Hi folks just saying hello.
For maybe 8, 9 years i've had lots of back, flank and rib pain at times very intense, were i would struggle to pull my self out of bed. I always put this down to work. I drive for a living and thought sitting for long periods of time was the cause. Around 2 years ago i decided to get it checked out, explained to the Dr, also told him i was always really tired. Had lots of bloods done. Kidneys, liver, lungs checked had ct scan done. All come back normal. Then August 2016 swelling appeared on my right ankle, stiff sore jaws.had bloods done again... uric acid levels were a little raised. Had x-ray done, nothing showing. Then around january my right knee began to swell, left ring finger is tight at times. Between January and April my bloods were showing lots of inflammation. Lots of stifness around my hips, inner legs were throbbing. Was referred to a rheumy. Attended end of june, lots of fluid was extracted from my knee. Consultant said i have inflammatory arthritis just need to find out what form of it i had, was given a kenalog injection and started on sulfasalazine working up to 6 per day. Since started on them my arms, wrists, legs throb everyday each taking a turn. Had Mri last week. Got rheumy next week for results. Seen rheumy nurse 2 weeks ago said my inflammation haf come down but tested posative on one of my blood test, rheumy Dr will talk about it. Since been back to my of GP and he told me my inflammation had gone up again. I just dont feel covinced i have arthritis.
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I am sorry to hear about the pain and other symptoms you have been experiencing for the last 8/9 years. It is good that you are being seen by a rheumatologist and have started medication for inflammatory arthritis.
It can be very hard to accept a diagnosis of arthritis; many of the members on here have had to go through a period of time, possibly of ongoing symptoms, before they actually believe the diagnosis is real. This is totally understandable and coming on here will really help you, as you share your story with others and they share theirs with you too.
I attach a link to Arthritis Care’s information entitled ‘Do I have Arthritis’. If you haven’t already seen it, it might help to read it.
https://www.arthritiscare.org.uk/do-i-have-arthritis
As moderators we are here to help with any problems you may have using the message boards so feel free to send us a message if you need to.
I look forward to seeing you posting on the boards.
Best wishes
Ellen
Sulph was the first DMARD I was given, I have a friend with the same arthritis as me (psoriatic) who is very well controlled with six tablets per day and has been for year; I joke he has the 'lite' version
Dreamdaisy, iam not sure if anyone in my family has any auto immune problems. I dont really keep in contact with them.
Weepth2k10.
It does look likely to me too I'm sorry.
It sounds as though the rheumatologist might have an idea if what the nurse said was right about your bloods.
I am so sorry you have had to join us, but if it's any help at all it does take a LOT of getting your head around. Initially for me it was absolutely denial, then I was convinced my life was over.
Now however I believe it's true and time has proven that life is actually pretty good. Different for sure, but still good
Take care and keep talking to us - it helps!
Love
Toni xxx
Toni xxx
So ive been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis. Had seen rheumy yesterday MRI of spine and perlvis shows my spine is ok, but hips have lots of inflammation one worse than other. Bloods still showing lots of inflammation. Tested positive for
HLA B27. Now this is where iam confused, my ankle is still swollen with discomfort, the right knee has no swelling but both knee and thigh throb.... not really painful, just discomfort with persistant throbbing. My shoulder muscles, elbows, wrists and hand ache..and take a turn each. I asked rheumy about this she said its all connected. Ive to continue with the sulfasalazine, but givin another anti inflammatory. If these dont work shes going to put me on somthing else cant really remember what this was though. Good news is she said i can go back to work.
Weepth.
I worked for many years whilst my arthritis worsened but had the luxury of being self-employed - my boss was very understanding.
How do you feel about the diagnosis? Are you any more reconciled to it?
Weepth2k10
Any advice would be appreciated.