Any thoughts about possible arthritis? Ultrasound not picking it up

[TruthorDie]

I’m part of the way through tests for potentially having arthritis. Symptoms of pain and discomfort in my elbows, wrists and hands started last summer. Im 44 and normally in good health. My GP referred me after l reported these symptoms and my rheumatoid factor level from a blood test was 22 (range is meant to be 7-14).

I had my first outpatients appointment with rheumatology a few weeks ago. I had ultrasounds on my hands last week and they said they couldn’t find any arthritis (not sure why it was just my hands they scanned?). Also having x rays, more blood tests and a urine test. Feeling frustrated as lm sick of feeling unwell and it’s been going on for over a year now. Some swelling and redness in my hands -localized to largest knuckle on each middle finger. I have a first cousin with a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis. My dad and his oldest brother had gout

I’ve begun on HRT for a few months and it’s not made any difference to the pain or the frequency. I take multi vitamins, vitamin D and liquid iron. I am frequently exhausted and lurch for cold to cold and chest infection. Seem to have developed dry skin round my eyes which lm not sure is eczema or dermatitis. But then again that could be just bring busy with young children and working full time. Symptoms started after my children were born (they are twins) and my cousin started with arthritis after her first child was born.

Has anyone got any ideas please about questions to ask or what it could be? Doctor mentioned possible psoriatic arthritis as a diagnosis but needs my test results before he can confirm this. Not sure why my next outpatients rheumatology appointment is going to be but l am just trying to get prepared

No. It’s only been the 1 appointment yet and they wanted to see the outcomes of the other tests

Glad your daughter got there in the end with a diagnosis, as it seems such a drawn out process! I have done some research and Ehlers-Danlo’s / hyper mobility doesn’t seem to fit with me

UPDATE l had my 2nd appointment, they think lm in the prodromal phase or it’s ME. Said the next step is for them to refer me to ME service. They did that but it was declined, no reason given for the decline. I chased rheumatology secretaries who said more blood tests were needed 🙄 and someone would be in touch. I heard nothing. A month later l contacted the secretaries again, one of the doctors rang me back to say ME service has declined the referral. They didn’t know why it was declined, l enquired why they hadn’t ask and she didn’t know. Doctor suggested l chase them myself and / or start at the beginning by asking my GP for another referral to ME service. I declined those sterling option. Doctor agreed to follow up o referral and do a referral to physiotherapy. Haven’t anything from anyone and it’s been a few weeks

Now feeling very frustrated by the whole thing. Rheumatology just seem bored by the whole thing and don’t want to do their part. I have had to micromanage the whole thing and it’s been going on since April when l first saw my GP about it -they then proceeded to refer to the wrong hospital, it was aged between appointments etc. I contacted PALS for support 1.5 weeks ago but even they haven’t go back to me

Op- can you go private for initial appointment?

Not really. Money is tight. Plus l don’t see why l should have to as l have in effect already paid for the NHS over the years. The irony is l work for the NHS