Rheumatoid

leea71

Hi all, i would would love to speak to someone with rheumatoid arthritis, as i have all the symptoms, i am waiting to see a rheumatologist, thanks for listening xx

Annj

Hi, Welcome to the forum, thanks for joining us.

Is it your GP who has suggested it may be rheumatoid arthritis? Have you had any tests so far? Waiting for a diagnosis can be a worrying time. The forum is a supportive and friendly place and good for talking through worries and concerns. Are there any particular questions you'd like to ask? Do you feel able to say a little about the symptoms you are getting? We can't give medical advice of course, but there are many forum members with RA and I'm sure they will be happy to share their thoughts and tell their stories here.

Here is a link to information about rheumatoid arthritis, including diagnosis, treatment and advice on living with the condition: https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/

With best wishes,

Ann

leea71

Hi ann, thank you for replying, no it was a doctor i saw about carpal tunnel, i had the tests and it turns out that i don't have it, he has forwarded me on to a rheumatologist, i have had blood tests, which don't show anything, i saw an immunologist this year and she did an ANA panel and said that was fine to? My symptoms are, my hands are constantly swollen, my wrists and elbows hurt, my shoulders have tender points, i have muscle wasting in both thumbs, dry eyes, dry lips, i wake up with my tongue stuck to the roof of my mouth, as the day goes on the pains get worse in my hands, arms, shoulders, back, i finish work and im in agony, i also have raynaud's and hypothyroidism, yep life's not great at the moment, but thank you for listening, 😘

Ziggy123

Hi I'm knew on here..and when I say knew I mean yours is the first post I've read and commented on. And the reason is because I've been were you are now and I know exactly what your going through physically and emotionally. I'm 44 I first started to get pains about 10 years ago. I never went to the drs for months because I believed pain would go away. But it didnt, it got worse and worse..my wife literally took me by the ear as I was constantly moaning all the time ( something I didnt mean to do). But daily life in general was getting tough with work and I had twin boys who were small at the time. To cut a long story short hang in there I know how hard it is but they will get you onto something that will work for you..the worst thing is it might take some time it can be a slow process of different drugs..but dont despair. I can talk if you need to I know how hard it can be.

leea71

Hi, thank you for replying, i know what you are saying everytime i use my hands they swell even more, its the drugs they give people, i work in a pharmacy and know to well about the side effects, but not every body has them im sure! Have you had a diagnosis? And what medication do you take? And how is your life now? Thank you so xx

Ziggy123

I'm on a bilogic drug leah called humeria for RA. Which has given me my life back if I'm being totally honest..I've been on methotrexate which made me very nauseous all the time, although I know it works well for alot of people. I've also tried sulphazaline which again didnt work for me. Rheumatology would also give me steroid injections which did have a good effect but it only lasted a month or two then the pain would come back. The pain is one side if RA I used to come in from my work and sit down drained like my body was put through a marathon or something. Then my body would just tighten up like every part was in pain it was awful if I'm being honest with you. But life got much better for me and I'm so thankful for everything now.

leea71

Oh bless you, excatly i stand at work and watch my fingers change a different colour, it sounds like it has been a long hard slog for you, i am adamant that i will not try methotrexate, my hair is already thin due to my thyriod, plus i already have tinnitus which is manageable at the moment, i mean just how am i supposed to work with putting new drugs in my body, the thought terrifies me to be honest, i am so glad you are able to function , thank you for taking the time to reply, i really appreciate it xxx

Ziggy123

I know it's a worrying time for you. I just hope they can get you onto something that works well for you. It can take a while but I promise you will get there. If I can help in any way please ask xx

leea71

Thank you. You have been so king and positive, i will keep you updated xx

leea71

Kind even lool xx