Rheumatoid arthritis

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I had Covid in January and since then have felt terrible, I’ve been diagnosed with hypothyroidism, but for the past few weeks I have had terrible pain in both hands. I went to the doctor and mentioned I was worried about RA so he arranged blood tests to check inflammation markers. He has phoned me this morning to say they are raised and he is referring me urgently to rheumatology. I’m scared . The pain in my hands is not as severe now however I have been off work for a week so not using my hands as much (I work in a special school and it’s a very physical job). Can anyone reassure me? I’m only 35 and have read some scary things.

I have RA and osteo. Was diagnosed with RA aged 31. I'm almost 49. Good news that your Dr has referred you to a rheumatologist. They'll get you on meds asap :)

Hey, I was diagnosed at twenty six, ask them to check for lupus factor as well as you could have both. The good news is that there are fantastic medicines to stop the disease progressing and they will try several until they get you on the right one, and you will be monitored closely with rheumatology nurses on call. They might do a steroid injection to start but these are really excellent.

Forgot to say methotrexate is the usual medication to put you on first. It's a tablet or injection once a week. You need to take folic acid the days you don't take meth. The folic acid helps protect your liver and stop side effect of nausea etc. Blood monitor every 12 weeks but will probably be 6-8 weeks to start with.

Thank you, it’s all so daunting. I’m wondering if I’m wasting time because the pain isn’t as bad as it was, but he said there’s a 3 month window for treatment or something? Plus I presume it could have been a flare up that is now subsiding a little?

I've had RA and fibro for 27yrs.

The rheumatologist will check your bloods for rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP and CRP. They can all be negative and you can still have it, it's then classed as seronegative RA. I have seropositive RA which shows in my anti-CCP. My CRP doesn't move much.

If you can take someone with you then it helps to have two brains remembering what they say. Or write down any questions you have. There are loads of effective treatments out there now. Hope this helps.

There is a huge waiting list for rheumatologists so I wouldn't cancel,even if you're feeling better.

Thank you I definitely won’t cancel

I can’t down with arthritis after my AX vaccine, which my rheumatologist has confirmed to be the likely cause