Does this sound like Rheumatoid Arthritis?

[Picklypickles]

For a few years now I've been getting increasingly worse pain in what feels like all the bones in my feet from toes to ankles, now I also have issues with my knees randomly seizing up/clicking and pain in the bones of my hands particularly around the base of the thumbs. It's worse when I have my period. My dad suggested it might be arthritis, I've had a google of the symptoms and RA sounds a lot like it. Has this been anyone elses experience?

Pointless trying to get an appointment with a GP these days, I have tried with no luck!

How old are you. Could be peri.

No-one here can diagnose you.

Even if it is R.A how do you propose to proceed without your GP's involvement. They need to refer you for investigation (if they see fit)

Is going private an option?

Ask to get your blood tested. Rheumatoid factor, CRP and Anti CCP levels may give some clues because if raised they can indicate RA.

I was investigated for RA. Had xrays and then saw specialist it was quite quick to be fair

I'm 40, I know nobody here can diagnose me but then neither can a GP if they wont see me can they? As for how to proceed, not a clue! I have Ibuprofen!

Was just interested in hearing if this matches anybody elses experience of the condition.

I think you need to really persist with the GP

How does your surgery currently work? They must be doing appointments somehow? (telephone?)

I have RA and mine is more swelling of the joints so unable to bend them as opposed to clicking. I do have the clicking but that is osteo arthritis due to wear and tear from the constant swelling/not swelling over the years.
mot would be worth making a doctors appointment even if it isn’t for a while as they can do a blood test and help you from there.

Definitely persist with the GP. There are 100 different types of arthritis so you could well have it.

All the best.

Have you had an infection of any kind over the last 6 months/year? It might be reactive arthritis.

Not really, RA causes joint swelling. Could be wear and tear/osteoarthris, or something else entirely. You really need to see a doctor. Or maybe a physio or podiatrist might be able to help.

My mum has both kind of arthritis. Her rheumatoid is swelling, no clicking or any other "bone" feelings involved. To be honest I think it's quite unusual, anecdotally, to have rheumatoid without any other autoimmune diseases present (mum has hypothyroidism).

Well my GP practice doesn't currently appear to be working at all. I'm supposed to have a yearly blood test for both kidney function and potential diabetes, booked an appointment and sat waiting for an hour before walking out unseen. Tried to book an appointment the other day to be told I can now only do this by calling between 8.30-10am which used to be the case for emergency appointments. So I assume that as this isn't an emergency I'm not going to get an appointment. I've given up on them tbh, they never take me seriously about anything anyway so its not like a diagnosis would be of any real use.

Hey-ho, whatever it is I guess I'll just have to put up with it thanks for the replies.

What’s happening when you are asking for the GP appointment? Can you be put on a waiting list?

Change GPs so. You need one with good administration. Don’t give up. All the best.

A good friend of mine gets RA, she has sort of similar symptoms although she also gets hot-to-the-touch joints and mild flu-like symptoms every so often. And hers is more stiffness and swelling than clicking and clunking.

Even if it is RA, you can't treat RA with ibuprofen alone, so you're going to have to do battle and get in front of a GP in some way I think. Tip: when you speak to the GP receptionist, and they ask you what the matter is, tell them that the pain/lack of function is stopping you from doing your job (say it involves holding a pen, or using a mouse/trackpad/typing, or operating equipment). If you make it clear it's impacting your ability to earn a living I've found that GP receptionists suddenly get a bit more helpful.

If it is RA you need to be referred to rheumatology and start on some pretty strong drugs e.g. methotrexate, otherwise it will progress, destroy your joints and potentially cause premature death so you really can't just keep taking painkillers! Change GP!

Would anything actually happen if I do have some kind of arthritis and I just leave it untreated, besides being in pain though?

I don't do well with a lot of medication as it it is and I've only got one kidney so not sure if I even could be prescribed anything.

I guess how much you pursue this depends on how debilitating you are finding it.
I have it and the GP told me to use the strong voltarol cream from the supermarket/chemist/amazon etc. Don't think I even have the arthritis listed as a diagnosis. I think the prescribed treatments are avoided unless absolutely necessary due to side effects and immunosuppressant risks, so if you can treat it yourself with voltarol/ibuprofen gel/cream etc, the diagnosis itself is probably of secondary importance.
Just pointing out that you can start to treat it yourself without getting through the door of the GP. Alternatively, does your GP still have eConsult? That is another way in (which is why many practices have stopped patients using it).

Death?!

I only take Ibuprofen on the days I'm really struggling to walk with the pain in my feet, like today I've started my period and everything is stiff and hurts. I know you shouldn't take ibuprofen for more than 3 days in a row. I'm very careful with medication, never take anything unless I absolutely have to as I'm very sensitive to most drugs and very worried about damaging my remaining kidney. No one is even keeping on eye on that, meant to have regular kidney scans since removal of one but not been called for one yet in 4 years. I think I'm expected to just take myself off to die quietly in corner somewhere without boring any doctors with it.

Premature death.

"Without appropriate treatment, chronic pain, disability, and excess mortality are unfortunate outcomes of this disease.

Common causes of mortality in RA include cardiovascular disease, which accounts for approximately one third to one half of RA-related deaths, and infection, which is associated with approximately one quarter of such deaths. RA is also known to be associated with higher risks for lymphoma, anemia, osteoporosis, and depression."

www.hopkinsarthritis.org/arthritis-info/rheumatoid-arthritis/

I think you need to become a squeakier wheel at your GP.

Matches my experience. I was diagnosed with RA then had a host of new symptoms and have had Sjogren's added to the mix.

I have medication for Sjogren's as it's a disease from the lupus family and can bugger vital organs, but have nothing specifically to address the RA which is just uncomfortable and tiring to varying degrees depending on whether I'm having a flare-up.

Hope that's helpful...

I would be emailing the practice manager and local health board to complain about your treatment and missed appointment, personally. And changing surgeries. In my experience with the NHS you need to be very annoying to be heard. Advocate for your health! It's important.

If it is RA and progresses, what are you planning to do? Curl up into a ball and wait to die?

You sound a bit daft to be honest.

Ring and make an appointment. It's not hard.