Had xrays been told I have Arthritis

suzannes49

Went to see the doctors a few weeks back, with pain, lower back, hips, forearm, painful fingers, and shoulder. Hit gold when I got to see a Locum Gp who ran through some tests and sent me for xrays at the hospital. Xrays came back Arthritis in my neck and knee area. Since then I've had full blood counts taken for analysis should hear back from these soon. GP had initially suspected Osteoarthritis, been having pain in shoulders and neck since childhood, im hoping it's not rheumatoid arthritis. Any advice on first steps, my fingers, wrists and forearm are sore daily, my shoulder was frozen for hours today. Leaves me needing to sleep to take the pain away. Any advice on pain relief, suggestions for arthritis related aids. What should I be asking at the doctors please.

Poppyjane

Hallo @suzannes49 welcome to the online community

Whether you have OA or RA or any other form of arthritis you have come to the right place for friendship and support. We are here to offer you information, tips and advice as most of us have experience of living with arthritis.

Blood tests can be good indicators of the disease but are not always accurate so keeping a note of your symptoms to take to the consultations with your medical team is useful to help them with a diagnosis. Meanwhile managing your pain and the routines of daily life are really important.

Heat and cold pads , TENS machines, gels and creams all help relieve pain, it is often a case of try it and see if it suits you. There are many different products from prescribed medication, over the counter medication and complementary supplements that are available. Check with your local pharmacist about different combinations of drugs before you start.

I attach some links which I hope you will find helpful, but do come back to us with any questions

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

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/exercising-with-arthritis/exercises-for-healthy-joints/exercises-for-the-fingers-hands-and-wrists/

We are all being encouraged to exercise to help with our pain and mobility and there are a number of VA videos that are really helpful and fun to follow.

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/exercising-with-arthritis/exercises-for-healthy-joints/exercises-for-the-back/

We are glad you found us and hope to hear from you again soon.

Take care

Poppyjane

suzannes49

Thank you Poppyjane xx 😘