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Date: 01.05.2011
From: Dilizjo

Subject: Finally Diagnosed with RA

Hi please bear with me as I am new to this forum. After 3 years of pain and tiredness I have finally been diagnosed with RA 3 days ago, which at the time was a great relief, this may sound very silly but after numerous visits to the GP and being told that I didn't have it and made to feel that I was putting my pain on to recieve a sick note in order to recieve benefits, as Blood tests were coming back negative, I now have firm confirmation of what I already knew.
It took 2 and a half years for a different GP to listen and actually hear what I was saying, he immediatly referred me to a specialist, and chased the appointment up when I hadn't heard anything for 3 months. I saw the Rheumatologist in March and he stated then that he thought it was RA from the initial consultation, he ordered new bloods, x-rays and hand scans which were all carried out quite quickly and I went to my 2nd consultation this week, in a way expecting to be told no you don't have RA again. But the doctor was very considerate and explained that I do in fact have it and they would start me on treatment and therapies to help slow down any joint damage. My reaction must have shocked her as I smiled and acted relieved.
I had actually self diagnosed myself 2 years ago by researching my symptoms thoroughly on trusted websites and they didn't match any other ailment, as each new symptom, even some that I would never have thought of being connected to RA, such as a painful throat when I had a flare up, appeared I added it to my research and they all pointed to RA, so if I could do that without the lab work why was I made to feel like a hypercondriac (not sure if that is spelt right).
After the initial relief I am very wary of my future, the drugs that I am going to have to take and my financial situation, as I had to give up work 6 years ago to home educate my son, who suffers from Social phobia and can not go out on his own, again only just diagnosed due to doctors not making house visits to people who are not on deaths door and only just being able to get him to go to the doctors surgey with my support. God bless him he has done this due to my health issues and I am so proud he has taken this first step.
Reading these forums has been a great support for me and I applaud you all for your positivity in dealing with RA.
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Date: 01.05.2011
From: marlene

Subject: Re: Finally Diagnosed with RA

sending best wishes your way and love to your son. The not being listened to is a big issue unfortunately. I have had OA for years and i was never told until 6months ago what i had. The relief part does sound daft but at least now you can say i have a problem and its not all a big fake. Bless you, take care.
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Date: 02.05.2011
From: dilizjo

Subject: Re: Finally Diagnosed with RA

ty:)
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