Hello

penny44

ive been lurking around this site for a while, and have learned alot, im 44 and have been having joint prolems for several years have had 3 shoulder ops for arthur in o/c joints have had neck and upper back pain for along time this was diagnosed as arthur last year then my rt knee became painfull xrays showed more arthur now im getting pain in both elbows wrists and hands and im finding im loosing some strength in these areas having problems filling the kettle or draining pans after a couple of times nearly scalding myself now get hubby to help. Ive been to see two different rheum's both said osteo arthur not much to show in my bloods ESR 13 CRP normal well that was in nov08 have been to GP again today going for more bloods this week like me he feels this is an inflamatory problem but needs rheumy to agree and treat me im so fed up of being looked at in bits at the hospital one doc for shoulders one for knees etc while i feel like poo are other people having this kind of problems dont get me wrong i dont want RA im a nurse and understand the implications of this illness but i dont want all my joints damaged more than necessary because im not getting treatment. I take co-codymol, tramadol, arcoxia and amitrip at night oh yes and i have bursitis in my hips and im having physio and ultra sound treatment. I just feel no body is looking at me as a whole person and co ordinating things this has turned into a bit of a rant do many others have such problems getting holistic care. Im sorry for the long moan but it does feel good to write how i feel down.Hope your all having a good day Penny x

vonski

Hi
Welcome to the site Sorry you are having to deal with so much pain. I know what it's like to get the run around, it's taken my GP two years to start sorting things out for me although he knows I've had chronic oa for almost 23yrs. He stopped all my meds when Vioxx was taken off the market :roll: Can you see a different Rheumy and get a second opinion, like you say you need things sorting out sooner not later. Only thing to do is just keep trying, you know your body.
Good luck
Vonski

frogmorton

Hi Penny
Just a quick welcome from me.
As you have seen this si a great and supportive site. Most queries can be answered by someone here.
I do know that lots and lots of people have problems getting diagnosed to nothing new there.
Sounds like you have a good GP which is a help and he/she will kep battling with you.
There are quite a few nurses on this site too who will support you with or without your diagnosis with owrk related issues.
Welcome again glad to have you on board
Toni x

joanlawson

Hi Penny
I agree with you entirely about not being seen as a whole person, but in bits. I booked a double appointment with my doctor and wrote down a list of things I wanted to discuss. He looked quite taken aback at first, but then was very helpful. I am insisting that I am seen not as a series of isolated problems, but as a whole person. All the doctors are taught this in their training, but due to many factors, they often forget. We need to remind them, I think.
I also have bursitis in my hip and have been in awful pain with it. I am having physio and ultrasound for it, and have recently had acupuncture too, which I think has helped. An injection did nthing for it.
I have found it more painful than the arthritis on occasions.
Joan

woodbon

Hello Penny,

Glad you've come to the site. I know how you feel as I'm doing a tour of the hospital at the moment. Reumatatogy, Neurology, Plastic Surgery and so it goes on. All the problems related to OA in my, well all over the place!!!

You must be feeling very frustrated. Its also worrying when you ar'nt getting the treatment you need, or may need, if the medics got there act together. :? My GP has been very helpful in moving things along and from what you said, yours seems to be sypathetic. I know its hard, but maybe s/he could help co-ordinate things or move them along for you. Have you told him how you feel? If not, try to discuss your feelings, if you have, give him a reminder that you're still waiting! I don't know if this is any help, but I hope things get sorted for you. Love Sue

jaspercat

Hi Penny, just wanted to welcome you to the forum, it is dreadful being in so much pain, I have just started taking Tramadol but have been offered Oramorph after breaking my ankle, maybe you should ask your gp if there is anything else you can take love Jaspercatxx

colinone

Hi Penny
Not much i can add to what the ladies have said apert from you should tell your Rheumy how you feel. Sorry your in so much pain and i know what its like to be sent to one doctor after another.
My rheumy is quite good and really listens now. It doesent cure the pain but i do feel better. take Care
Colin

jackie1955

Hello Penny,
Glad you've decided to join in with the posts

Its great to be able to read and share experiences on here or just to have a chat about anything on the Chit Chat forum.

Jackie x

colinone

penny44 wrote:

ive been lurking around this site for a while, and have learned alot, im 44 and have been having joint prolems for several years have had 3 shoulder ops for arthur in o/c joints have had neck and upper back pain for along time this was diagnosed as arthur last year then my rt knee became painfull xrays showed more arthur now im getting pain in both elbows wrists and hands and im finding im loosing some strength in these areas having problems filling the kettle or draining pans after a couple of times nearly scalding myself now get hubby to help. Ive been to see two different rheum's both said osteo arthur not much to show in my bloods ESR 13 CRP normal well that was in nov08 have been to GP again today going for more bloods this week like me he feels this is an inflamatory problem but needs rheumy to agree and treat me im so fed up of being looked at in bits at the hospital one doc for shoulders one for knees etc while i feel like poo are other people having this kind of problems dont get me wrong i dont want RA im a nurse and understand the implications of this illness but i dont want all my joints damaged more than necessary because im not getting treatment. I take co-codymol, tramadol, arcoxia and amitrip at night oh yes and i have bursitis in my hips and im having physio and ultra sound treatment. I just feel no body is looking at me as a whole person and co ordinating things this has turned into a bit of a rant do many others have such problems getting holistic care. Im sorry for the long moan but it does feel good to write how i feel down.Hope your all having a good day Penny x

Hi Penny

On Wednesday 8th April we are going to try and set a new record for most people being online at the same time on this site. I think the time is set for 6pm if you can join us please let BADGER know. If you cant locate him have a look on CHIT CHAT FORUM under are we going to break the record. We need your help to do this so please join us.

penny44

Thanks for all the replies to my post its great to talk to people who understand how im feeling Penny x