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Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

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General health

Rheumatoid arthritis - any experience please?

81 replies

IHeartKingThistle · 19/11/2015 13:26

I've just come back from the doctor. I went because for 2 weeks I have had discomfort in my hands, knees and feet and I thought it needed checking out. They feel tight and swollen but aren't really. It hurts a bit to climb the stairs.

We didn't really discuss much, but she asked if there was family history of RA (yes) then sent me straight for a blood test to see if I had it. I have to wait a week for the results.

Now I'm googling and panicking. I'm 36. It could just be nothing, right? I'd really appreciate some information if anyone has experience of this.

OP posts:

Report

IHeartKingThistle · 15/12/2015 00:39

Thank you. Keeping super busy all day is helping but I end up fretting this time of night.

OP posts:

Icantstopeatinglol · 15/12/2015 00:42

Yea I totally understand. One of the worst parts for me was actually trying to find out what was wrong. Feeling like a hypochondriac when I knew what I felt wasn't right. You'll get there but in the meantime try not to dwell too much on it and have fun (as much as you can if you're in pain obviously!). When are you due the results?

IHeartKingThistle · 15/12/2015 00:47

Next week. Thanks so much. I am totally functional (apart from not being able to open my Doritos dip!) so will just get on with it for a while. Going to get some sleep now

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Icantstopeatinglol · 15/12/2015 00:50

No problem, I've been diagnosed about 3/4yrs but had issues longer. Just opened my Doritos lol! See, even if there are issues there's always a solution...it's just finding your way there

sashh · 15/12/2015 07:57

I have psoriatic arthropothy (also the lovely pustular type) - similar to RA - diagnosed at 26, now 49.

OK hands up everyone who has been told, "you are not old enough to have arthritis"

OP step away from google now, it will do you no good.

Icantstopeatinglol · 15/12/2015 09:58

Oh god yes sashh, does my head in ha!

Jelliebabe1 · 15/12/2015 12:14

I think you need to push for a referal to rheumatology no matter what the results of these tests are. My rhuematologist did all of these tests when I first got symptoms. They will then manage you through whatever is wrong.

I guess I was lucky I had insurance with work at the time but once the rheumatologist was happy that it was some sort of arthritis he referred me back onto the NHS (still seeing him though!). I was eventually diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis (only developed a tiny bit of psoriasis about a year or so later). I'm really well managed though and you'd never know. In fact my symptoms have disappeared in pregnancy and I'm still well and meds free!!!

It's not necessarily a terrible diagnoses although I'm aware I have a mild version! Please try not to fret but insist on a referral!

Jelliebabe1 · 15/12/2015 12:15

And yes! Too young for arthritis pfffft... I'm 41 now and started with it at 34.

alphabettyspaghetty · 15/12/2015 12:27

Oh yes 28yrs old here... Your far too young for arthritis... Well my blood tests aren't lying my last blood test was well over 100 In terms of my Esr.

IHeartKingThistle · 15/12/2015 16:46

Thanks all. Really bad hands today.

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Icantstopeatinglol · 15/12/2015 19:13

Op are you taking regular ibuprofen while your hands are bad? I know it sounds simple but sometimes it takes the edge off xx

IHeartKingThistle · 15/12/2015 19:54

I know it sounds stupid but I'm not taking anything. I had years of gastritis which still occasionally flares up so I worry about ibuprofen irritating my stomach.

OP posts:

AlaskanSnow · 15/12/2015 20:31

I originally had palindromic arthritis, but now have rheumatoid arthritis.
Mornings are the worst. As PP have suggested heat, exercising joints and anti-inflammatory medication all help ease symptoms.
Currently I'm on steroids.

For hands, I go to bed with gloves on. Sounds silly, but means I have increased mobility in the mornings.

IHeartKingThistle · 15/12/2015 21:05

Thanks. I can totally see why gloves might help. My DH would think it was hilarious

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Jelliebabe1 · 15/12/2015 21:47

Ask your gp to give you something to protect your stomach like lansoprozole. That's what I take as I usually take diclofenac. I did have a stomach ulcer about two years ago! Whew you don't want that!

IHeartKingThistle · 15/12/2015 21:53

Nope! I was on omeprazole for 4 years so very familiar with that sadly!

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SluttyButty · 15/12/2015 21:57

I have psoriatic arthritis and that's grim too. The thing to remember is there are treatments to slow it down/stop it in its tracks so it's not all doom and gloom

honeysucklejasmine · 15/12/2015 22:10

Hi OP. Sorry this is happening to you. I was diagnosed with undifferentiated connective tissue disease/SLE (they still aren't quite sure!) at 19. I am 29.:

I can't add much to what people have said ready except that mine is very well controlled so fear not!

However, had to jump in when you said you'll keep busy over xmas. Whilst I totally get the sentiment, please keep yourself mentally busy only. A lot of these conditions can be made worse by excessive physical busyness and it won't help you to feel tired and run down. The best thing I did for my health was admit to myself that I couldn't do it all. I switched to part time work (and full time penny pinching!) and started accepting more help with physical things. (meeting and marrying DH came at exactly the right point in my life!) My health has gone from steroid injections to be able to undress myself to a sore finger for one day, since June.

So please. Listen to your body. Take it easy. Accept that a diagnosis might require some lifestyle changes, but don't panic! Relax and it will all come right in the end.

IHeartKingThistle · 15/12/2015 22:16

Honeysuckle thanks so much, I'll try! Unfortunately my life is basically running around like a blue-arsed fly. I don't think my current work schedule is sustainable even with these problems so maybe I need to have a careful look at what I can manage, whatever the diagnosis turns out to be.

Makes me a bit teary when people are lovely! I don't want to worry family about it.

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sashh · 17/12/2015 12:05

I know it sounds stupid but I'm not taking anything. I had years of gastritis which still occasionally flares up so I worry about ibuprofen irritating my stomach.

You can get enteric coated - they don't dissolve until after they have passed through your stomach.

IHeartKingThistle · 17/12/2015 15:33

What?! How did I not know about this?! Thank you!

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SecretServ1ce · 17/12/2015 16:21

After a couple of years of joint pain and negative results I finally saw a Rheumatologist this summer. I have an inflammatory arthritis, possible early stage RA. I was prescribed meds which have made a huge difference.
I have to say that the fatigue was the hardest thing to manage and that has really been helped by the drugs.
I always found ibupfofen to be pretty good for joint pain where paracetamol wouldn't touch it.

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IHeartKingThistle · 18/12/2015 00:26

Thanks secret. Going to hunt down some of those friendly ibuprofen.

Lyme disease came back negative - yay! Real relief.

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ChishandFips33 · 18/12/2015 00:47

When you have the opportunity, listen to your body and have a nap if you're feeling tired. The inflammation causes fatigue which can have a knock on effect with pain and stiffness. As can stress.
Have your calcium and vit D levels taken too - deficiency can cause joint pain among other things I find. (RA diagnosis 10 yrs - blood tests show no inflammation when I'm swollen and sore and vice versa so go by your symptoms not your results)
Ice can be good for the pain but no longer than 10mins at a time. I have the freezeable gel packs from boots - rectangular so can wrap round wrists etc.
Good news about the Lyme disease results!
Be persistent with the GP - squeaky gates get oiled!

IonaMumsnet · 19/12/2015 15:39

Hi folks. We're going to move this thread over to General Health in a moment as there's lots of useful info here and the OP wants to save it from the 90-day jaws of Chat.

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