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Date: 24.02.2008
From: Caroline

Subject: Swollen joints - what could be causing it?

Hello,
I have been having joint problems on and off since 2005. First it started in the summer of 2005 with a sore knee then it really flaired up that Autumn/Winter with both knees, elbows, shoulders, hips and neck swelling/aching around the joints. Not only would I get painful joints but I would also have what I can only describe as bouts of flu type symptoms of tiredness. I would also feel nausea and dizzyness/lightheadedness which would gradually get worse and more frequent over the winter months. I also noticed that cold, foggy or wet weather seemed to make the symptoms worse. Went to GP who wanted to fob me off with tennis elbow(!) but I managed to get referred to hospital to rheumatoid department. After several blood tests and physical checks I was told I had reactive arthritis as my bloods came back 'normal'....I was told to take painkillers and was offered physiotheraphy. The physiotheraphy seemed to kick start the healing process and I got over it by summer 2006. I stayed well all summer and got pregnant in October 2006, which was a planned pregnancy. During my pregnancy I did not suffer with any joint problems apart from the text book aching hips and back pain you get with being pregnant. My daughter was born last summer 2007. Then October 2007 I started to get dizzy spells again and my joints were starting to ache more but I just put that down to breastfeeing and my post natal hormones. By December 2007 I noticed the same pattern of the cold weather making it worse and now I have the dizzyness, nausea and tiredness with swellings in most major joints and some fingers. Do I have reactive arthritis? If so has it come back? I just feel very down about it and it's now affecting my ability to enjoy my baby and take her out as much as I would like to. I will be ringing my GP tomorrow for another appointment but just feel that it will take ages to get referred yet again....does anyone have any idea what might be causing my symptoms?
Thanks.
Caroline :o)
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