Morning pain/stiffness

AndrewP30
AndrewP30 Member Posts: 1
edited 4. Jan 2025, 14:11 in Living with arthritis

Good evening, I hope someone may be able to advise? I have recently been diagnosed with Seronegative Arthritis, having also suffered with Osteoarthritis for some years.

It has always been my understanding that most people with RA suffer first thing in the morning… for me my pain and stiffness is towards the end of the day and into the evening. I have a manual job and I am on my feet most of the day, predominantly the pain, stiffness and swelling is with my left ankle. Is this quite unusual to suffer in the evening opposed to first thing in the morning, or can the condition be that variable amongst different people?

I also have another question. On the recommendation from the Orthopaedic consultant I am seeing, they have advised that I need ankle fusion… fusion of the subtalar joint to be precise. However, the Rheumatologist I am under has tried to deter me from doing so and has suggested I try ‘Biological Therapy’ before commencing any surgical treatments? This has left me totally confused and unsure where to turn!?

Has anyone had similar experiences? Any advice or thoughts would be most welcomed.

Thanks

Andrew

Comments

  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 30,227

    Interesting @AndrewP30

    I was always told it was in general symmetrical RA even if it's seronegative like me and that the stiffness was 100% worse after periods of rest as it was with me. Even 10 minutes sitting during a flare could see me stuck in agony in position. Also I can have a slightly high temperature, very really, really ludicrously exhausted and, well, ill to be honest during a flare.

    However has the rheumatologist found something during their tests? Have they found erosions for instance on joints during scans or 'something else' in your bloods like a very high ESR or CRP? Having an inflammatory type of arthritis untreated for along time can cause bone damage and mean we need surgeries of course.

    Perhaps it might be worth asking which kind of seronegative arthritis (its only the R factor that is negative after all) they suspect? There are several.

    I wonder what medication you are already taking? I mean another DMARD (disease modifying anti rheumatic drug) like maybe sulfasalazine or hydroxychloroquine? It's unusual to go from no treatment to a biologic drug.

    More questions than answers there sorry😣

    Maybe someone else might know more?

    Take care Andrew

    Toni x

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