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Autoimmune disease

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is it RA?

2 replies

cantthinkattheminute · 06/10/2022 15:30

just looking some advice. Over the past two years I have been having recurrent sore throats, seem to be nearly every other week but haven't needed medication treatment. Since having my two children I have always had 'stiff hips' and any time I took up running had to stop after a few runs due to knee pain. About 4 weeks ago developed very sore joints in my hands that become increasing pain full with movements such as typing, holding phone when talking on it, driving any distance, Cutting up meat, turning small door lock turns, opening fridge door etc. I have also dropped a number of items that normally I wouldn't eg gravy boat. The pain has moved to my shoulders and elbows (not continuous) and have also had episodes of pain in my knees, hips and feet. Hands are swollen around joints but not continuously as are toes. I have been on high dose of naproxen for 3 weeks and this has made it manageable but still notably there and have required co-codamol on several occasions. Other symptoms include fatigue, dry eyes, hair loss at temples. GP suspects RA has ordered several sets of bloods and currently CRP is 66 and anti CCP in 'normal'. GP advised this week that I would probably need a referral to rheumatology but the waiting list is over 1 year at present. Has anyone any suggestions as what i need to do next? Know I cant keep going with this level of pain at 32 yrs old as it is having an effect on work/family life as well as bringing to have an effect on my mental health.

OP posts:
Itsvalentino · 06/10/2022 15:42

I’ll be following this with interest as I’m going through similar and can’t get answers, my symptoms:

Started with 2nd toe on both feet swollen and painful, pain spread to sole of foot and ankles, Dr insisted I’d ruined my feet after years of living in high heels.
Sent for X-rays on feet and ankles and was told alight evidence of osteoarthritis in big toe (the one area that didn’t hurt)
Then right knee became painful and swollen, Dr said I’m overcompensating for painful feet.
Now my right elbow is swollen and painful.
I also have 2 knuckles on my right hand that are swollen and painful.

I do have a very stressful job, the Dr also blames this for my pain. I’ve given up seeking a diagnosis.

I’ve just resigned myself to feeling 90 at the age of 39 😢 oh and to add insult to injury I can no longer take ibuprofen as they’re causing me horrendous stomach pains, so battling through this on paracetamol alone.

You have my sympathies and I hope you get some answers/help

cantthinkattheminute · 06/10/2022 15:58

thank you for your reply, its just very frustrating. I'm also in a high stress job which doesn't help but they have been very understanding. Having no visible symptoms and not being able to see a GP face to face doesn't help matters.
Hope you get some answers soon.

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