Living with arthritis

Pats

Hi all

I'm so confused as to what I was told of my surgery doctor yesterday. I was diagnosed with ra in 2017 - 2018 I've been in pain but was getting by with stick and support. Over the last year my pain has been worse and in places I've never had pain in. I went to hospital had injection in toe as I had fluid under toes. Received letter December saying signs of osteoarthritis and fibromyia but no one ever called about it. I found out I had fibromyia when I had call with doc because my paln getting worse. But said talk about another time. Now my other doctor said all my pain and fingers seizing up bony thing sticking out side my feet , arm muscle aching etc is menopause. I've been asking for months for sick note with ra and oa but refuses every month comes up with excuse now sending for bloods just won't admit its osteoarthritis. My hospital nurse even told me I have it don't understand y he's being so horrible I'm stressed as I can barely get out now jobcentre think I'm lying and want to send me to interview Stacking shelves. I don't know what to do head's spinning with it all x

Poppyjane

Hello @Pats welcome to the online community

You have RA and OA and fibromyalgia which is giving you a lot of pain. You do not feel as though you are being listened to properly by your doctor who has not given you a sick note even though you struggle to get out. Another doctor has suggested that you may have menopause symptoms . You say you are confused I am not surprised.

We are here to offer you information and support and I am sure there are some members who have had similar experiences of the impact of the menopause on arthritic symptoms. I attach some links which I hope you will find helpful particularly Sarah's story.

https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2021/august/i-wanted-to-get-my-arthritis-pain-under-control-i-wasn-t-thinking-about-the-menopause/

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/fibromyalgia/

https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2021/october/new-stretching-videos-to-help-keep-moving-and-manage-your-arthritis/

Many of us living with arthritis have found that exercise helps improve our muscle and joint health. The new stretching videos are really good because they allow you to do everything at your own pace, you can build up gradually and will soon begin to notice the benefits. I was surprised at how after a few days my spirits lifted and as well I began to sleep better which helped me enormously.

I hope you get a chance to look round the online community , we are a friendly group and offer a safe place to share. So do join us again soon.

Take care

Poppyjane