Advice please!

Ciara87

Hi there! I'm just looking some advice. I haven't been diagnosed but I'm 35 years old and have been suffering with terrible pains in my arms and hands. I had bloods done before Christmas and it came back that my ESR level was 35. I then had them repeated last week and it came back as 42. I have been told that I just need it repeated again in 2 months time! I am in agony, day and night and can't sleep most nights. I don't know how I'm going to last another 2 months like this. Does this sound like arthritis symptoms? Any advice please?

Ellen

Hi there @Ciara87 Lovely to meet you and welcome you to the online community.

I can see from your post that you are struggling with terrible pains in your arms and hands. Blood tests have shown ESR of 35 raising now to 42. I am not medically trained so not in a position to diagnose, but our members will no doubt share their experience with you and in the meantime his article about investigations might be useful for you to read:

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/healthcare-professionals/training-and-education-resources/clinical-assessment-of-patients-with-musculoskeletal-conditions/investigations/

Sometimes we need to be quite assertive with our Drs which isn't easy to do, but if you don't eel you can wait 2 more months in this level of pain you need to say so. Maybe having someone with you either on your phone consult or in person might help you?

You could always telephone our helpline for advice too?

https://www.versusarthritis.org/get-help/helpline/

Best wishes

Ellen.