to be worried sick and in a bit of a state?

[CaramelisedOnion]

Had a blood test for rheumatoid arthritis today due to pain in hands and feet and a tiny bit of family history (grandma had it in her late 60s) I should get the results tomorrow or latest Monday but meanwhile I'm in a complete state (as in, extremely tearful and panicky to the extent that I was sent home from work :( ) context, I'm a very active person, and single mother of a 2 year old boy. I'm absolutely terrified of the results coming back positive as the idea of limited mobility etc petrifies me.....I'm only 28 and just feel really scared. I dont know why its affecting me so much, and I need some support but don't know who to talk to. I'm not normally an anxious type but I am really struggling to cope with the worry :(

[Wishiwasanheiress]

I don't know much about this but am here. Wishing you strength x

[OnTheBottomWithAWomansWeekly]

My friend was diagnosed with RA about 12 years ago and once her meds were sorted she was fine for a few years.

Then she decided to TTC so came off the meds, and the pregnancy kept the symptoms away. And for some reason the symptoms never came back AT ALL after baby no 2 (who is now 5).

She says there are brilliant treatments and pain mgt techniques nowadays, and she never had limited mobility for the 7 or so years that she was on meds.

Have you someone who can come over to you tonight with wine ?

[whathellcall]

I don't really know much about this condition either, but just wanted to give you and . Worrying tonight won't change the results, I know it's easier said than done but try to stay positive, i find self medicating with wine and chocolate help me do this remarkably well

[ipswitch]

I think the blood tests for RA are quite non specific and may not always give a straightforward yes/no.

If it is a yes- surely its better to know and prepare for potential problems by keeping as well as possible and doing everything you can to stay as well as possible.

If its a no- then maybe other things have to be looked for and this might cause you even greater stress and worry

Could you speak to your GP/ consultant/ nurse and let them know how worried you are about the results and what they will mean. Arthritis care uk have a free helpline you could call them for a chat too.

[Iwishitwouldgetwarmer]

Try not to worry. Easier said than done I know. I was diagnosed with Inflammatory Arthritis a few years ago. At the time I was divorcing my then h and had a lot of pain in my joints (and my neck but did eventually divorce him!) and was worried sick thinking I'd not be able to look after my sons and that they'd have to live with their dad.

Once I got my med sorted I'm not mostly pain free. Just have to take care not to overdo things. Eg If I do some decorating or gardening then usually a bit achy and stiff the next day so rest for a couple of days.

[Iwishitwouldgetwarmer]

Meant to add. I was tested for RA but came back negative so was diagnosed as having Inflammatory Arthritis rather than RA. The symptoms are very similar.

[PinkyHasNoEars]

Caramelised - I know this is really scary and it's hard not to allow your mind to hurtle off on to worst case scenarios. At the moment RA is just a possibility, and your doctor is keen to find out straightaway because early diagnosis makes all the difference in the world to long term disease progression. I was diagnosed two years ago and I was so frightened, because my father had RA and he had to give up work very soon after diagnosis. I couldn't imagine how I would cope with the pain or what it would be like to be live with a degenerative disease. However, and it's a huge however, the medication which is available now is so much better than he had access to. I have a wonderful team of people who look after me and I am still doing the same job I love (full-time). If your tests come back positive - and they may not - there will be a plan to make sure you get the best treatment and there are lots of resources and support that you will have access to. Meanwhile, tonight be very, very kind and gentle to yourself - look after yourself as you would look after a friend who was in the same situation. I'm thinking about you. xx

[CaramelisedOnion]

Thank you for the kind responses....I'm just so worried but trying to manage the stress as best I can x

[thecatneuterer]

There is a new wonderdrug, which I've totally forgotten the name of but can find out. It only works for people who are newly diagnosed and the clinical trial is just finishing. My mum was part of the trial. The drugs appear to be side effect free and have completely cured the symptoms. Apart from having to take these tablets for the rest of her life, it looks as though her life will not be affected at all. If you want to pm me I can find all the details for you, or even put you in touch with my mum, who of course knows more than me.