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Date: 16.07.2012
From: CMB

Subject: don't know what to do next

Hi everyone - I am new to this forum and have been reading lots of your posts trying to find some direction as to what to do next. I have had FM for seven years but now the pain has changed. In one year I have had a severely stiff neck, development of plantar fasciitis on both feet, painful toes, fingers and now ankles. But negative blood tests and xrays for RA. My GP just says it is worsening of fibro - but I know this pain is completely different. And now I have a very tight chest and am breathless - started a week ago. How long should a person wait before going back to the GP again? Everyone says early treatment for RA is essential but I feel like the GP is going to see me as a hypochondriac. Does anyone have any advice?
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Date: 17.07.2012
From: kirst

Subject: Re: don't know what to do next

ask to be referrd to a rhumatologist as you might have something going on that a rummy would pick up on better than a GP, also rummys can order more in depth bloods and tests.

Other than that be persistant as its easy for someone to put everything down to fibro. (i know as i have it too).
If GP wont referr you and they think its just fibro then maby its time to alter meds and see if that makes a differance and if it doesnt it gives you another reason to be referd to a rummy (hope that makes sence). x
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Date: 17.07.2012
From: bsk

Subject: Re: don't know what to do next

If you are breathless, see your gp asap. It might be nothing but it might be something.

As Kirst says, ask for a referral to a rheumatologist. Lots of people with RA are sero negative, in that RA doesn't show up in the bloods. I have it myself. It takes longer to diagnose but the treatment is more or less the same.
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Date: 17.07.2012
From: CMB

Subject: Re: don't know what to do next

Thanks kirst and bsk - for helpful comments. Am going to see GP today. Just one thing - it's clear that RA doesn't always show in blood tests but what about xrays? Or does that take a while to affect?
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Date: 17.07.2012
From: bsk

Subject: Re: don't know what to do next

No, doesn't show in X-rays unless you have damage. good luck at gp.
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Date: 17.07.2012
From: Colin W

Subject: Re: don't know what to do next

hi , the stiff neck goes with FM , do search for a Jack Knobber , will realy help your neck & back or something similar

would not worry about RA , the first signs I had was heat & redness in joints so would agree with the others & asked to be refered to a rhumatologist , they can tell you if its FM causing the problems or something else
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