Query, rheumatoid arthritis?

flossiegirl
flossiegirl Member Posts: 3
edited 28. Nov 2023, 14:07 in Living with arthritis

Hi everyone, thankyou for accepting me to this group, i was diagnosed with arthritis 10 yrs ago, i have been getting repeated cortisone injections into both knees, lower back, and both feet, i was also diagnosed with fibromyalgia around the same time! Due to lockdown all injections stopped, I am struggling to walk at present, and im in constant pain, im now being told the amount of injections over the yrs, have probably caused more damage to my joints, a new doctor i am seeing has queried whether i have rheumatoid arthritis, but im not sure what the difference may be? Any tips for pain relief plzz

Comments

  • Ellen
    Ellen Moderator Posts: 1,835

    Hi @flossiegirl it's lovely to welcome you to the Online Community.

    I see you have a diagnosis of Arthritis, (Osteoarthritis?), and Fibromyalgia although a new Dr is querying whether your Arthritis could in fact be Rheumatoid Arthritis.

    It sounds as though the new Dr, (is he/she a GP?), is interested in finding out what is going on with you. Hopefully this Dr will be organising some investigations into your condition to establish a definitive diagnosis. This information might help you understand what tests could be done to confirm or eliminate the Dr's suggestion:

    https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/healthcare-professionals/training-and-education-resources/clinical-assessment-of-patients-with-musculoskeletal-conditions/investigations/

    This information should help you to understand the difference between the 'main' types of Arthritis:

    https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/arthritis/

    I'll let you meet our members now, who will hopefully share their own stories and tips with you.

    Best wishes

    Ellen.

  • AndyT
    AndyT Member Posts: 47

    Hi Flossiegirl,

    I hope you get a better diagnosis soon. What you say about Cortisone injections is something I’ve heard some doctors say off the record.

    When they offered cortisone injections, did they ever warn that it could make your joints worse, or list any risks? X

  • flossiegirl
    flossiegirl Member Posts: 3

    Hi Andy, thanks for your feedback no i was never told of any issues re: injection’s! Its only now im getting told they have probably caused more damage, than actually helping me! Im so angry, going through so much pain to have them done, especially the feet injections it was agony, im just hoping something can be done now.

  • Coolguy
    Coolguy Member Posts: 5

    Hi I have had one in my left knee and did not find any benefits.i feel your pain I find that the sauna and hot tub can ease pain for a wee while

  • benno
    benno Member Posts: 3

    Hi, Sorry to hear about your current circumstances. I was diagnosed in 2006 with Osteoarthritis and accepted a steroid injection. When it kicked in all discomfort disappeared for a few weeks. It was so good I didn't want anymore! Instead I continued with Spin classes and gym exercises. Eventually, I joined Versus and have followed the Move with Leon regime. I would encourage anybody who can to look into the appropriate exercises for their condition. Best of luck going forward.

  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 29,999

    I hadn't heard that steroid injections can cause damage, but it makes sense if they are given too often when you think about it. I know we are only allowed 3 a year into a specific site.

    I do let's move with Leon too!

    Take care

    Toni x

  • AndyT
    AndyT Member Posts: 47
    https://community.versusarthritis.org/discussion/comment/692312#Comment_692312

    3 a year, that's insane - who says that?!

    I know NHS rule is 2 max in a lifetime for the finger for trigger finger, and I've heard for the elbow it's 3 per lifetime - because they know damn well that steroids degenerate the joint, they give them out to essentially get patients off their backs for 6/12 months with some temporary pain relief.

  • jamieA
    jamieA Member Posts: 833

    I think it depends on your need. I had 12 kenalog 80mg steroid injections between September 2020 and July 2021 and quite frankly they were the only treatments that quelled the pain I was in. I had 4 in my left knee, 2 in my left hand, 2 in my right shoulder and 4 in my gluteus maximus - my bum. I was aware of the possible downsides. I had a 13th in February this year in my rear end. My then rheumatologist said last March that he wasn't prepared to keep giving me injections but when I asked what was his alternative would be he said there wasn't one. I told him then that if he wanted me to sign a disclaimer I would. The relief from the injections normally lasted 4 to 6 weeks but a couple of them didn't work too well.

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