Date: 09.05.2009
From: Julie
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Subject: Looking for a bit of advice...
I am 49 and for the last couple of months I have been aware that my joints feel inflamed when I bend my middle finger. In the last 2 weeks this has spread spread to all the joints in both hands if I clench my fists. It is very minor but I it appears to be spreading quickly. I went to the doctor who tried to tell me that I had probably strained it gardening ! I explained my concern that it was arthritis and had gone to him for advice. I was told that even if it was arthritis because I have no derformity of joints and no loss of grip that no test would be conclusive. I just wanted to get some advice as I feel I have been fobbed off and if I do have very early arthritis and there is a way of delaying it I would obviously like to take advantage of it.
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Date: 09.05.2009
From: Sue Bevan
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Subject: Re: Looking for a bit of advice...
Hi Julie,
It sounds like you were fobbed off, PLEASE PLEASE go back and see someone else, make them listen. When I first went to see a doctor with my swollen hands he told me that there was nothing wrong with me at all, a few months later my hands were so swollen I couldn't bend my fingers. I saw another doctor who took blood tests to see how much inflammation I had. I had the results back and was refered to the hospital. The sooner you get diagnosed the better.
Take Care. Sue
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Date: 09.05.2009
From: Jill
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Subject: Re: Looking for a bit of advice...
Hi Julie, Sue is right, she has given u sound advice, u must go back and say that the pain is still there, nowt has changed, thing is tho Julie, I do doubt that at this moment in time that he wld refer u to a rhumatologist becoz (if ive got your message correct) its only in your hands, sounds horrible I know, but Ive been where u r now, and I was just given Anti inflamatory drugs in the begining to help bring the swelling down, However IF you do have the start of Arthritis, you are right in thinking that getting the correct meds will help delay it gettting worse! You have every right to TELL your GP that U Insist on a referal to a Rhumatologist Immed. they will do the relevant tests for you...do not give up hope ok let us all know how u get on take care
Jill x
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