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Date: 02.05.2009
From: kiora

Subject: have i got arthritis

oh dear for about 4-5 years my knuckles then toes then knees and now my ankles are getting hot and painful& slightly swollen the last two weeks have been really bad but the weather has been really warm (so maybe its not) any idea whats goin on. Im 56 female and I'm not goin near my g.p because he is useless and i dont want a label, i dont want medication and i DONT WANT ARTHRITIS
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Date: 03.05.2009
From: Jill

Subject: Re: have i got arthritis

Ok jsut found your message..... I felt same, sounds like u do have it, eventually most people do get Arthritis... I have REITERS DISEASE(VERY RARE) its left me with severe inflamatory arthritis, like Rhumatoid(same meds)...Ur GP may be useless, but u can ask for a referal to a rhumatologist, they DONOT label us... do u suffeer Much pain? i cant do without my meds... I would be hospitalised if I didnt....I have the most amazing specialists...i have had lots corrective surgery, those surgeons are gr8 guys... No one lables u I promise.... The reason maybe your gettting worse, its your body telling u, that u need meds to help u, If I had been given my meds im on now, I would Not have had the disease as bad! they help keep the degeneration of joints gettting worse than they need to....so really you cld have been lesss worse had u dealt with it a few years back


Please seek help

Take care
Jill x
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Date: 03.05.2009
From: Barbara

Subject: Re: have i got arthritis

I would agree with Jill, please get to your GP asap as usually they don't have the expertise to know all about RA but will refer you to someone who does and who may well be really nice. The decision to take medication is yours, I don't believe you can be forced to take anything you don't want. Leaving any sort of pain for a long time is definitely not a good idea, things have a habit of getting worse. Babara
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Date: 05.05.2009
From: Jane

Subject: Re: have i got arthritis

Hi I too am not sure which arthritis I have. I have a grating sound in my neck and lower back which has come on since I changed my job 5 months ago. I also have diagnosed arthritis in my knees.
My GP didnt examine my neck but simply said it was arthritis and prescribed co-codamol. Is there anything else I can do as I am getting very down and frightened particularly by the pain in my neck. I find I wake at night with my shoulders hunched and dont know whether my stress from work is making it worse?
Thank you
Jane
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Date: 05.05.2009
From: kiora

Subject: Re: have i got arthritis

oooooooooh i dont know the answer to your most pressing questions but i do know how your feeling. I am frightend too. Its awful not to have any faith in your g.p especially when your scared you may have a condition that might get worse. You worry how you will be able to keep working and carry on with a normal life. I would feel much less frightend if i knew i could depend on a doctor to support me through difficult times and more importantly who i trusted go give me help and advice. I do have a tip for you neck though years ago i went to an oestopath who helped but he also gave me this exercise to do at home morning and night.sit upright and then gently and slowly trace the letters A.B.C.(MUST BE CAPITAL LETTERS) with the tip of your nose into the air using large movements. do it 4 or 5 6 times (i hope this makes sence) i also bought a memory pillow from dunelm mill. If it doesnt get better perhaps you should ask to see a specialist i dont know what kind but lots of people on this site seem to. I know it is difficult but try to be or at least act assertive with your g.p some doctors get the arse if they dont have all the answers its their ego they are worried about not your health. I think we somtimes treat them as if they are above us and they are most certainly r NOT. when you go into the surgery think to yourself 'you are a public servant i pay your wages' and tell him?her politly but firmly what you want. as in "I am worried my condition is getting worse and may be progressive I would like you to make arrangements for me to see a consultant who specializes in arthritis please" Listen to what your g.p says then repeat "thank you for your advice but i would like you to refer me to a specialist" i hope oneday to take this peice of my own advice myself. I am not intimidated by my g.p i just know he is useless i have worked with doctors but I think i am putting it off because i would rather not face it. saying that though today is a really good day after 2-3 weeks of horrible worry the pain is better and the weather is taking a turn for the worse and i thought arthritis got worse in rainy conditions so maybe i havnt got arthritis. YEHA I HOPE NOT and i hope you get better too
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Date: 06.05.2009
From: Jill

Subject: Re: have i got arthritis

Hi Jane

I have cervical spondy(neck pain) I had an MRI scan and it showed that my Discs in my neck have disappeared, third disc doing same, only half disc in that space, we Only have 7 Discs in our Necks, so important that u seek advice, ask to see Rhumatologist, and he will prob consider an MRI, to c what is going on, unfortunately, they dont like to operate on the neck, altho ive heard they can give injections, my neck is good some days, then bad for weeks, then gr8 for months.... buy your self a V Pillow, supports the upper shoulders too and keeps neck positioned correctly

goood luck x
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Date: 06.05.2009
From: Jill

Subject: Re: have i got arthritis

Kiora Hi again

Arthritis probs for me are there all year long, weather doenst make much difference, altho a hot day Makes me feel Happy, thats all... joints hurt the same... read your message to Jane, very good advice, I wish you would go see a Rhumatologist, this condition isnt life threatnening, but by avoiding going to get a correct Diagnosis, you cld make your self worse, and then need corrective surgery etc etc


goood luck

Jill
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