Pending diagnosis.....

Rob_O

Hi all,

Here because the GP thinks I may well have some form of arthiritis.

Story is that I'm 60 years old and pretty fit. Existing long term conditions of type 1 diabetes and osteoperosis. About July last year I started getting achy knees but nothing really to worry about. I run so thought it was just a temporary thing related to that.

Still not right in February so, at that point, started visiting physios and doctors to try to figure out cause. A month ago went to GP with iffy knees and a swollen ankle and end result of that process is that a couple of days ago I was referred to rheumatology department at Torbay hospital. In the last week I've developed pain in both upper arms, a little finger, a thumb, and yesterday my neck. Pain, particularly first thing in the morning, is really quite nasty - still able to dress myself but any worse and that might be problematic.

Blood tests are showing no signs of cause so no definite idea on what the specific cause is. I've been given some Naproxen and Codeine.

Does anyone have any decent coping strategies? I'm aware that there are videos out there for exercises but I've tried various of those but with no joy.

Also any thought on how long you'd expect me to have to wait to see a specialist? (….yeah, I know that would largely be guesswork.)

Thanks

Naomi33

Morning @Rob_0 and welcome to the online community.

Sorry to hear your concerns about awaiting new diagnosis and coping strategies.

I personally believe you should keep moving and try and do as much as your body allows.

I found morning difficult at first but learnt techniques of getting up and out of bed. Then getting dressed by adapting clothes and using accessories when necessary.

Everyone is different but a diagnosis and medication again varies and finding the right one to suit your condition.

I kept a diary and took photos of swollen and deformed joints as evidence to show professional and was very persistent with them to get answers and results.

I am sure others will connect with you soon.

Best wishes @Naomi33

Eeyore

Hello @Rob_O

How long to wait to see a specialist? How long is a piece of string……! It depends so much on individual hospitals, their staffing levels, how busy they are, etc. etc. In my case an urgent referral by my GP (in 2023) took 3 months to get an appointment with a consultant and even now it's slightly more difficult to get an appointment with the rheumatology dept (NO chance of seeing a consultant again) than a doctor's appointment - and that's saying something! But I expect it's similar in most hospitals these days. My GP was/is very helpful with regard to painkillers. And once you receive the correct medication for your condition you will be able to manage day-to-day actions more easily. There is a lot of help out there, once they know what your particular health problem is. Let's hope they find that out p.d.q.

fred890

It’s good that your GP took things seriously and referred you to rheumatology, early intervention can make a big difference, even without a firm diagnosis yet. In the meantime, you might want to keep a detailed symptom journal. It helps track what worsens or eases the pain, and can be really useful when you finally see the specialist.

frogmorton

100% agree with @fred890 keep records

What happens - when - for how long

How does it impact your life (work, home, driving etc)

I took photos of swelling and measured just how swollen things were too.

Don't forget other symptoms like maybe a raised temperature any rashes exhaustion.

Good luck I hope you'll let us know how you get on

Toni x

Rob_O

Thanks to all for the comments and advice. Latest state of play is that I've organised a zoom call with physio for tomorrow to see what they recommend. Also contacted rheumatology dept today and they have received referral and put me on the urgent list. Estimated wait time of 2 or 3 months and I've started a diary to keep track of things leading up to that. Fingers crossed it'll happen earlier but that's a shorter wait than I was preparing myself for.

My right wrist has also joined in the fun. Is this kind of thing standard where lots of different parts of the body start hurting in rapid succession?

Rob_O

Some good news here as I've heard my initial visit to rheumatology is now booked for Friday. So looks like an urgent referral in Torbay takes about 3 weeks. Not sure how that relates to other parts of the country.