Is this arthritis?

[EthelredOnAGoodDay]

I have recently been referred to rheumatology for an appointment after an MRI showed inflammation of the joint at the base of my spine and pelvis. (The hospital picked up on the swelling when I was admitted to hospital earlier in the year and had an X-ray taken of my chest and back.)

I have also noticed that my fingers are often stiff in the morning and my neck is generally a bit stiff. None of this is painful, just a bit stiff. I do get flare ups of pain in my back, which were much worse during my last pregnancy, but now they just come every now and again (for example, if I've been hoovering/mopping the floor...)

I'm 35 and have had what I thought was a weak back for many years, but otherwise have been in good health until this year when I had my gallbladder removed.

I am to have bloods taken on Monday which will be passed to the rheumatology department. All of this has been recommended by my GP.

Is it likely that this is arthritis? I'm worried really what this all means and having to wait for the referral is making me stew on it even more!

TIA.

[EthelredOnAGoodDay]

Bump

[EthelredOnAGoodDay]

Anyone?

[Scarlettsstars]

Not so likely. Arthritis tends to start from the extremities and work in, or so I've been told. I was worried about a similar thing with my neck but the physio I saw diagnosed a trapped nerve.

[denialandpanic]

I have psoriatic arthritis and could have written your post two years ago pre diagnosis.

[EthelredOnAGoodDay]

Thanks both. Denial, how do you feel know and is that form of arthritis manageable? I'm totally clueless about these things!

[EthelredOnAGoodDay]

Now, not know....

[Icantstopeatinglol]

Ethel I also have psoriatic arthritis and I'm 35. I got diagnosed about 6 months ago and I'm 2 months into treatment so on the right track. My main areas of problems are hands, feet and upper back/neck. You're getting the right care so hopefully they'll get you sorted one way or another. If it is inflammatory arthritis the sooner you start on treatment the better to prevent joint damage but it might not be so best not to worry just yet.
I hope you get sorted soon as I know how worrying it can be.

[EthelredOnAGoodDay]

Thanks for your messages. I hope I get my referral soon and then hopefully I will find out a bit more. Thanks again.

[denialandpanic]

sorry very busy week. I want diagnosed until it hit my hands and I had an on the ball gp. Rheumatology referral and diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis based on sacrolilliac inflammation on mri, history and the tiniest patch of psoriasis imaginable.I'm on sulfasalazine, methotrexate and celebrex. not as under control as I or rheumy would like but getting there.currently trying to persuade gp to pay for arcoxia per Rheumatology advice but gp baulking at cost

[denialandpanic]

I was pretty relieved after I got diagnosed because I was stuck in one long big flare and honestly thought I was going mad, it was all in my head etc. I've since had to come to terms with the fact that this is likely a forever issue and new joints keep joining in.but it does really help to know what you are dealing with. I also really rate local Rheumatology team and trust them when they say there are still plenty of options to try and their aim is to get me as close to normal as possible......eventually

[BeyondTheLimitsOfAcceptability]

I have psoriatic arthritis too and yep, it could be that. I also have a friend who has ankylosing spondilitis, could be worth having a google of that? Its basically arthritis in your spine. But then psoriatic arthritis can also cause AS! Everything is linked and has a crossover of symptoms and ime its a pita and bloody difficult to get one firm, definite diagnosis! :)

[mandmsmummy]

I have spondyloarthritis which is an imflammatory arthritis. It's in the base of my spine and sacroiliac joint which joins the pelvis. Sometimes my foot feels tight, sounds a bit like that x

[Laurel7777]

Hi ladies! I am new to this site but I found it while doing a Google search for postpartum spondyloarthritis! I have also been diagnosed with this auto immune condition and it happened 4 months PP. I am still breastfeeding and since we want more children, I am also limited on treatment options. It took me 2 months to get in with the Rheam doc- even here in the states! Finally I saw his nurse prac and she has been great. I am currently on week 3 of prednisone as well as a systemic steroid shot that helped me feel about 90% better. It was getting to be unbearable. I will start weaning off the pred at the first of the year and if I flare up again, we are also going to try the anti-malaria med since it is safer than any of the other RA-type drugs. That's the basics of my story! Hope this helps you feel like you aren't alone.

[EthelredOnAGoodDay]

Marking my place, will be back later!

[wonkylegs]

Hi I've had RA for 16yrs (diagnosed as a student). It's no fun having an autoimmune disease but I would say that the treatment options are vastly better than even 10yrs ago.
The problem can be finding the right drug that works for you, they all sound scary but you are monitored for problems so they can be caught quickly and for me my particular combination is a lifesaver. I have been on my meds all times except when TTC/pregnant when I substituted the better drugs for safer steroids.
From a dismal diagnosis as a teenager (I have RA throughout my body) , my meds sorted out my condition so I could complete uni (3 degrees), have a successful career, get married and have a wonderful son and do many many other fantastic things. The RA makes it harder and sometimes more painful but it's liveable with and it doesn't stop me.

[EthelredOnAGoodDay]

After my OP, I've been away from
Mumsnet for a bit. (No particular reason, just been busy!)
Anyway, had initial appt with rheum specialist in Jan. She diagnoses suspected spondylitis and recommended physio as a starting point as I seemed to be 'coping well'. Anyway, was listed for follow up in 6 months, but due to staffing I ended up seeing them again a couple of weeks ago. Saw the lead consultant this time who said that I was doing well, and relatively not that bad, but as I have had quite a few flare ups brought on by activity (mainly hoovering, gardening activities where I'm leaning forward etc) it might be worth considering a steroid injection. So I've had one and it's worked brilliantly. So far my pain has been vastly reduced. Hoping it continues this way! Will keep you posted.

[EthelredOnAGoodDay]

Should say as well, the physio exercises seem to helping with the stiffness in my neck and back. I am terrible though for not doing them. MUST TRY HARDER!!!

[Laurel7777]

I hear you on the physio! I am joining a gym where I can do water areobics and be forced to do it since I'm paying for it. ;)