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Original poster

Rheumatologist arthritis

7 replies

Wishiwasonabeachinmaldives · 12/10/2025 16:23

My mother had this and is started about age 55. I have ulcerative colitis which I know is on the same gene as RA. I’ve been getting sore joints on and off. Big toe is really sore. I get sore thumbs and hips. Knees on occasion. I’m nearing the same age my mum was when getting RA. Am I likely to get it?

OP posts:
BigFatBully · 12/10/2025 16:40

Wishiwasonabeachinmaldives · 12/10/2025 16:23

My mother had this and is started about age 55. I have ulcerative colitis which I know is on the same gene as RA. I’ve been getting sore joints on and off. Big toe is really sore. I get sore thumbs and hips. Knees on occasion. I’m nearing the same age my mum was when getting RA. Am I likely to get it?

If it's just the span of the bone that is sore and not the joint, it is not likely to be arthritis. Have you noticed any swelling? I hope your mother is managing to control her pain affectively. Arthritis can be a painful condition.

Beenwhereyouareagain · 15/10/2025 07:40

Rheumatoid Arthritis has a particular set of symptoms, including which joints are affected. Googling photos of RA-affected joints might be a help. Inflammatory or autoimmune disorders can cause pain and complications in many other parts of the body. My sympathy is with you. I wouldn't wish UC on anyone.

CandidOP · 15/10/2025 08:13

RA is an autoimmune disease which affects organs as well as joints. Early diagnosis and treatment is key. Discuss your symptoms and concerns with your GP who can do a couple of blood tests that will show whether you have it.

Craftysue · 15/10/2025 08:33

It's normally the small joints that are affected and it's normally worse in the morning. It's definitely worth seeing your doctor. The sooner treatment is started the less damage is caused.
At your age it could also be osteoarthritis which is also painful

thecatneuterer · 15/10/2025 09:46

CandidOP · 15/10/2025 08:13

RA is an autoimmune disease which affects organs as well as joints. Early diagnosis and treatment is key. Discuss your symptoms and concerns with your GP who can do a couple of blood tests that will show whether you have it.

Exactly. I was a bit worried as I was getting swollen finger joints and my mother and grandad had RA. So I asked for a test. Simple blood test which was negative. If you're worried, ask for a blood test.

Original poster
Wishiwasonabeachinmaldives · 15/10/2025 13:47

thanks. My mother passed away 4 years ago but she didn’t want to take drugs to control it so pretty much had a poor quality of life from age 55. Her heart valve popped and they think RA had a part to play! My toe joint and thumb joints are sore. I can’t open jars now as it feels I’d break my thumb! I can’t see swelling right now. Just pain.
ill see how it goes!!

OP posts:
isitmyturn · 15/10/2025 20:31

It's hard to tell the difference yourself between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
RA is autoimmune and OA is wearing and tear. Not genetic afaik but one autoimmune can lead to another.
I started with OA around age 50. Diagnosed with RA aged 57.
See your GP and they can give you a better idea.
Negative test for rheumatoid factor does not of itself rule out RA.

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