scared myself today!!

joanlawson
joanlawson Member Posts: 8,681
edited 24. Feb 2009, 06:36 in Living with Arthritis archive
The last two days I have felt pains everywhere, it seems. I normally have pain in knees, one ankle and one hip, but now I've got it in one shoulder and both thumbs too. I've been told that I have OA in my knee and need a knee replacement, but today I scared myself by reading about RA. Now I wonder if I could have that? How would you know, or is it unlikely in someone of 65 to start with that?

I seem to have some of the other symptoms too, like feeling exhausted in the mornings and having difficulty getting going. Some of my toes are curled over, although not painful. In the info I read it said that RA is usually symmetrical, but only my thumbs seem to fit with that. Do you think I am worrying unnecessarily, or could RA be a possibility :?:

Joan :)
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Comments

  • brian35
    brian35 Member Posts: 58
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    joanlawson wrote:
    Do you think I am worrying unnecessarily, or could RA be a possibility :?:

    Joan :)

    Best to ask your GP to refer you for a blood test.
  • colinone
    colinone Member Posts: 1,039
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi Joan I would do as above and ask your GP to send you in to see the Rheumy and get it sorted. I dont know what medication you are on now or if you have had any changes in medication but you will will know some of that has side effects could it be that.
    Reading the net is scary i know i've done it put your mind at rest joan and see your GP take care
    Colin
  • joanlawson
    joanlawson Member Posts: 8,681
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Thanks for replies. I was having a bad day and read up some info about RA. You know how it is - you start to imagine the worst, but now I think it is unlikely in my case. Going to the doc. tomorrow anyway so will mention worries to him.
    Joan
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  • badger
    badger Member Posts: 178
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    A little knowledge is a dangerous thing. So ask the experts. Even then they will not always agree with each other.

    I find that what is written on the internet it not always correct or is biased in some way. Try to keep in mind who has written the articles, the number of sources that they reference, why they wrote the article, if they have any interest for whatever reason. Then I apply a large pinch of salt.

    Let us know how you get on with your visit to the GP. A word of warning let them tell you what is wrong. Give them the symptoms and let them make the diagnosis, rather than them asking you “Now what do you think is wrong with you?”

    All the best
    Badger
  • joanlawson
    joanlawson Member Posts: 8,681
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Just got back from doctor's and booked a double appointment so had time to talk. He was really nice and gave me more attention than usual. He has reassured me that I haven't got RA. He says my problems are a classic progression of OA. He agreed with me not to rush into knee replacement until I've got to, but has told me I can have it in the nearby Nuffield private hospital on the NHS if I do decide! You live and learn!! He's also going to help me to get a blue badge for parking as he thinks I qualify. What a nice man! I'll have to take back some of the things I've said about him in the past :lol:
    Joan :D
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