Could someone talk to me about rheumatoid arthritis please?

[Becaroooo]

Had lots of issues over the years wrt pain/swollen joints etc

Anyway, after being dx with a skipped disk in my back the GP wasnt happy and sent me for some bloods and they have come back "high" for rheumatoid factors.

She is sending me to a rheumatologist - what will they do at the appt?

I am avoiding google like the plague (dont want to panic myself) and would rather get the facts from people who live with the illness every day and know how to cope.

TIA x

[Becaroooo]

...sorry, should say I am female and 38. Dont drink much or smoke at all.

[vickylou2004]

Hi Becaroooo! Love your name!

Not sure about your appointment but I would like to share my experience with you. I am awaiting blood tests for rheumatoid artritis. I am suffering with stiff painful joints all over the body and are worse in the morning and the day after anything physical. Mine are worse in the neck and right arm.

It's a bit annoying because I will have waited 3 weeks for these blood tests and I just want to know.

I have searched the net and everything points to arthritis, I'm hoping I have got it before it reaches the tissues.

Have you had your appointment?

[Mummystootired]

Hello, I don't have it myself(as far as I know) although I do sometimes get achy joints. I'm replying to your post though cause my brother has had it quite bad since his teens(he' now in his 40's)
I don't really know a lot about it if I'm honest. I can only tell you what I know as my brother is quite a private person.
He gets swollen joints, needs a stick to walk, and I think he has to have tablets. has regular appointments with Gp. If I've got this right the weather sometimes affects his condition too.
Don't know if this has been any help but I hope so. Hopefully you won't have it so bad as your only recently diagnosed.