Does anyone have arthritis?

[Hulababy]

Just looking for information really at this point.

I am 38y and that's what may have and what has been causing me pain over the last few weeks.

About 6-7 weeks I started with a very sore neck with restricted movement in my neck. The pain then was radiating down into my shoulders and back, and up into my head; the latter being very painful at times.

Saw drop in GP after a couple of weeks who just said it was probably muscular and to take ibuprofen. Which I did.

Then a couple of weeks or so after that, and still in pain, I saw an osteopath who clicked and cracked my head and neck about. Got some movement back after that but pain remains. And my hands are now sore too. Not gripping or anything but more on the knuckles and down the sides of my hands - notice it when the children at school hold my hand for example.

And then yesterday morning my knee was sore and a bit stiff, no pain as such though. But mid afternoon my knee had swollen loads to more than double its size! It's still like it now. Still not painful, more of an ache and an odd sensation trying to walk - but can't straighten my leg, nor bend t too much, making walking fun. Have had to borrow Dh's car as that is automatic so at least I can drive!

Saw GP last night and he sent me (today) for 5 different blood tests and is investigating arthitis. I have scalp psoraisis and there is a form of arthritis than can occur as a result of psoraisis.

I also have antibiotics and better anti inflammatory meds.

For the psoraisis I have been taking aloe vera juice (yuck!) twice a day since last Thursday, and I am now a week or so into trying dairy free - to see if it makes a difference.

Go back to GPs on Tuesday afternoon for my results and to see what happens next, depending on what results say.

Sounds like it could be psoriatic arthritis which needs referral to a rheumatologist, the sooner the better. Be warned that blood tests are often completely normal in this condition so it's worth a referral if symptoms persist. Good luck!

Thanks. MY GP has also suggested it could be psoriatic arthritis. Hopefully can get a referral when I see him on Tuesday.

I'm off to the GP tomorrow as I have increasingly painful hands and feet (including wrists and ankles). My fingers/feet hurt at night and are very stiff and painful in the morning, then get better through the day then get worse again in the evening

Diclofenac helps a little but I can't take it overnight (as I'm asleep!) so can't avoid the morning stiffness and pain.

Hope you get some answers from your blood tests - it does sound like you have something like arthritis going on and if you have psoriasis it's good they are checking for psoriatic arthritis. Good luck

I have been prescribed diclofenac also, plus antibiotics as a coverall.

Read a bit more about psoraitic arthritis and I do seem to be ticking several boxes there.

:( Doesn't sound good Sidge; hope you get some relief from it.

Thanks Hula, I put it down to general aches and pains but it's starting to impact more on my life at home and work, so I thought I'd better see the doc. I rarely go to my GP but have been a few times this year with my bonkers periods, back pain and now possible arthritis!

Gawd I'm falling apart, shoot me now

Hope you feel better soon.

lol; been saying same to dh re falling apart!

Hula - I'm in a similar situation at the moment. Around the same time as you (about 6 weeks) I woke up with a dreadfully painful neck. I assumed it was something I'd pulled in the gym. It's settled over the weeks but is still very stiff in the morning and sometimes keeps me awake at night. I have an odd feeling in the underside of my left arm, sometimes radiating down to my little finger, also like you pain up to the back of my head. I feel permanently knackered TBH.

My mum has degenerative disc disease in her neck and I'm waiting on the results of an xray to check that out. I've also currently got issues with my hip, knee and wrist although that hasn't got me diving for the painkillers. I've been taking diclofenic for my neck. i've had bloods - my inflammation markers are up a bit not not hugely, my ferritin (iron stores) are low but my HB well up.

Oh gosh, hope you get sorted.

Been back to GP.

Def some form of inflammato?ry arthritis,? prop psoriasis linked. Short term solution before Florida is vv strong steroids. Have more bloods Monday, GP again on Wednesday and then back after holiday for referrals to rhuematolo?gist and dermatolog?ist.

Have had a couple of weeks of steroids now and was back at the GPs last on Tuesday, been there weekly recently. The steroids have helped a lot. The swelling was much reduced and the aches and pains in neck, head, hands and knee pretty much gone. The G did reduce the meds down though and the swelling started again after this and was getting more aches again. I am also getting off crackling noises when I move my head, app all related. Had mor ebloods taken last week too.

So, on Tuesday, I saw the GP again. Because of going on holiday on Friday he got me a very quick referral to the rheumatologist, who I saw today. I know, very lucky!

Rheumatologist agrees that is sounds like psoriatic arthritis.

He has given me a steroid injection right under my knee cap today. Was rather unpleasant it has to be said. And my knee is very achey tonight but apparently this is normal and should settle down in a day or two.

I have also had more bloods taken, plus x rays of my hands, feet and chest.

When I get back from holidays I will have had a referral appointment for an MRI of my upper spine/neck/head too. Apparently the meds for tackling arthritis there is different to big joints hence having a look.

And I get to see the consultant again in about a month's time.

And then after all that I should be looking at starting some longer term other meds, but not sure what they are or what they involve as yet tbh.

I am staying on my steroid meds and have been told to what leve I can up them to whilst on holiday if the long hours of walking and the roller coasters cause me increased discomfort/pain.

welcome to the club :) I'm lucky in that my PA is pretty mild. Things worth noting are:
Don't be surprised if you get fatigue symptoms and fluey symptoms. it can make you feel quite poorly in general.
Next time you see the optician make sure they know that you have PA.
As well as joints it can make you pretty vulnerable to tendonitis, so take care with repetitive movements. If something hurts, rest it but don't immobilise it.

it sounds like you are getting good care :)

The tendonitis thing is interesting as that could explain the aches and pains I get in my hands and fingers a lot.

I will look out for other signs and will definitely tell my optician. I wear daily contacts so I will remember to update them.

My knee is still sore today but less than yesterday so hopefully the steroid injection thing is settling down. The swelling was gone enttirely this morning but is up a little bit this evening. My neck is less sore today too as my steroids were upped today as well.

Just hoping I am pain free and able to fully emerse myself in the theme parks on holiday next week now. Two weeks ago I was really panicing as I just couldn't walk.

Lots and lots of rest needed until your holiday. I had a bad flare before my last holiday. I was really upset but in the end I was surprised at how ok I was. I think the change of scene and the real warmth and relaxation helped a lot. I hope it is the same for you.

I am hoping the heat helps a lot.

We drive to Gatwick tomorrow and then fly on Friday. We are off to Florida for two weeks of non stop theme park fun, so a heavy duty holiday. I just hope I can keep up!

I'll get lots of rest driving down tomorrow as it's about 4 hours or so in the car start with. I'm not having to drive either so can just sit there.

You might have set off by now but I hope you have a really lovely time and are able to enjoy it.

Thank you :)

We are setting off to the airport hotel this lunchtime and fly out tomorrow.

Have just rememebred to fill in my blue steroid card too which the hospital says I ahve to carry with me all the time now.

oh well ewmwmbered! Did they say anything about being careful with infections?

what?!!! sometimes my fingers have a mind of their own!! I meant 'remembered'!!!

Yes, they did, but just to be aware I could be more susceptible.

I have a return hospital app on 19th September. And need to call the hospital in the morning to make my MRI appointment too.

Whilst on holiday I upped my steroids slightly as recommended and will reduce back down again from tomorrow. My knee and neck got a bit sore after the long days. The heat was fine but the humidity when really bad affected my knee I think. the coasters did knock my neck about a little too. But overall all was fine and no real issues with it whilst away.

Glad things seem to be under control. I have PA too. Just affects my knees so far. I was on meds but came off them before I got pregnant with my first 6 yrs ago. Struggled a bit while bf DD1 and had to have knee drained a few times but no problems since. Should go back on meds really but putting it off. The only thing I can't do anymore is cycle.

Just wanted to say hi, I have Rheumatoid Arthritis. I was diagnosed at 19 following a disabling and painful flare (swollen joints/fatigue /stiffness) after a bout if the flu. Knees, wrists, fingers and feet all ballooned and I was in agony. Once I got diagnosed properly I pushed for aggressive treatment with DMARDs which slow down the progress of the disease (no known cure for RA but it does go into remission for some) my Rheumatologist told me recently that this was the best thing I could have done as despite having relatively aggressive RA I have little permanent joint damage
Steroids are good but they are generally a temporary solution.
Be aware a lot of the drugs used to treat inflammatory arthritis are fairly scary and nasty BUT they gave me my life back , Unfortunately sometimes they stop being effective and you have to try a different one. There is no one answer everybody is different and you may need to go through a bit of trial and error
Talk through everything with your drs, nothing is a stupid question.
Can I suggest for some support you come over to arthritis care's discussion boards- we are a friendly bunch and can offer some direct support and answer questions or sympathy or humour as necessary (btw I post under a different name there as somebody else is WL )

Sorry to hear that you have PA, hulababy.

Lots of good advice here and the only thing I can add is that heat and layers of clothes help especially in cold damp weather and regular eye checks.

I have PA and while it does not affect my work, I do drop stuff a lot and have a job getting down stairs in the morning. (shuffle down on my bum on bad days) plus need help to get dressed when it is bitterly cold.
There are lots of us here to offer you support. x

I didnt realise you had it too GO. I'm sorry about that, it is rotten. There seems to be a few of us, so we can virtually look after each other when its bad.

Thanks all.

I return back to the consultant on 19th September when I will be looking at other medication. the steroids have been short term to get me through my holiday - which have done their job nicely for me :) But there can't be used long term, apparently other medication will do that, although they'll also see if it is a one off flare up too. Some disease modifying drugs apparently - sounds alarming but standard I think.

I have an MRI arranged for next week - at 7:35am!!! That's to look at my neck/upper spine which has also been affected. Still is I think as although pain not there due to steroid the funny drackling is there all the time, esp since going on all those rides!

I already have annual eye checks as I wear contact lenses, but will update them on the PA at my next app.

At the moment I am pain and swelling free but I am aware that may well be due to the steroids.

Will look at the forum suggested, and will keep posting for advice as required if that is ok.

Sorry so many others are affected too. Hope you are all getting support and help for it as much as is possible.