Atypical presentation? - dr doesn't believe me?

Ajagpd
Ajagpd Member Posts: 10
edited 4. Feb 2025, 11:23 in Living with arthritis

Hey all so I was diagnosed with inflammatory arthritis in both knees, rheum confirmed it's not rheumatoid arthritis which is good news and said it was very likely from being hypermobile as a child. It took 8 years to get to this point.

However I am now having pain in both shoulders, deep inside towards the front of the joint, a dull, sick to your stomach pain. I've told the rheumatologist but he just doesn't seem to believe me, he won't check them even to rule out arthritis, im going to go to my GP to have a look in the interim but just so hard to be sore and to just point blank be refused.

I do also get mild pain in my toes and fingers but no swelling and it's more sharp/burning but was told it's bad shoes and ex-hypermobility im less worried about this to be honest as the pain is manageable and I can go about my day.

Im not sure what the rheum thinks i would have to gain from lying, but im so disheartened. I thought i was finally in the right place after my knees were diagnosed.

Not really asking for anything, just needed to vent. I get its not maybe normal to have arthritis in larger joints and not smaller ones but it's just so frustrating!

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Comments

  • annabanana
    annabanana Moderator Posts: 105

    hi @Ajagpd , I’m so sorry to hear about your pain and even more so by the fact that you feel ignored by your rheumatologist. I have attached a link on shoulder pain as well as a link to the versus arthritis pain tracker, I have personally had positive experiences with it and feel as though it helps show my rheumatologist a map of where/when you experience pain to aid in treatment.

    https://versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/shoulder-pain/
    https://versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/young-people/arthritis-tracker/

    I hope things improve for you and please keep us updated.

    Need more help? - call our Helpline on 0800 5200 520 Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm

  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 30,189

    How frustrating for you @Ajagpd

    Maybe your gP could get you some scans on your shoulders? I have an issue with one (slightly both) of mine. In our area physios refer you for scans.

    It sounds as though you feel really fobbed off.

    Some of us have actually braved changing Drs you know. A big decision which I personally haven't done myself. Maybe you could (if you don't already) take someone with you to your next appt sometimes it helps to have 2 of you there. Less likely to be dismissed.

    Take care

    Toni x

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