Newbie

Sessaregok
Sessaregok Member Posts: 2
edited 28. Nov 2023, 14:09 in Living with arthritis

Good Morning,

I'm Kate, I've been having problems with the joints in my hands, wrists and knees for a few years but nothing so significant that its lead to anything more than rest and ibuprofen. Two weeks ago I got up of the sofa and was met with excruciating pain in my left knee which within a day or two was followed by pain in my right knee. Over the following days the pain has got worse, I currently can't drive or stand in the same position for more than a few seconds.

I have a family history of RA and had a blood test on Thursday to look for inflammation as the GP has hinted he thinks that's probably what's going on.

I feel a little bit lost at the moment, sort of stuck in no man's land, I'm in a lot of pain, it's hard to focus on anything else other tbh, I've got Neproxen and painkillers and am doing my best to manage it but I have periods where the pain is all consuming.

I know help is coming if that makes sense, but tests and referrals are needed and that stuff takes time but I wondered how others coped in this period and how the process works assuming the blood tests come back as expected.

I'd appreciate any advice really.

Comments

  • anneb82
    anneb82 Member Posts: 317

    Hello @Sessaregok

    Welcome to the online community and thank you for joining us. I hope that you will find this a safe and friendly space where you can share more as you go through your journey.

    So you have a family history of RA and have been having problems with your hands, wrists and knees for a few years. A couple of weeks ago as your were getting up from sitting on the sofa you experienced excruciating pain in your left knee which was joined by your right knee a couple of days later. You are now at the point where you can not drive or stand in the same position for more than a few seconds and the pain has gotten worse.

    You are having a blood test on Thursday and have been prescribed Naproxen and pain killers. Your doctor thinks that it may be RA due to the symptoms and family history. Your wondering what the process is like and how others coped in this situation while they were waiting for a diagnosis.

    First of all, its completely understandable to be feeling the way that you do. Regardless of your family history, any uncertainty when it comes to our change in health is scary. You have to allow yourself to take your times to process everything, especially if you do end up with a positive diagnosis.

    With regards to what happens and how long they take, if you are referred to a rheumatologist than you may have a number of weeks to wait. Every area have there own waiting times so it just all depends. In the mean time your GP will look after you when it comes to your pain management.

    Ive attached some links below which I think will be helpful for you so please do have a read when you have a chance.

    https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/managing-symptoms/managing-your-pain/
    https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/

    Please do let us know how you are getting on and Im sure you will get lots of advice from other members with there own bits of advice for you.

    Take care

    Anne (Moderator)

  • Woofy
    Woofy Member Posts: 358
    https://community.versusarthritis.org/discussion/58636/newbie

    Hi Kate. Sorry to hear you are having a ruff time at the moment.

    I have recently been diagnosed with RA. Like you I sort of woke up one day, hardly able to get out of bed.

    I have to say it was the worst pain ever, and yes you are right it does consume you. I was really frightened by it all.

    I saw my G P, and was lucky I got an appointment at hospital within about 6 weeks.

    i like you managed on Naproxen for a fair few months, I had to take paracetamol in between, but it hardly made an difference.

    I felt so low, and really miserable. In August I went back to the hospital, and saw a young doctor, who prescribed a short course of steroids. All I can say is Wow!! What a difference. I’m on my second short course, and taking new arthritis meds started this week.

    keep contact with your GP/ hospital, and let them know if what you are taking is not helping. I am sure they will get you on the correct meds soon. Sometimes it just takes a little while. Good luck.

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