Painful lumpy joints?

[WyvernWings]

I took my painful joints to the GP 2 years ago. GP did bloods which were fairly normal and made a referral to rheumatology which was declined.
Strong family history of rheumatoid arthritis (parent and sibling).
now my finger joints are lumpy and my elbows still hurt.
what do I do? Attempt GP again? Pay for private? How does that even work?

I'd attempt again. I have RA and have done for 7 years, it's possible that these could be nodules. I didn't have them at first, but I do now on my fingers, elbow and toes.

I was seropositive so seen by Rheumatology as my bloods were very abnormal, but as my consultant explained to me, your bloods can be normal and you still have it, so should be seen.

I had similar symptoms that started a couple of years ago (when I was mid 50s). I was prescribed methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis. I was concerned about taking such a strong medication, so instead of that I tried changing my diet. Rheumatoid arthritis is a inflammatory condition, so I cut out different food groups until I found one that made a difference. For me it was gluten. I have a happy medium now where I am mostly gluten free and my swelling and pain is under control, I think I could eradicate it completely if I cut out gluten altogether but it is not always convenient!
Hope this helps you in some way?

I was prescribed methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis. I was concerned about taking such a strong medication,

I'm on that, along with biologics. I had a bad reaction to the MTX tablets, but now inject it and it's fine, no side effects at all.

Thanks.
have been GF for years - IBS.
Will brace myself to attempt a GP appointment.

It could be osteoarthritis OP, for which there's not really any treatment (painkillers when needed and keep joints as mobile as possible through gentle exercise).
I have osteoarthritis confirmed in my finger joints (painful, stiff, very lumpy and red/swollen at times), which started in my early 40s. Also have pain and stiffness in lots of other joints which I presume is the same.