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Date: 30.03.2010
From: Nicey

Subject: ESR?

Hi all I have just returned from the doctors for the result of my blood test. Last 3-4 years I have had pain in my knees, wasn't too bad at first but last six months has been getting worse, so I went to see the GP 2 weeks ago he sent me for tests. Got results today and all bloods are normal? He said that my ESR was normal so he did not think it is RA, and that indeed not a physical problem. I told hin that I am also experiencing mild pain in my hands, which is causing a problem as I am a hairdresser, I was a little emotional as not been sleeping well. He has said that he thinks the pain I am experiencing is due to depression!!! I can't believe he thinks it's all in my head! I have had depression after I had my DS nearly 3 years ago and I know that I don't have it now, infact for the first time for ages I can say that I feel really happy, except for my knees giving my jip! Sorry to ramble on but i'm not convinced and now don't know what to do as the pain ain't gonna go away on it's own is it? Any advice greatly appreiciated Nicey.
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Date: 30.03.2010
From: Nicey

Subject: Re: ESR?

Just bumping this up. Anyone?
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Date: 30.03.2010
From: KayJay

Subject: Re: ESR?

Nicey. I'm sure I've read that a normal ESR is still not proof that the person does not have Arthritis . Try searching ESR and arthritis you may hit something about it. And I'm sure I've read someone on here has normal ESR but severe symptoms of RA. I've been going to Rheumatology Clinic for about 18 months before I got my diagnosis. All blood tests shown gradually rising elevated ESR and high RA but they have to put the physical symptoms into the picture as well. They shouldn't just go by blood tests and ignore the physical symtoms. Could you ask the GP for a Rheumatology referral ? ps I used to be a hairdresser years ago - it's very hard work, standing all day and bending over at awkward angles !!
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Date: 30.03.2010
From: Sally

Subject: Re: ESR?

I've got normal esr but symptoms of inflammatory arthritis. My consultant made a diagnosis based on joint involvement as my results have been pretty average on the whole.Even when I couldn't move my joints at all it wasn't particularly high. Of course you know what is depression and what isn't! GP's can be incredibly biased against peeps with a history of depression. Ask for a referral to a rheumatologist as Kay says - in fact, insist on it. Oh, and why not change your gp while you are at it:)?
Good luck!
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Date: 30.03.2010
From: Nicey

Subject: Re: ESR?

Thanks guys, your right I am going to change my GP and ask for a referral, just angry atm as seems as if he thinks i'm making it up! I hate going to the doctors, didn't want to go in the first place which is why I put it off for so long. Because I was so flabbergasted today I forgot to tell him how my knees have been swelling over the last week, something that my husband has witnessed too, maybe it's all in his head too ;)
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Date: 30.03.2010
From: Sally

Subject: Re: ESR?

Good for you! It can take a while for gp's to recognise the symptoms of inflammatory arthritis. I had problems with an inexperienced one who kept referring me to physio for each different joint, even though it was patently obvious that I was really ill. She even told me 'I'm not worried about your legs' when I told her I couldn't walk very well. I was furious!
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Date: 31.03.2010
From: Abbie

Subject: Re: ESR?

You should also get ur CRP checked. I'm having a bad flare at mo. My ESR is near as Damn normal but my CRP is 38.8 (normal is about 2, 4.9 is considered high). You really should've had that tested also. Defo go see another GP and press for a Rheumy apt there's many kinds of Arthritis you could have, not just RA. Go well! X
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