Reactive arthritis diagnosis

Giro

Hello All!

I have been reading through many posts and I am delighted to have found a supportive and comprehensive community here.

Here's my story so far:

I am a 39 year old woman, who up until recently, was a very fit and active personal trainer.

About a month ago I was on holiday and picked up a nasty salmonella infection. About 10 days later, I started to develop severe inflammation in my eyes which was bad enough to send me to the hospital. Luckily, I was seeing by several specialists who were able to diagnose quite quickly that I had developed reactive arthritis, triggered by the salmonella infection. The eye inflammation was followed by pretty severe inflammation in my knees, feet, wrists, back... basically all the classic symptoms of ReA. Initially the rheumatologist prescribed Naproxen... I was on that for about 10 days with no improvement, saw Dr again, they drained one of my knees and gave me a steroid injection which did help. Then prescribed prednisone which I have been on for a week with symptoms worsening each day, especially at night and in the morning, I am pretty much bedridden for hours on end. Also the prednisone leaves me feeling like crap mentally. Can't get back in to see rheumatologist for another 2 weeks and I am just trying to figure out how I will cope... I am wondering if anyone has found anything at all that has brought any real long term relief.

Thanks for taking the time to read my post and any guidance would be beyond appreciated.

Paula

noddingtonpete

Hello @Giro and welcome to the Community. We are a friendly and supportive group and I hope that you will find that as well.

I understand that you have reactive arthritis brought on by salmonella infection. Must have been a bit strange at first but a situation I can relate to as some years back I had an allergic reaction to something (unknown) and ended up with reactive arthritis myself. Hang on in there it will improve. In the meantime have a look through the following info from our website which may be of use.

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

Apart from the physical symptoms there is also the emotional side as it is a shock to us so also have a look at

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/managing-symptoms/emotional-wellbeing/

The thing to remember is that you are not alone and now among friends, many of which have an understanding of what you are going through, so please do keep posting and let us know how you are getting on and I am sure that others will connect with you to share their thoughts and experiences as well.

With very best wishes

Peter (moderator)

Giro

Thank you Peter.

I will read up on everything I can! I am so relieved to find a supportive community here. There are not many resources for reactive arthritis out there! Yes, the shock and suddenness of the condition is definitely another component that is very difficult to accept, something I am working through every day. Thanks again!

Paula