Arthritic pain - when to see doctor?

[RainbowHash]

Hya, I've got unusual pain in my finger and both feet. Started virtually overnight and bears all the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. However, that is a self diagnosis and I'm trying not to panic until I see a doctor and have a proper diagnosis. And hopefully I will deal with it and not panic!

I have an appointment for two weeks time, but.... if anyone has any experience or knowledge of this, should I see a doctor sooner? It's quite debilitating at the moment and it hurts. I can cope with the pain, but don't want to make this worse but not seeing a doctor sooner.

Any advice would be much appreciated! Thank you

[highlystrung]

No personal experience but I've been reading about this recently as having pain in my wrist and foot. From what I can gather if it is RA there is a benefit to starting agressive treatment early on (in first few months) as can stop joint damage. Bit saying that the diagnosis might take a while - they'll probably do blood tests first and they can be a bit ambiguous. Can you speak to a doctor on the phone and see if they think you need to be seen sooner?

[DancingLedge]

Blood tests, rheumatology referral, not going to happen overnight.
There are umpteen kinds of arthritis available, maybe a good idea to try not to be over quick to let Dr google diagnose - I can speak with authority here , because I never do that only all the time

[newpup]

Hi I have arthritis possibly rheumatoid (confusing to diagnose). Don't panic two weeks is fine :-) I find that some days the pain is very intense and others not too bad at all. I am currently taking prescribed painkillers by my rheumatologist. I am deciding whether to go on stronger meds but there are side effects which will be discussed with you. I have tried one drug but the side effects for me outweighed the benefits, although other people have had successful outcomes on it.
I did see a consultant privately after GP referral as the waiting list in my area was about 9 months! I do continue to see him privately so cant help with NHS appointment times after initial consultation.
In answer to your question, it wont be worse by waiting two weeks but you may want to think about private care if you need a referral depending on waiting times. Good Luck.

[RainbowHash]

Thanks all for the replies. Will bide my time and wait and see and ignore doctor google as much as I can! Good point about private healthcare. Will investigate.