hi-im new!

denzie

hi all.
Ive been reading this forum for a few weeks with much interest. Its taken me a while to pluck up the courage to join but as the members seem friendly and very helpful i thought maybe i would join.

My joint problem is being investigated by my gp at present. Ive had a neg RF result but a high ESR result. My gp has told me that although rheumatiod arthritis isnt the problem at the moment it my well be in the future. Until that time ive to take ibuprofen 3 times a day and paracetamol to control the pain.Ive to go back to my gp if the ibuprofen dose isnt controlling the pain. My joints on my hands,elbows and wrists are painful. My knees and ankle joints also get painful-even my big toe joint hurts at times!!! I gather this process of investigation is normal from reading the posts on here. Its just so frustrating when i have to endure the burning pain and not knowing what it is. Thankyou for reading.
Any advise would be grately appreciated.

denzie

badger

welcome to the site.

I hope every thing goes well for you. I do not suffer from arther myself but I have had problems with certain pain killers and anti inflamitaries and have chosen the pain over the side effects.

eckstardeluxe

Hi Denzie

Weclome to the site, you will be glad you came onboard. I've been so much more positive since speaking to people on here, I have OA so can't help but there are loads of people here who will answer all your questions.

joanlawson

Hello Denzie
I am also quite new to the site, but I wjsh I had known about it a year ago when my arthritis first started to cause problems. You will find lots of kind people to give you advice and support. Try the chat site too if you just want to smile or send a message about anything really.

You sound to be having a lot of pain at the moment and I really sympathise with you. I hope you soon get a diagnosis; then at least you will know what you are dealing with.

If you are taking 3 ibuprfen a day you might be running the risk of side effects on your stomach. Another good anti-inflammatory drug is Diclofenac, which worked well on me, but I had to take one Omeprazole tablet in the morning to protect my stomach. It might be worth asking your GP about this as Ibuprofen is in the same group of drugs. You don't want a stomach ulcer to add to your problems.

Take care
Joan

jaspercat

Hi Denzie, a high ESR is due to inflamation, I would suggest that you ask for a referral to a Rheumatologist, if it is RA then only they can prescribe DMARDS which you will need, the longer they leave it the worst things will become, hope you can get it sorted out soon love Jaspercatxx

jackie1955

Hi, Welcome from me too

I have pain in the same areas you've mentioned, and awful stiffness plus swelling which moves around! I think the tiredness everyone speaks of is now kicking in too, it takes me ages to get ready in the mornings, by lunchtime I need a nap!

I find it quite strange my body having so much pain and aching, yet I don't actually feel ill (thank goodness), you know, like when you have a really bad cold and you feel just lousy - well I feel fine (Hope that doesn't alter!).

This site has been invaluable to me, particularly reading postings from folk who have been coming on a long time - their experience and support is fantastic

denzie

hi all

First of all thanks for the replys and advise that you have all given.

joan-sorry i forgot to say that i do take omeprazole to protect my stomach. thankyou for your concern.

I do feel a little confused to be honest as my gp has said that because i have an high esr that there is "something going on!" but she wants me to see how i get on taking the ibuprofen and if i find im having to take the max dose to keep my symptoms at bay then she will change the medication. I know a diagnoisis isnt easy to confirm but i feel a little fobbed off playing the waiting game. My gp has even said she can see which visable joints are affected before i have told her. I guess i have to play the wating game and always remember that there is other people much worse than me.

Is it normal to get a burning pain in certain joints then it seems to move to other joints almost like a trail of destruction!! as i type, my knuckle on my left hand is painful as well as my toe joints.

once again thanks all.

denzie

magenta

Hi Denzie,
Welcome to the site
Magenta

Wonkylegs

hiDenzie,

welcome!

I would advise you to concentrate on the easing of symptoms rather than the strict definition of what is actually going on - often the first is more important than the label you're given!

also most of the treatment is similar whatever it is, so better to get on with the treatment and see what works (that's how we all seem to go ..... it's a lot of wait and see I'm aftraid until they find what works for you)

try to keep positive if you can - it does help .... honest!

greyheron

Hi Denzie

Just to say welcome to the site.

I am in a different situation from you (OA diagnosed) so can't offer any specific advice or feedback, but I find everyone on this site really helpful and supportive and hope you do too.

Take care

Wendy

nearlybionic

Hi Denzie
I wanted to say hi and welcome. I can`t advise on RA as I have OA, but can sympathise with pain and stiffness. I hope you find this site as helpful and the people here a supportive as I have.
NB

woodbon

I have oa in my lumber and cervical spine, hips and hands. I can't take anti inflammatories, as I have had problems with them, but I take co-dydromol and amatriptayline at night and that helps. I have my bloods tested regularlly to check its still all clear, I've seen a rheumatlolgist because I've got carpel tunnel syndrome (treated with steriod injections) and had x-rays and an MRI, which showed that part of my neck problems is a compressed nerve from a bone spur. :? Blimmy what a lot. Anyway, x-rays and scans can help with diagnosis, even osteo. My GP sent me for my first x-ray.

Welcome to the site. I hope you get some more help from your GP, in the first instance. Love Sue xx

colinone

Hi denzie
Just a welcome to the site hope it turns out ok for you catch you round the site
Colin

lindalegs

Yes Denzie, it is quite usual to get the burning sensation in your joints - sometimes with swelling and sometimes not also your joints can feel very sore and bruised but you can't see any bruises.

I'm sorry to say it's just a waiting game at the beginning and you have to be patient.

Welcome to site site anyway I'm glad you've found us there'll always be someone who should be able to answer your questions.

Take care.

Luv Legs

denzie

hi all

Thanks for your replys. I dont feel quite so confused now ive read your replys. Its nice to be able to communicate with people who are experiencing similar symptoms and who offer help and support.

denzie.

denzie

lindalegs wrote:

Yes Denzie, it is quite usual to get the burning sensation in your joints - sometimes with swelling and sometimes not also your joints can feel very sore and bruised but you can't see any bruises.

I'm sorry to say it's just a waiting game at the beginning and you have to be patient.

Welcome to site site anyway I'm glad you've found us there'll always be someone who should be able to answer your questions.

Take care.

Luv Legs

Hi linda.

thanks for making me feel im not going mad!!! When my wrists hurt with the burning pain and also felt bruised then my toe joints would take a turn i thought i was imaging it!!
denzie

noeltone

Hi my only advice would be keep on at Gps etc and if it is RA then best advice is to get on treating it cos the earlier they prescribe something thru elimination of tablets etc the better it is to protect the joints early treatment is better have you been to rheumy??? Chrisov

denzie

noeltone wrote:

Hi my only advice would be keep on at Gps etc and if it is RA then best advice is to get on treating it cos the earlier they prescribe something thru elimination of tablets etc the better it is to protect the joints early treatment is better have you been to rheumy??? Chrisov

hiya.

Thanks for your advice. My gp didnt refer me to a rheumy. she told me to take the brufen and see how i go. She said it may go away so who knows. That was almost 2 weeks ago. im still getting joint pain and swelling to date. Not excruciating pain though just an achey burning pain although the swelling is visiable on my wrists and knuckles. A little reluctant to go back too soon incase she thinks im a time waster :?
thanks
denzie

skezier

[quote="denzie"
Hi Denzie,
Late saying hi and welcome to the site, it is a very good site and there are a lot of nice people as well.
I think you should go back to your GP and ask for a referral. If she thinks your a time waster it doesn't matter as long as she does something. I do find gp's are a bit slow to try and find out what is wrong with us at times and maybe yours needs some gentle pushing.
At the end of the day it is the gp's job to sort you out or at least send you to someone who can, sometimes they forget that. Good luck and take care.

ramummy

Hi there - my advice would be to go back to your GP as often as possible to get that referral - my RA started while I was pregnant (apparently very unusual!) and my old GP laughed me out of her office when I went to see her about my symptoms - needless to say I changed GP, got referred to a rheumy, was diagnosed in Oct 2008 as sero-positive RA and started DMARD treatment (MTX) in Jan 2009 - I'm still suffering too so get down there moan like hell and get them moving to fix you - there's bound to be a waiting list after all!!

Hope you get some answers soon.

x

barberella

Hi Denzie,


Just wanted to say hello as I saw you responded to my topic yesterday. Also I know how you are feeling. My doctor was reluctant to refer me too. I saw a different gp at the same practise, who was a little more sympathetic. As others have said perhaps try a different gp or simply go back and ask again to be refered. How long has this been going on?

Good luck, hope you get sorted soon.
Jo.

chalky

Hi Denzie,

Welcome from me too .

I think you welcomed me in my post before so bak at ya bud.

Cheers