Osteo or Rheumatoid

countyfan
countyfan Member Posts: 21
edited 21. Feb 2011, 11:01 in Say Hello Archive
Hi,
I'm new on here. Am 52, married with 2 grown up kids and even a grand daughter but also have 14 year old son. Ever since he was born I had aching off and on-generally worse in the colder weather. Then I started getting numbness in the hands and the doc said it was carpal tunnel syndrome! So I had bilateral carpal tunnel surgery, that didn't really improve the symptoms and finally an MRI scan, which showed a spinal problem with my cervical vertebrae, at the neck level which suggested osteoarthritis. A spinal surgeon wanted to operate but I shied away from such drastic action. Unfortunately in the meantime I had a really bad episode of the aching and my hands and fingers both swelled and were really painful. The GP sent me for blood tests which showed elevated RF and ESR, so he referred me to a Rheumatologist- at a different hospital to the one I see the spinal surgeon at. They say that it seems I have early Rheumatoid Arthritis too and sent me for an antiCCP test and X rays of my hands and feet. I have to go back on Wednesday for the results. Is it
possible to have both types of arthritis together, or is it likely that my spinal problems are due to the RA?
Any advice gratefully recieved :???:

Comments

  • tjt6768
    tjt6768 Member Posts: 12,170
    edited 20. Feb 2011, 18:27
    hi, and welcome to the site, sorry you've been having a rough time... Sadly it is definitely possible to have both types of damn arthur! I've had osteo in my lower spine and knees for many years now, and I'm currently waiting to see if I have carpal tunnel our rheumatoid in my hands and wrists. Had the nerve conduction test done last week sometime.. Will see what the rheumy nurse says when I see her next month...

    Anyway, best to post this again on the living with section, tend to find more folks look on there than here...

    Be well..
    :grin::grin:
    e050.gifMe-Tony
    n035.gifRa-1996 -2013 RIP...
    k040.gif
    Cleo - 1996 to 2011. RIP
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    There are nice lotteries in life (ones that involve lots of money) and not so nice (eg Russian roulette (tho you can beat that) and two sorts of arthritis). I suspect you could be a winner in the not-so-nice category. I know a fair bit about RA and OA (despite not having either) and I think it's a strong posiibility that you have both types. I sincerely hope not, but be prepared (as much as you can). Keep in touch with us, we are a friendly lot, we know our stuff and we will do as much as we can to support you. Please post again (either on this forum or the living with arthritis one) to let us know the outcome. I wish you well. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • traluvie
    traluvie Member Posts: 2,579
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi County fan..

    Sounds like your getting all the right tests done, thats definately a good start.. some people aren't as lucky to get thourough investigation..
    I had a bone scan and recieved results last week which show i have wear and tear arthritis in knees and thump tips and inflammatory arthritis in elbows ankles. wrists and hind feet...
    So i do believe it is possible to have different forms of arthritis at once..
    There are many people on here who have different forms of arthritis bso there will be alot people for you to be able to talk too..They are a great bunch on here..Her's a bit of info about me..
    I am 31 with 2 children aged 8 and 13 and 3 staffy's.. I have been off work since sep when my swelling and symptoms started... I am currently due to start hydroxychloroquine for a 6 month period...
    Keep us posted on how you are getting on..
    Look forward to seeing you around..
    th_tn_TisFORTIGGER.jpgxxTracyxx
  • countyfan
    countyfan Member Posts: 21
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks for the quick replies. I didn't realise people could get both forms although I suppose there is no reason why not. I have been reassured by your replies and realise that actually I am quite aged compared with some on here so maybe I ought to be grateful that I have got to this age without things getting too bad. I'm going to have to log off now though as neck and hands starting to ache really badly but will post on Weds after I've been back to the hospital! :wink:
  • suzygirl
    suzygirl Member Posts: 2,005
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi, just wanted to wish you well for your hosp appt on WEds. I have OA and inflammatory arthritis, unfortunately. Not a club anyone wants to join!!!!!

    Take care
  • countyfan
    countyfan Member Posts: 21
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Posted last week concerning Osteo and Rheumatoid arthritis. Have now been back to the hospital to see Nurse specialist. None of the blood tests were positive for RA (Just the initial one in October showed elevated RF) Also the X-rays only showed osteoarthritic changes. They still want me to go on DMARDS though as the consultant said the clinical findings suggested RA. As I was given a steroid injection at the initial consultant appointment even the swelling and pain has gone and I am reluctant to start such drugs without actually seeing the consultant.

    Thanks for your reply on the living with arthritis forum Suzygirl. I didn't think of the fact that as the steroids have dampened down the symptoms it shows they were inflammatory based. The other problem I have (Which maybe you can advise me on- you having both types too)is that the spinal surgeon I am seeing at a different hospital is pushing for me to have anterior cervical surgery on my C5/C6 osteoarthritically damaged neck. He doesn't actually know about this RA problem yet but I am wary of having such a dangerous Op - even though my neck problem has been bothering me more since the steroid injection relieved the RA symptoms a bit. I am still working but it is getting more difficult by the day and I can't afford to have a long time off sick.
  • suzygirl
    suzygirl Member Posts: 2,005
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Glad my post on your other thread helped. Maybe you need to update your ortho on your current situation. The meds and new diagnosis will have an impact on your neck problems. It may alter his opinion on your necessary treatment.

    A neck operation is a huge decision, however you have to look at your quality of life. Weigh up the pros and cons. They only offer the operation if they are confident they can make a difference. I know of others who have had a massive improvement from the op.

    You have a lot on your plate at the moment. I hope have a good support network.
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Morning countyfan, there is a form of inflammatory arthritis which is classed as 'sero-negative' ie it does not register on blood tests. I have a version of that (PA) and I know quite a few on here who are in a similar boat. We are all treated, however, as if we have RA. The medication can make a big difference to some.

    As for the operation, well, if it's going to improve the quality of your life surely it's something to have done. Any procedure is dangerous, even basic injections - every invasive treatment has its own set of risks, but the results can be fabulous. I wish you well. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 29,332
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Countyfan

    sorry not to have seen you on here before, but i have been manic!!!

    A lot of us have both types of arthur inflamatory (including RA) and OA too. Logical really as a huge proportion of us will get Oa in the end. I be obne with both too. I also have sero-neg and do take DMARDs. I have been fine on them and after initial fear of them haven't looked back.

    As for the op - you are the only one who can decide, but i will say there is at laest one other person due to have such a procedure and another who would give anything for the chance (hers having gone ' too far' for surgery).

    From my point of veiw I have an iffy neck and so far it's holding, but had back surgery about 8 years ago and was very pleased with the results.

    Love

    toni xx