Hello
i am new to Mumsnet, as of today! I have been reading your posts with interest, I think I have something autoimmune going on, not sure what, tending to think arthritic - my hands are both very stiff to move in the morning, not for long, but I can't make a fist at all, and for first half hour of day can't even roll them loosely into a fist, and they feel tight and sore at the joints.
I have an achilles tendonitis which I have had for 6 months or more, the physio asked me to go for bloods to check inflammation in the body - and I freaked when I came out and haven't been, I've never known of a physio giving a blood form for ESR. I thought I will see GP and talk to them about my hands, (hips, knees......) in case other bloods are needed, haven't done so yet. But on Saturday I developed what I think is a perianal abscess, never had one before, just appeared out of the blue but isn't getting smaller or less painful, so am ringing GP tomorrow morning when they open to try to get an appointment.
I also noticed on Saturday evening 3 little blister type spots, quite tightly packed together on my elbow only noticed because it was stinging like it was an open wound (it isn't).
I have just finished Aldara for a BCC on my back - which has worked well I hope - but it is a cream which uses natural defences to release chemicals to attack the lesion - and release chemicals which are part of the immune response.
I have never had little odds and sods build up altogether like this so am wondering if the Aldara is responsible, and I hope the GP will be able to advise.
But what I wanted to ask is - from you making the decision to go to the GP regarding your concern - and did you have to ask for your immune system to be checked - how long did it take for you to get a diagnosis and started on a management and treatment plan? It seems so very convoluted!
Thank you for taking the time to read this post - sorry if it comes across as confusing!!