Who can hazard a guess on my possible rheumatology condition - doctor being very cagey

[hmcAsWas]

Have had lower back issues for a while. Often symptomless during the day but kicks in at bed time or if I've been lounging on the sofa in the evening. I wake up several times in the night to shift position because moving around in bed is uncomfortable due to back stiffness and pain. A few minutes after getting up in the morning it virtually completely resolves. The GP did a blood test.

It has come back slightly raised and she is planning to refer me to a rheumatologist but wants me to go back for two further blood tests before then. She wouldn't be drawn upon what it might be.

Any thoughts based on symptoms?

My guess would be some sort of inflammatory arthritis. It's very similar to what I have.

Anklosing spondylytis. Look at nass charity resources

nass.co.uk/nass/en/about-as/about-as/

That's what I have

Sounds as though she's tested for inflammatory markers in the blood and is repeating the tests as well as referring.

So you're potentially in autoimmune/rheumatic/arthritis type territory.

You have a very good GP. Never move

Okay thanks guys. No I won't Battleax

Have read the stuff re ankylosing spondylitis - and I have to agree this looks likely. I should know more in a couple of weeks (two more blood tests next Wednesday and the results due back in the week after that). Thanks again all

Just for the record though, I (and lots of other sufferers) don't show any inflammation in our bloods which is what makes it hard to diagnose. It was an MRI for me and lots say the same. Im also negatine for the gene but again thats common. Good luck.

Yes do not be fobbed off with "your inflammatory markers are normal"

Alykylosing spondylitis is diagnosed partly by a blood test. They will probably arrange an MRI scan next to check for damage.

Thank you, good advice. I will ask about an MRI if the blood tests are inconclusive

I am in the same position OP. Having third lot of blood tests tomorrow but have also been referred to rheumatology. My pain and stiffness is in the right sacroiliac joint and knee, though I also have some neck and back stiffness. Same as you - only really troublesome at night, though also stiffens up if I’ve been sitting for a while. Also get light headed at times which I think comes from my neck.
I don’t seem to fit any set of symptoms completely.

My dh has rheumatoid arthritis and finds the pain worse at night or if he sits for too long. He sleeps well though, but feels the pain as he gets into bed and his body relaxes if that makes sense.

We had some trouble getting a diagnosis and saw 4 rheumatologists before getting the right treatment. Blood tests are just one method of getting to diagnosis, they need to put all info together to reach the right point.

Doctor said I probably had arthritis in my right little toe joints. Now have the same pain in my middle finger and thumb. Been really bad today, have a health check tomorrow so will see if can get referred to rheumatology.
What medicines do people take to help ease the pain and stiffness?

Dh is on a weekly injection now which has transformed his life. He also takes a low dose steroid daily.

He has found that having regular baths with Epsom Salts really helps manage the pain.