Suspected RA

Crizmiff

Hi, I’ve had severe shoulder pain for about 6 weeks, I’ve had blood tests and ultra sound/ x rays and expect a full diagnosis this Thursday. I would just like to say that since experiencing the pain I have ceased to exercise. I was cycling about 100k a week in the summer. As well as the shoulder pain I had stiff and painful legs joints which I put down to the same cause as my shoulder. However, I have since got so fed up with the situation I took my bike out and just poodles along for a few miles to see how I got on. The difference in my lower limbs was extraordinary, the stiffness has gone, the aches too and a bit of strength has returned. I intend doing a few miles every day from now on. It’s common to think you cannot do any exercise when arthritis hits but it could be confined certain parts of your body and you may be able relieve discomfort with gentle exercise of the bits unaffected. Now I’m dealing with itching from the meds I’m on. Hi hum.

Woofy

https://community.versusarthritis.org/discussion/58956/suspected-ra

Fantastic that you were able to do some cycling. Just don’t over do it. If you can put up with the itching, it might mean it will settle when your body gets used to medication.

Ellen

Hi @Crizmiff

I have to agree with you about exercise. It can be difficult to get started when you are in pain, but our joints need our muscles to be strong to support them.

You might want to take a look at these:

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/your-experiences/hints-and-tips/exercise-hints-and-tips/

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/exercising-with-arthritis/

I hope you get your diagnosis this Thursday

Best of luck

Ellen.

frogmorton

Wishing you all the best at rheumatology on Thursday @Crizmiff

Fingers crossed 🤞 you get your diagnosis. I felt much better when I knew what I was up against.

Toni x

Crizmiff

After the appointment yesterday, doc reckons it’s psoriatic arthritis. Although I have no skin problems and he has now prescribed steroids initially for a couple of weeks and then metatrixate. I don’t like what I have read here regarding this drug but will give it a go. I was in so much joint pain for a month that I’ll give anything a try. Thank you all for your comments and all the best. Crizmiff.