Date: 22.11.2012
From: julie
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Subject: Confused Newbie
Hi ... I am a 34 year old female and had baby a year ago and left with pain and swollen ankles ... this progressed to pain in most joints accompanied by tiredness and generally feeling unwell ... i asked the doc to do the rf test and it came back as a low positive of 30 ... saw the rheumatologist and he thought i did possibly have ra .. more bloods were done .. esr high... crp high but negative for ccp .. 2nd rheumatologist said that he suspects ra and osteoarthritis however he said that as i am coping with the pain he sees no reason to prescribe anything and he will see me in 6 months?!?! i thought that if they suspected ra thry should treat you upfront so that you can stop any damage from being done?!!! your thoughts would be appreciated xx
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Date: 22.11.2012
From: Colin
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Subject: Re: Confused Newbie
hi Julie go back to your GP & get a anti-inflammatory drugs , you may not need the strong drugs but dont put up with the joint pain when they got loads of drugs to help you
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Date: 22.11.2012
From: bsk
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Subject: Re: Confused Newbie
Hi Julie, if you are diagnosed with arthritis the national policy is to get you started on some dmards within 3 months. this is to prevent future damage. Trying ringing the National rheumatoid arthritis Soc. for further information.
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Date: 22.11.2012
From: julie
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Subject: Re: Confused Newbie
Thanks guys .... although they say they reckon i have ra and oa ... they have not fully committed themselves ... i dont know exactly what they are waiting for?!? To see if my suffering gets worse!!? Surely damage will be done in 6 months ?!? xx
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Date: 22.11.2012
From: Gillian
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Subject: Re: Confused Newbie
Hi Julie, bsk is correct. It states in the NICE reports that treatment must be started within three months to halt any joint damage. Go to your gp and talk through your concerns. Go with your gut feelings and dont accept being fobbed off. Good luck
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Date: 22.11.2012
From: bsk
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Subject: Re: Confused Newbie
I didn't start treatment for 6 months as I am sero negative. Suggest you talk with through with NRAS - they are excellent.
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Date: 23.11.2012
From: nicola benbow
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Subject: Re: Confused Newbie
Hi Julie - I strongly advise you to ring the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society - it is free and they are a great help (even if you need someone to rant to!!) I have been pretty low at times with RA and it takes time to sink in if what is happening especially at your age (I was similar age) and with a family. It is important to try and listen to your body and stick to your guns - i ahve seen different specialists and arthritis is difficult to pin down into type so just perservere. Good Luck
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