That, however, doesn't mean it can't happen. DD

Megrose489

Thanks DD. No, I haven't got any swelling at the moment, but have had it on my knees in the past. However, I accept that this was more than likely linked to the OA, as it responded to Ibuprofen.

I may make an appointment and have a general chat with him. At the moment, I'm taking paracetamol. I did some gardening yesterday and my knees were extremely painful afterwards.

Meg

dreamdaisy

A general chat is a good idea, all arthritis is progressive and degenerative but the rate at which it does is as unique as us, and it's worth having a meds review. I began with one affected joint, seventeen years on it's thirty nine and I have no doubt that more will join the fun. :roll:

My rheumatologist leaves my OA alone (but has referred me to orthopaedics before now) and my GP ignores the PsA. Having a creaky foot in both camps is a nuisance in that I can't be 'done' as a one-stop-shop kinda thing, but hey-ho, if it wasn't for me what would they do with their time? I hope your GP will be able to offer you some other treatment options. DD

kathbee

Megrose489 wrote:

Don't know if this is a silly question, but wondered if you can actually have an overall assessment for OA. When I've been to my GP, it's always been a case of consulting him about knees, or feet or hands. I asked him last time, when I went about my thumb, if he thought it was all OA and he just said 'well, if you've got it elsewhere..."

A few days ago, I had a blood test for my cholesterol level. I asked the nurse if she could also add a test for inflammation, but she wasn't able to do it. I would have to see the doc. So, can you ask for a general assessment - maybe discussing pain relief - or does it have to be a focus on a particular joint?

Our surgery only has one doctor at the moment - absolutely ridiculous - and a lot of people have changed their GP because of appointment difficulties etc. I've got to wait a month to see the practice nurse for feedback on my cholesterol! I may have to go back to get this injection in my thumb after all. It hasn't improved and, in fact, is getting more painful.

Meg

Hi Meg

I have RA and OA, (have had a knee and hip replacement so far).

I see the rheumatologist regarding the RA a few times a year.
I have regular blood tests to check out inflammation levels, liver, etc. due to meds I take.

One time I was sent for a 'Muskeletal Examination, which was one of the best examinations I have ever been through. A few things came to light and I was sent for a MRI to check out some things - eg. protruding discs in my spine, badly damaged hip and knee, hence the replacement ops. So why not ask for this kind of check up.

I havent a lot of inflammation at the moment but the CRP in my blood tests is still showing at over 50 so will be soon going ahead with a third Anti-tnf drug.

Hope you are having a not too bad a day.
Kath

kneeoknow

I think you need to see a specialist in OA? You will probably be sent for X-Ray and that will reveal the OA if you have it.

Depending on your age - the older you are the more likely to have OA.

I'm 63 and was diagnosed OA knees about 4 years ago, since had a TKR 12 months ago, followed by probably OA in thumb joints, and MRI scan recently showed up OA in spine, nothing to worry about as the GP said it just proves I've been standing and walking like a human being for 63 years.

Ask your GP to refer you to the orthopaedic consultant.

Good luck.

Megrose489

Thank you DD, kathbee and kneeoknow for your helpful posts.

I have never heard of a Muskeletal Examination, Kath, so that might be something to discuss with my GP. I had x-rays on my knees three years ago, on my thumb joint about 18 months ago and my feet last year - all showed OA - but have never thought about discussing a referral to an orthopaedic consultant.

I'm 67 and have had the problem with my knees for years, my hands have only become more of a problem over the past two years. Our surgery is a bit up in the air at the moment - only one doctor available for a population of about 6,000! I'll make an appointment, nevertheless, and see what happens. You've given me plenty to think about, thank you.

Meg

barbara12

Hello Meg
I have OA and up to now have a new hip, originally I had blood test to make sure it wasn't RA ....the levels of whatever were raised..so now and then I have the test repeated...but the OA was diagnosed through Xrays..I went with my knee but found out it was referred pain from my hip.
I have also had MRIs on my back and neck.
I have just said in another thread that I honestly don't think they understand OA..
You take care x