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Date: 26.07.2012
From: Josie Jewkes

Subject: Is it right....

Hi

I'm sorry to ask but is it right that it can't be arthritis if the pain is only in one side ie: I have terrific pain in my right finger joints and swelling, it is so hard to bend them at times but my left hand is fine.

My doctor says it can't be arthritis because it is not symmetrical and also the pain is only in the middle joints not the top knuckles as well. The pain in my hand has been going on for about 4 weeks now but I have had general joint pain in the neck and knees for years but this has been put down to me suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome. He says it is nothing serious and that the pain will go away on it's own, with the help from codeine and naproxin which are not touching the pain!!

To be honest I don't know what to do from here!!
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Date: 27.07.2012
From: rhona

Subject: Re: Is it right....

Hi Josie, What your doctor says is not true. When i first went to my doctor years ago because i couldn't bend my finger i was told it was a trigger finger but it turned out i had rheumatoid arthritis. There are many types of arthritis and it does sound like some sort of inflammatory arthritis. I would go back and ask to get a blood test and then referred to a rheumatologist, perhaps you could see a different doctor at your practice. This could also be why you have been suffering from fatigue as most people with inflammatory arthritis do suffer from this. I do hope you get help soon. take care and let us know how you get on. x
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Date: 27.07.2012
From: Paula-R

Subject: Re: Is it right....

Hello Josie

I've got rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and when mine started I had pain in my fingers but only in one hand. I have been told by a consultant that RA does not affect your very top knuckles on your fingers, it's only OA that attacks there.

The problem with GP's is that they don't really understand RA it is such a complex illness. I have been told that when they are doing their training to be a GP they have about 30 minutes on it, so they only brush the surface. Me for instance, when I went to see my GP I was told that I couldn't have it because my fingers looked OK. They drift when the disease has been out of control for along time, but that must of been what my GP remembered about RA.

With your history of pain elsewhere I would go back for second opinion. You could ring the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society helpline up and have a chat with them first 0800 298 7650 so you will have a little knowledge about RA before you go.

Take Care Paula R
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Date: 27.07.2012
From: davina

Subject: Re: Is it right....

hi josie as rhona and paula gps don't understand arthritis fully so they only know the usual symptoms that include pain my both joints at the same time but i have pain in single joints too. yes i have lots of pain in the same joints also.

get a second opinion defiantly as quickly as possible to get the help you need x
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Date: 24.08.2012
From: Josie Jewkes

Subject: Re: Is it right....

Hi all, thanks for your responses. I thought I would let you know the update on this...

After 4 weeks I plucked up the courage to go back to the doctors and got to see a different one, when I described the symptoms, which have now spread to the left hand as well (painful knuckles, clicking rubbing feeling in one of the knuckles when I bend it, tightness/puffy feeling and a heaviness in the hand, my hand feels really heavy to move) I was advised that I should make another appointment when my hand was swollen as she could see no evidence of it today, also because I suffer from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome it is more than likely to be a symptom off that...

At the moment I just feel like crying and not just because of the pain...Grrrrr

Anyway thanks guys for your helpful responses and for the care you gave even though you don't know me!! You are all stars!!
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Date: 24.08.2012
From: Colin W

Subject: Re: Is it right....

hi Josie , my RA started with one knuckle on index finger , had swelling + red rash + some heat but was only on one hand

as everyone said GP's know very little about arthritis , only get half day training on arthritis

strange naproxin did not sort it , but there is others they can try
hope you feel better soon , dont think its got anything to do with CFS
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