Date: 08.07.2008
From: tracey jones
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Subject: Rheumatoid Arthritis ! Scared .
Hi everyone , Im new to site and wondering if anyone can help?
heres my story .... my name is tracey ,im 36 .
I went to GP 2 years ago with pains in arms (dull aching ) and couldnt keep arms above shoulders .I was also feeling extremely tired and i had alot of 'Brain Fog' my memory is shocking and speech!
I had bloods done and they came back with high inflammation .I was sent to see a general specialist.That was over a year ago !
I gave him all my symptoms .....
I remembered that my mum had takin me to docs when i was in my teens as i had pain in legs ?( growing pains diagnosed !)
I had tiredness and 'brainfog' for years and is getting worse .
I have muscle aches in arms / legs .
I have back problems - muscles .
I have neck pain shoulder pain and jaw pain .
My fingers and toes get alittle stiff ?
My wrists ache .
In the last 4mths i have experienced pain in my knees when walking and more pain in wrists and fingers ?
Well he diagnosed me with cfs then fibromyalgia.......so i got on with it ....untill my last appointment with him last week .
He said that my bloods (which i have done every time i see him !)in 8 out of 10 tests show high inflammation.
so he NOW feels i may have RA !
He said that it will take at least 2 yrs for symptoms to come out for a diagnoses ??!!
he took another blood test and i am to get result from GP .Then said he wouldnt 4get me !!
Now im scared as im hearing if RA i need to do some thing quick ? Im suffering big time with my symtoms at present.
can any one give me so advice?
thanks tj xxx
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Date: 10.07.2008
From: Gemma
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Subject: Re: Rheumatoid Arthritis ! Scared .
Hi Tracey
I was diagnosed with Rheumatic Arthritis in 2002, and given diclofenac (an anti-inflammatory) to ease the pain and inflammation. As soon as I started taking the diclofenac, it seems the RA got worse and after a while, I was also offered methotrexate. I refused it though because I was very worried about the toxicity of these drugs, but was told that if I didn't act quickly that I would soon be in a wheelchair. Then, I walked like I was 80, and felt like I was 90 (I am 48). I was tired, in pain, and depressed. Then I discovered the antibiotic therapy and within weeks I felt like I had been reborn. Its safe and very effective. There is only one consultant in the UK, who will deliver this type of treatment, and like myself, there are many people who visit and have never looked back. I still work full-time, and do everything that had been part of my life before this disease came in. I have to tell you that was in 2002, and on a recent visit to my local hospital, the then rheumatologist saw me and could not believe it was me. Please email me and we can arrange to chat or I would be delighted to pass on the details. gfilipe@hotmail.co.uk.
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Date: 10.07.2008
From: Parvati
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Subject: Re: Rheumatoid Arthritis ! Scared .
hi,
My mother had severe rheumatoid arthritis for many years. 3 months back i had severe pain and sweeling in my feet,wrists ,elbows and fingers. I knew it was RA as my mother also had it. I went to a Kerala Ayurvedic physician who treated me with Panchakarma therapy along with medications.My blood test showed high ESR-56. After the treatment all the pain and swelling has gone and the doctor assured me with proper care i will never have RA again.
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Date: 30.08.2009
From: jill
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Subject: Re: Rheumatoid Arthritis ! Scared .
Eh...wots this alll about then? Hmmmmmmmm I do wonder how he is today>? how can a doc say that to him?
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Date: 30.08.2009
From: Lynne
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Subject: Re: Rheumatoid Arthritis ! Scared .
With you there jilley never heard of these therapys and if they could cure you why are we not all treated with it cos were on very expensive meds surley if there was a cure it would be cheaper to give it too us
I have RA for twenty years would have saved them some money xxx
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Date: 30.08.2009
From: Lynne
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Subject: Re: Rheumatoid Arthritis ! Scared .
Bi Tracy it can take a while to get the correct diagnosis. The symptoms can mimic other diseases and there isn't just on test that will give you a conclusive diagnosis. Hence all the test. The treatment for all arthritis is the same anyway. If they've not got your pain undercontrol ask for an other appointment for better meds you shouldn't suffer in silence. Ring the Rheumys secretary and be nice and polite Nd tell her how poorly you are. They will usually get you back in to see him. I've had RA for twenty years believe me there is life with arthritis. Try to stay posative. Let us know how you get on. Take care xxx
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Date: 30.08.2009
From: Kirsty
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Subject: Re: Rheumatoid Arthritis ! Scared .
2 yrs for symptoms to come out for a diagnoses?
does the mean that you they won't put you on any medication that will stop the pain until then?
...and why don't they just give everyone these therapies if they work so well? I though it wa sa life time thing.
xxx
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Date: 31.08.2009
From: jill
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Subject: Re: Rheumatoid Arthritis ! Scared .
thye give u painkillers until they find out the type of artha u have
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Date: 31.08.2009
From: Lynne
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Subject: Re: Rheumatoid Arthritis ! Scared .
Tracy get back to us and let us know how you are and what your up to. Good or bad we don't mind a moan or three in here.. Wishing you well take care xx
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Date: 31.08.2009
From: Lynne
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Subject: Re: Rheumatoid Arthritis ! Scared .
Hi again you did not tell us if your on any meds or painkillers. Also when will you be seeing your rheumy ?? Helps to know these things so we can point you in right direction. Come back and have a chat to us. Xx
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Date: 31.08.2009
From: Angela
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Subject: Re: Rheumatoid Arthritis ! Scared .
Hi Tracy,
On reading your symptoms it made me think. I was looking for information about arthritis of the jaw the other day, and came across "Lyme disease". Have you ever heard of it?
It is very interesting, might be worth taking a look.
Just a thought
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Date: 24.01.2012
From: Josi
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Subject: Re: Rheumatoid Arthritis ! Scared .
Hello, thank goodness i found this Forum. I have been diagnosed with Sero Negative Arthritis, I got my Diagnosis about 12 months ago. I was told that being sero negative meant my symptoms will be less severe however the outcome will be much the same but may take longer to happen. The difficulty I have faced with being diagnosed with RA is that there isnt any one definitive test and all the tests that have been done have come back negative anyway and i have no joint damage whatsoever. I went to the doctors many many times before my diagnosis with complaints of extreme tiredness general all over body aches, i found out i had high blood pressure and high cholesterol which is now under control, but my main symptom was stiff and very painful sometimes Feet particularly in the mornings. My hand are what i would call fatter than theyve ever been before but i have put weight on in recent years i do have a swellingon my knuckles on both hands mainly across the knuckles that adjoin the three middle fingers but it is a swelling that has never gone down. I have had pain in my feet,ankles knees elbows and hips and my back. I am having extreme difficulty with my diagnosis as in coming to terms with it and I am not convinced that i have this terrible disease. reasons i dont believe i have it are although i get stiffness and pain i cannot say i have had hot swelling as such i have perhaps has puffiness around my ankles when ive been on my feet a long time but who wouldnt especially if a little over weight and my hands have been painful and a little puffy if for instance i scrubbed a carpet. but i havent ever been in a position where i cannot get out of bed, do a button up unlike other RA sufferers that i know. I do not want to disrespect my Rheumatologist and have put my trust in him and have started Methotrexate but i am absolutely terrified I am doing the wrong thing, i could be taking this terribly toxic drug and not have RA then what? what is it going to do to me, so do i not take it and run the risk of being crippled in a matter of months should the disease if i have it take grip, i am so confused i feel sick with worry and dont know what to do i want to stop taking methotrexate but dont want to because my husband and family say i shouldnt but everytime i take it it ends me up in tears because it makes me feel sick and ill and because i am generally so very SCARED !! Does anyone know of any expert i can ask the question that if i take methotrexate to see if it rids me of pain and rids me of stiff feet what will it do to me after 6 months and find out actually i dont have RA ?? I know this sound a bit crazy but I do actually feel like I am going crazy with worry
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Date: 24.01.2012
From: Colin
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Subject: Re: Rheumatoid Arthritis ! Scared .
Hi Josi would not worry about Mtx much , been on it for 13 years , they will start you on a low dose like 7.5mg , folic acid will helps with the side effects , there are several on here with Sero Negative Arthritis , The many thing with RA is to stop joint damage as much as posible & for that reason there is a range of drugs which Mtx is one of the most common ones
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Date: 24.01.2012
From: Paula
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Subject: Re: Rheumatoid Arthritis ! Scared .
Hi Josie,
Firstly, you are not alone, this forum is good for sharing stories, thoughts and feelings. If you are not happy with the consultant you see now, and are not sure about your diagnosis, you can always ask for a second opinion, but these guys do know what they are doing. I am due to start methotrexate next week, am already on one toxic drug which is Lithium, so two together should be interesting. I was only diagnosed a few weeks ago, and my head is spinning, but the NRAS is really good, I spoke to someone on the helpline and they sent a load of info as well. The thing is with the pain and the diagnosis, as you will find, life has still to go on. I am on anti sickness meds and that hepls a lot. When you feel really bad, rest, your body will get used to it. If in time you cannot tolerate it, there are others. Don't despair. Can always talk to us on here and the NRAS is really good with any questions you want to ask. Hang in there, and take care. A hug to you. xx
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