Reactive Arthritis

carolineb89

hello, i was wondering if can help me with some info. I am 25yr old and have had pain in my joints (swelling, clicking, grinding) hands and knees/ankles/hip for last 5years i went to doctors they then referred me to see specialist which said it was reactive arthritis. I had a baby 16month ago and since then my joints have felt more sore, being sore to use my hands to cut veg/fruit / writing. my knees are hurting all time i cant run or do to much exercise as they swell then more pain.

I am wondering what i can do as the doctors dont seem to be interested in the amount of pain and hassle it causes me. I have been off work since had baby and I want go back to work but way i feel in pain I am unsure what i can manage. The pain never goes away even with painkillers. Its getting me down at how much pain and being unable to certain things. Thanks

helpline_team

Hello carolineb89

Thank you for your posting, I’m sorry to hear about the pain you have been experiencing. It sounds as if you’ve got a lot to contend with being in pain, as well as having a baby of 16 months which in itself is a lot of work.

You say that the specialist said you have reactive arthritis. You also mention soreness and pain, effecting your hands and knees. We are not medically trained on the Helplines and are unable to offer individual medical advice, however it sounds like some clarification about what’s going on for you is necessary.

Here is a link to an Arthritis Research UK publication called ‘What is arthritis’ which talks about some of the different types of arthritis that may be of interest: http://www.arthritisresearchuk.org/arthritis-information/conditions/arthritis/what-is-arthritis.aspx

Below is a link to the Arthritis Research UK publication ‘Reactive arthritis’, where you will see it mentions it being a ‘relatively short lived condition’. I wonder if you could get a 2nd opinion to find out what’s happening.
http://www.arthritisresearchuk.org/arthritis-information/conditions/reactive-arthritis.aspx

You are most welcome to call us on our Freephone helplines: 0808 800 4050 (weekdays 10-4) here we can give you the time to talk through any concerns, informally and in confidence. If you prefer you could email us on helplines@arthritiscare.org.uk

I hope this is of some help.

Best wishes
Lynda

carolineb89

Hi lynda

thank you for reply think i will go back to doctors and push for them to find out! Yes the specialist said its reactive and wont be that bad but that was 3-4yr ago and never gone away!

Thank you very much

carolineb89

hello again, I have been back to docs they didnt even look over my sore joints just sent me for blood tests and gave painkillers. I have no word about the tests which they said the would say if was problem so guessing there wasnt, but i am in total pain with my joints last week they even be worse. Is there anything i can ask them to check or do? Going back tomorrow to try as the joints are no stopping me from doing day to day things and hard to cope with 18month old when in pain! thanks

stickywicket

Hi Caroline. I'm just an ordinary forum member not someone from the Helplines but I read your post and thought I'd step in as you say you go back to the doc tomorrow.

You were diagnosed with ReA but it has been going on for a long time and normally ReA doesn't, though it can recur.

I'd guess the blood tests are to check what's going on with your inflammatory levels and rheumatoid factor. If your GP is content to just prescribe pain relief you could always ask to see the rheumatologist again as, just occasionally, ReA can turn to R.A.

Is there any kind of arthritis in your family?

carolineb89

Hello , thanks for reply! yes had it now for least 5 years all the time the pain never goes away at all even with painkillers!

yes i think i will ask to be seen by them again and make the try find out why it is always so painful. Last few months i have got worse and worse that cutter veg or even pressing shutter on my camera (photographer) hurts so much.

My grandad has R.A. on my mothers side. no one else seems to have it in the family that i know of.

stickywicket

Please make sure that all concerned are aware of your grandad's RA as auto-immune diseases can have a genetic component.

Make a list of questions you want to ask so that you don't forget anything. Good luck

carolineb89

Thank will do! hopefully get some answers soon!