Who Are We Roll Call - Part 2

elnafinn wrote:

Hi Jules

I am very sorry to hear your story so far. Welcome to the forum. You will get lots of support here.

I will say that perhaps you should copy and paste your posting onto the Living with Arthritis Forum as a new thread as that is where you will get lots of replies/help/sympathy. Peeps may not see your thread so easily where you have put it.

You have every right to ask your gp to refer you to a rheumy. You should be seeing one.

Chin up and cyber hugs,

Hi Jules
its probably the wrong place to reply to you but never mind!
Wasn't sure if your GP meant that there was no doubt you had RA but if that is the case then you will want and need to see a rhematologist so i would hot foot it back to your surgery and ask to be referred. There isn't a conclusive test for RA. Rhematoid factor is only raised in some people with RA but some people without it have it too. Other tests just give you an idea if there is any inflammation going on, it is not specific for RA.
welcome to the site by the way, it has been so helpful for me.
Gill

Luv
Elna x

Hi Heidi

Welcome to the forum. Let's hope the sulfa kicks in soon and you can get back to work.

I hope to see you posting more and joining in. The site can become quite addictive, well I have found it so. I must have been on here for a good two years now. It is good to talk.

Hope your weekend goes ok,

Luv
Elna x

yesmeducky wrote:

Thanks Elna. It means a lot to be joining such a bunch of lovely people.

Besthi i am maggs have not been on in a long time have probs with my hands am 50 married with 2 children both left and married have ra and a few replacements under my belt i live in rhymney south wales :roll:
Heidi

mrsmopp wrote:

elnafinn wrote:

anaabh wrote:

Hi, I'm a single mum with 2 little boys and in the space of 6 weeks have visited my GP with increasingly excruiating knee pain, been xrayed, diagnosed with severe OA, seen a consultant who says I have bone to bone contact (what's that?) and I am having a knee arthroscopy in a few weeks although the consultant has cheerfully told me it's unlikely to do much good but it's worth a try before having a TKR. Feeling a bit shell shocked really

I'm only 39 and would love to chat to others of a similar age in particular, as most of my friends view arthritis as something only seniors have.

So pleased to have found you all ![/quote

Hi ana.

Im 43 and had a knee replacement 4 months ago. I had the same bone to bone contact,and pain. I also had a arthroscopy, which just confirmed that i did need knee replacement. It has made a huge difference, walking about unaided by my friends, the crutches, virtually pain free which has made a big difference. Iv been back to my work now for 6 weeks and managing fine, although i still get tired. Im lucky i have a very supportive husband and son, who is 23 and still lives at home, he knows where he is best off. Hope everything goes well for you.

Hi ana

I have answered your question re "bone on bone" on your other posting. I am sure you are feeling a little shocked. It has all happened a little quickly for you hasn't it? :roll: Are you going private because you appear to be getting A1 service!

Look after yourself,

Elna

Hi All

Actually it's on the NHS, I was surprised as well, but GP has been brilliant, referal only took a few weeks and the consult was helpful and thorough. I suppose it depends on where you live. I'm in Bucks, consult was at stoke Mandeville and arthroscopy will be at High Wycombe. Very excited about the op now cos it can only help or stay the same. I reckon a positive atitude will have me running after my 2 boys soon enough!!!

Take Care

Hi. I am new to the forum. Joined on 20 Feb but have not been on since then. I live in South Africa and I am 40. There are no forums of this kind based in SA. I was diagnosed in 2003 with RA. I only had a swollen finger and was quickly controlled on Chloroquine until 2007 when I discovered that the Chloroquine damaged my eyes, I now have a hole in both maculars (centre of the retina). I see with spots now. I then went of all meds as I was really crushed. After 3 months the RA flared. Tried every natural remedy I could find and nothing helped. Eventually could not walk for 6 weeks, could not even pick up a cup. Tried 40mg prednisone which pushed my blood pressure and sugar sky high. Was fainting. Stopped the prednisone and tried sulphasalazine which I am terribly allergic too (red angry rash) Back on 10mg prednisone a day. Tried 6 methotrexate a week which did not work but makes my hair fall out. I have now been put on adalimumab (Humira) injections every 2 weeks and 4 methotrexate a week. Stopped the prednisone which has caused me to flare again. Fingers, wrists, elbows, shoulders, neck, knees and ankles all sore and some swollen. Terribly exhausted and running a slight temperature. My dr says I must be patient as the Humira will take 3 to 6 months to work. I must say i am fed up with the pain and loss of function. I cannot work on some days, not able to walk my beloved dogs, cannot cut veges, carry groceries and generally miserable.

skezier wrote:

Hi Vijaysa,
A quick high and welcome as I am slacking and shouldn't be! I'm glad you found the site and it may be worth looking at the old postings on the living with forum as there are some about Humira. I hope you soon get some benefit from it all and find it works for you. Take care, Cris

Hi Cris. Thanks. I have been reading the Humira posts. Will read through the older ones too. It is a great forum. Good to be a able to talk to people who understand and to know that what I am experiencing is not in my head. Will log on more often. Vijay

julesp600 wrote:

Hi All,

However a couple of years ago things started to change as I kept getting tendonitis flare ups in my achilies.

Do you still suffer from achilles heel tendonitis? I've had it in both heels for nearly three years, the first few months were excruciating and it took this amount of time for the professionals to realise what it was! I did have a scan and about 50 physio treatments after diagnosis which at first was similar to 'chinese torture' (pinching of the achilles) It would have helped if I was given a leather belt to bit into! I was told to wear shoes with heels (which I hate). I gave up walking and have just recently started very short walks...perhaps 2 miles max.

Fortunately or unfortuanely I work for myself (we have gites) but I suppose I would have been given time of work!

Hope your recovery is sooner