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Date: 23.04.2010
From: Millie

Subject: Grateful for advice

Hi i'm new to arthritis and new to these boards!

Since my first pregnancy 7 years ago i have suffered with very mild aches in all joints of my body. Once every couple of months i spend two days in absolute agony and unable to walk if the pain is in the knees or ankles. I had a third baby 6mths ago and mentioned these aches at a postnatal check up. They did blood tests and my GP told me over the phone i have early rheumatoid arthritis and to take painkillers. We talked about other meds but as i'm breastfeeding i can't take any. My rheumatoid factor was 35.

I am 32 years old and i recognise that my symptoms are extremely mild at present.

I have read up on arthritis and it appears to me - and this is where i'd appreciate advice - that every patient should be referred to a rheumatologist to have the diagnosis confirmed, and to consider drugs which can prevent the disease from worsening.

I rang the doc back querying this and he said the side effects are so bad from these drugs that i'd be better off putting up with the pain until i'm in real agony and then get a referral (and i assume a long wait on nhs waiting lists) and consider other treatments.

I want to trust my GP as a professional. But i can't help thinking i should push for this referral now rather than wait.

What are the real facts about the drugs which supposedly prevent it? what advice do you have for me? How bad is a rheumatoid factor 35?

Thank you in advance x
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Date: 23.04.2010
From: Tracey

Subject: Re: Grateful for advice

Hi Millie. I can't help you as much as others on here may be able to as I have seronegative arthritis. However, I am surprised at your Doctor's advice! i am of the understanding that (a) steps should be taken now to lessen the affect of the disease and (b) you should be referred to a Rhematologist as a matter of course. After all, they are the specialists in this field.

With regards to his comments about side affects of medications, I don't think he has the right to make comments like this. Of course these meds have some side affects, but he can't possibly predict whether you will suffer from any of them as everyone is different.

I assume he is thinking it is early days for you so painkillers are sufficient, but me personally would rather hear this from a specialist.

With regard to your test results. It appears online that anything over 20 for RF is considered high but some people can get it in the hundreds.

Did you have ESR and CRP tests done too as they are also indicators of inflammation in your body. However, a good doctor won't just rely on the test results but will treat you as a patient. I have what are classed as fairly low ESR and CRP results (although still raised) but still suffer daily.

I would suggest you ask to be referred to a Rheumy for peace of mind...after all your Doctor should have no problem with this!

Take care and keep smiling xxx
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Date: 23.04.2010
From: maz

Subject: Re: Grateful for advice

Hi Millie and welcome! im shocked at your doc putting you off meds like that, every med has side effects, but like Tracey said he can't predict if you will have any or no side effects, silly man,lol.
My ESR at the mo is 60, but im hoping my new treatment will help this.

I would push for a refferal to rheumatology, and good luck for getting some relief soon.
big hugs, maz. xx
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Date: 23.04.2010
From: Lynn B

Subject: Re: Grateful for advice

Hi Milly I dont have RA, I have psoriatic arthritis which is very alike. As far as i know the earlier the rheumy can start treatment the less damage it can prevent to your joints? " am i right guys"? I realy think like maz said you should push for a refferal to see a rheumy tc xx
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Date: 23.04.2010
From: Lynn B

Subject: Re: Grateful for advice

Hi Tracey I think they told you to stop taking the sulpha because its making you so ill, thats why they have given you a quick appointment to get you started on a new med, have you had a chest x ray lately? if so then as long as it was ok they can start you straight away on a new med. tc xx
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Date: 23.04.2010
From: Lynn B

Subject: Re: Grateful for advice

ooops sorry this was meant for the next thread....
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Date: 23.04.2010
From: Sally

Subject: Re: Grateful for advice

2
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Date: 23.04.2010
From: Sally

Subject: Re: Grateful for advice

sorry about the above! Millie, what you say is correct, you should get a referral. the protocol is to get everyone on disease modifying drugs within 3 months, though this might be too soon for you as you are breastfeeding. My consultant left it longer as he hoped it wasn't RA. Insist on a referral - you have a right to one. If you go to the home page on this site there are links to lots of arthritis websites where you can find all the info you need. If your gp won't refer you, consider getting a new one!
good luck
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Date: 23.04.2010
From: Millie

Subject: Re: Grateful for advice

Well thank you everyone! You have all confirmed what i thought and therefore given me the confidence to push forward.

Thank you all!
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Date: 24.04.2010
From: jill

Subject: Re: Grateful for advice

Millie, I agtree with the gang here, Tracey seplt it out 100% correct.....35 is classed i gues as middle, u shld be only 6/7(for ppl that dont have r.a.) he has no RIGHT saying for u to wait til it gets worse.....by that he means Damage to your joints, Ive to date had 7 corrective ops to correct the damage, becos i was ignored! Please, for your families sake, and your own, get a refeal...U r entitled to see a specialist...take ya hubby, or close m8 with u, when U nxt go and see the GP, Pref this week, ASAP, and ask for that referal to the Rhumatologist!..your GP may be good, but he is NOT an expert in this field....waiting times for appt to see rhumatologist is approx 12 weeks, so do it now, and when U know a referal has been sent(give it two weeks) ring the rhumatologists Secretary up(normal to do that ok) and ask where abouts U r becos your in pain etc, and want a cancellation appointment, if one happens to comne up.......Dont delay....let us know how u got on please....tc Jill x
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Date: 25.04.2010
From: Abbie

Subject: Re: Grateful for advice

I totally agree with the others. It's your right and as it appears your need to see the Rheumy. I know your dr said take pain killers but He could've at least prescribed anti inflamatorys. I'd book up to see ur GP ASAP and If He won't refere you keep seeing a different GP at the surgery till you find one that will. Arthur isn't a condition to be taken lightly. Go well hun and keep us posted X
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Date: 26.04.2010
From: Millie

Subject: Re: Grateful for advice

Thanks Jill - i will do so, i wasn't aware that 6/7 was average thats surprised me. I knew anything below 23 was normal.

Thanks also Abbie. GP had offered anti-inflams, but didn't take them as i'm still breast feeding.
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Date: 27.04.2010
From: Abbie

Subject: Re: Grateful for advice

My sister breast feeds on ibuprofen. I know they're not the strongest of, but they may give you a little relief hun. They sure helped with my morning stiffness If I took 12hr ones at bedtime. Go well hun! XXX
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