Worried

HARPER04
HARPER04 Member Posts: 34
edited 25. Nov 2013, 15:50 in Living with Arthritis archive
Back in June I was having all sorts of problems with my pain levels and reduced mobility things continued to get worse and worse to the point where I was climbing the walls we were moving house and family illness was not helping matters I finally had enough and got my wife to drag to the doctors who in turn sent me to see a specialist After an examination and a few questions he wants me to see a Rheumatologist for some blood tests could I possibly have RA as well as OA and Osteopenia it appears I have the symptoms I just don't think I could cope with it all.
If I am honest I have just about had enough.

Comments

  • elainebadknee
    elainebadknee Bots Posts: 3,703
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Harper04

    Oh dear sounds like it has been stressful for you and it must be a hard time for you and your family....I hope someone on here can come here and give you some good sound advice and then you maybe won't feel quite as alone if that makes sense? They are a pretty good lot...

    Good luck

    Elainexx
  • dibdab
    dibdab Member Posts: 1,498
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Oh dear, it does sound like life has been challenging :(

    It's easy to say try not to worry, but I would encourage you to try not to. By going for tests your GP will have a clearer picture of what you may or may not have, and once you have a clearer diagnosis the right treatment will help you to feel better. Having RA isn't fun, I won't lie, but you know it is live-with-able. Todays medications can help to keep stuff under control, and I think that most is find rheumatologists caring and supportive. If you have an inflammatory arthritis the sooner treatment begins the better to prevent joint damage. For me knowing what I'm dealing with always feels better than worrying about what it might be- so perhaps you could see the forthcoming referral as a positive step towards better days ahead?

    Take care and keep talking- folks on here have lots of experience between them, and we would love to offer you some encouragement and support along the journey.

    Deb x
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello HARPER04, I can empathise with your current situation having found myself in similar ones over the years. It does hit you hard at first but then, as you adjust, it does become easier to consider, understand and deal with. I think it is worst for males because men do feel pain more keenly than women but getting accustomed to the idea that what we have is not going to go away is equally tough for both genders.

    I know it's cold comfort but I think your GP is doing well by you. What kind of specialist did you see? I think the further referral to rheumatology is a good plan; you don't know whether it is RA or not so try not to get too worried as yet. I have learned over my arthritic years that bridges are more easily crossed once one has reached them. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • bubbadog
    bubbadog Member Posts: 5,544
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I think both of the others have explained it better to you than I can, it is a shock at 1st yes, but you do learn to live with it all in your own way. And the medication when you get the right one for you does help a lot! We are all here to support each other so any questions just post them and they will get answered by someone who can best answer them for you.
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,697
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    It's an old cliche, Harper, but it still holds - one day at a time. Try not to worry about what might be: deal with what is. Many of us deal with multiple illnesses/diseases. It certainly isn't ideal but adapting to change is essential in life, whether arthritic or not. It's tough at first but it gets easier.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • hileena111
    hileena111 Member Posts: 7,099
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi
    You have got good advice from everyone else.....although I don't think anyone has mentioned osteopenia.
    I have OA but also have osteopenia.......that is just treated with "life changing measures" {the GP calls them} diet etc

    Love
    Hileena
  • daffy2
    daffy2 Member Posts: 1,636
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello Harper. It's a lot to take in all at once so I'm not surprised you feel overwhelmed. However in some respects getting 'labels' for what ails you can be helpful, even if it seems there are too many all at once, as you can then start considering ways to deal with the conditions. If you have osteopaenia then you have the chance to try and prevent it becoming osteoporosis (look at the NOS website for more info), by the same token treatment for RA can help to prevent further joint deterioration. You might also want to consider if depression is adding to your difficulties, and if so whether you would benefit from a short course of treatment for that to help you cope better.
    Keep posting, sharing feelings with folk who understand the problems can be very helpful.
  • HARPER04
    HARPER04 Member Posts: 34
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Once again I find myself in all of your debt I really do not know what I would do without your words of comfort and advice
    I am a worrier I know I am and as always One day at a time is the best advice
    I have said it before and I will say it again This forum is a absolute Godsend and a very big thank you to all of you that have taken the time to read and offer advice to me

    Yours in The Friendship Trust and Care of the forum

    HARPER04
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,697
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Friendship, empathy and sympathy are very helpful medicines, Harper. i think we all benefit greatly from those on here. It's nice to be thanked for them though. I hope things aren't too bad for you today.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • dibdab
    dibdab Member Posts: 1,498
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    So today is a new day again, hope that in your world it's an okay kind of day. Take care and be gentle with yourself.

    Deb xx
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    You are more than welcome, this is what the forum is about but it is pleasant to receive thanks. In the future you will be able to help others as your experience develops, yes? DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • barbara12
    barbara12 Member Posts: 21,280
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello Harper
    I am so sorry your pain is not under control..once you do get on top of it things will seems a little brighter..you ask to be referred to a pain clinic..and not sure if they do it were you live but around here they have counseling for this sought of thing..just to help get your head round it really..I do wish you well ..and don't forget we are always here and talking is a good release..
    Love
    Barbara
  • dachshund
    dachshund Member Posts: 8,899
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello Harper
    try not to worry things will sort there selves out and you will feel better.
    take care
    joan xx
    take care
    joan xx
  • Mat48
    Mat48 Member Posts: 1,075
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Harper. I just wanted to say, from one worrier to another - that it's the unknown limbo state of affairs which is the hardest I find. When we worriers know what we have wrong then we tend to deal with it. Good luck with it all. Mat x
    If you get lemons, make lemonade