New to arthritis

suzido
suzido Member Posts: 2
edited 10. May 2025, 08:28 in Living with arthritis

I’m so pleased I have finally joined this amazing site.

I feel as if I’m going mad as medical professionals do not seem to believe me when I explain what is wrong.

I wake up every morning with horrendous stiffness in my back, hips, ankles, shoulders, wrists and hands. I struggle to move out of bed in the morning. The stiffness eases throughout the day but never goes. Then returns with a vengeance next morning.
I have been for blood tests- nothing. They noted some deterioration in my thumb joints and said this was basic wear and tear and diagnosed osteoarthritis. I was prescribed som ibuprofen and happily sent on my way.

I will be 60 in July, under 9 stone and 5ft 3. Up until 12 months ago I was fine.
im literally at a loss, but my gut tells me this is not normal. I don’t have swelling or redness, just constant pain and stiffness.

Any suggestions on what I do next?

Thanks so much.

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Comments

  • colette_Pope
    colette_Pope Member Posts: 2

    I went to see a physiotherapist and she then told the dr to make a referral to Rheumatology. Maybe ask your GP to refer you to Rheumatology, so they can investigate further. Good luck x

  • PJoanne
    PJoanne Moderator Posts: 289

    Hello @suzido

    Welcome to the forum, its great to have you here with us.

    Struggling to get out of bed in the morning due to stiffness sounds like something the GP should refer to Rheumatology, regardless of blood test results. Do the ibuprofen help? I would go back to the GP and push for a referal.

    All the best Joanne

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

  • fred890
    fred890 Member Posts: 20

    Ah yes, the classic “you’re fine, it’s just wear and tear” diagnosis... meanwhile your whole body feels like it ran a marathon in your sleep.

  • EmmaLa
    EmmaLa Member Posts: 4

    I think I was lucky that I found a GP that know which blood tests to do and referred my to a Rheumatologist. Definitely go back to the GP and ask for a referral.

    My Rheumatologist told me that the GP could not order the specific tests for Rheumatoid arthritis, so I am waiting on results of a month apart comparison tests - next appointment on May 20th and have to go for the next bloods on Monday. Still living in hope that it's reactive inflammatory arthritis!

    It's a slow process but as soon as you get an appointment they do look after you.

  • suzido
    suzido Member Posts: 2

    thanks for all your suggestions it’s so nice to hear your comments directly from the people that have this condition. X

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