Arthritis Forum
Home.

News.

Personal Stories. Links. Message Board.  
Arthritis Forum  
Add your comments to this topic Start a new topic
Date: 18.06.2012
From: wendy j matthews

Subject: ra

hi everyone, new to this, had hip and knee problems going back a while now which have been very painfull, recently my wrist flarred up, so doctor done blood test showed up esr rate was 20 which means im boarderline , and had x-ray on hips and its shown both my hips have wear and tear which was a shock as only one has been the problem, as doc said and with results of my blood test is ive got rheumatoid athritis, dont no what happens next as doctor didnt say just long term its anti inflamotorys and pain killers
reply | back to forum

Date: 18.06.2012
From: Yasmin

Subject: Re: ra

Welcome Wendy,

You're in the right place Wendy, read through as many posts as you can it will give you the gist of what RA treatments are out there and how they effect everyone differntly...everyone here is fantastic, it is good to be able to talk to people who are going through the same as yourself...I joined this forum because my father was recently diagnosed and ended up finding great friends:)p....x
reply | back to forum

Date: 18.06.2012
From: rhona

Subject: Re: ra

Hi Wendy, I am a bit surprised at your doctor saying you have R/A based on an ERS of 20. There are many reasons that your ERS can rise and 20 is not exceptionally high. I have R/A and my ESR has been over a 100 at times, albeit when it has been very active. If he thinks you have R/A he should refer you to a rheumatologist and they will put you onto drugs that slow down the disease. Best wishes.
reply | back to forum

Date: 18.06.2012
From: Paula-R

Subject: Re: ra

Hello Wendy

Did the doctor say wear and tear? I ask this because OA is wear ant tear RA is joint erosion. Was told once that it looks like a mouse has been nibbling at joints. OA is when the cartilage in between the joints gets worn away and then bone rubs on bone and gets painful. Would think that RA and OA would look different on Xrays.

Must echo what Rhona said about your ESR being 20, wouldn't say that was really high. If you have got RA you really need to see a Rheumatologist to be put on the right drugs. Pain killers only treat the symptoms and does nothing to try to slow down the disease. RA is progressive, the earlier it is caught and you are put on the right medication the better the outcome will be.

Go back and see your GP.

Paula
reply | back to forum

Date: 19.06.2012
From: wendy j matthews

Subject: Re: ra

maybe ive got it wrong, he defonatley said i have wear and tear in my hip joints, did explain to him it feels its travelling jumping one joint to the other,my toes the other night all evening felt like they were contracting very painfull and felt numb as well,maybe its oa but will visit my doctor that wanted tests done as didnt get results from her it was a new doctor and he had an accent so didnt understand him that well
reply | back to forum

Date: 19.06.2012
From: Colin W

Subject: Re: ra

Hi Wendy , totaly agree with Rhona , ESR can vary from person to person & dont mean you got RA & they should refer you to a rheumatologist

the blood test he could do is for Rheumatiod Factor , most RA suffers have it but not all , OA normaly effects one joint but with other on the go its worth you getting refered

hope you feel better soon
reply | back to forum

Date: 19.06.2012
From: marlene

Subject: Re: ra

Hi Wendy, you do sound like you have OA, but ask to see someone who will take the time to explain it all to you.OA is very painful and does seem to jump around have you had a CT or MRI scan. These will show what is damaging your joints and yes Paula is right OA and RA do look different.
I feel for you as a fellow OA sufferer . You need to be sure and treated properly for whatever you have.
Take Care and let us know how you get on.
reply | back to forum

Date: 20.06.2012
From: rhona

Subject: Re: ra

Hi Wendy, As Marlene says it could be OA but R/A also moves from joint to joint and commonly effects the toes. There are many different types of arthritis, OA & RA being the most common. I have even heard of some people having both types. It is important that you get a proper diagnosis.
reply | back to forum

 

Add your comments to this topic
Subject:
Please type your comment here:

Your name:
email:

5+6=
(This sum is to help prevent automatic spamming through this page - thank-you)


top

Site design: T - Creative Home | News | Personal Stories | Links | Message Board