Subject: Re: Arthritis or Ankylosing spondylitis?
Hi Neil You need to go back to your GP and ask for blood tests then a referal to the relevant specialist once the results are back. I have RA, diagnosed 2 years ago after spending ages thinking my knees were bad because I've spent too many years on the back of motorbikes, my ankles and feet were because I was running, my wrists and hands because I use a computer....and on and on the excuses went until my hair was falling out and I was in such pain in my hands and knees and feet - my GP was great and got to the bottom if it and now I am under the care of a fantastic team of RA Consultant and Nurse Specialist. One of the first things I asked when diagnosed was could I keep running. They said yes, until such time my body said 'enough'. I did the London 10k in 2009 and thought I would never walk again, let alone run.....that was my last running session and it hurts me like hell as I felt so good and in control when out running, even though I wasn't exactly slim but I was bloody fit. Football is a contact sport, no matter how hard you try and avoid knocks and bumps and this is going to be bad for your joints - once you see a specialist they can talk you through what is best to avoid......... I think the mental side of things is out of balance with you because you are trying to carry on as normal whilst there is a good chance you are ill. If you at least get confirmation or what is wrong you can start to accept that its OK not to feel too good in the morning.......easier said than done. I'm trying to decorate before Christmas - in the old days I'd be at it like a mad woman - these days I'm still a mad woman but can't do very much and rely on my husband to do the ladder work, the heavy sanding etc etc and it really does my head in. But I have RA and there is no getting away from it........... Please make an appointment to see your GP and don't be fobbed off with some anti-inflamatories - the sooner you get proper treatment the better - especially when you have 3 kids to look after as well as yourself, you owe it to them............ I'm here if I can help anymore....... Off to attempt to paint a door-frame! Lisa
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