Stiff and aching joints - mainly hands

[rosessss]

Hi everyone
About 2 months ago, I woke up with sore Achilles, hip and thumb. Out of the blue - I am pretty active and there was no obvious reason for this at all, like increase in load. Since then, different fingers (ends and whole finger) have ached on and off, and toes, wrist, elbows on and off. Last few days I have noticed a symmetry to my fingers aches which I found really stressful. I am 42 but have no other obvious peri symptoms at present (I don’t think). Did anyone else experience similar at start of perimenopause? Seeing GP next week but I feel pretty concerned about possible rheumatoid arthritis with the symmetry.

Thank you. I am so scared, I really don’t want rheumatoid arthritis. I read the medication is effective but it is immunosuppressant and has really hard side effects which I am quite fearful of too.

SmallDFartyCarNRG
Definitely mention the stiffness that goes after a while and appears after resting as that is a classic symptom that rhumatology look at. My arthritis improves with the warmer weather and the morning stiffness can be managed, it just takes time. Good luck.

rosessss
Thank you. I am so scared, I really don’t want rheumatoid arthritis. I read the medication is effective but it is immunosuppressant and has really hard side effects which I am quite fearful of too.

Completely understandable and I empathise completely 💐

If the arthritis is picked up early and you have intervention you will hopefully be symptom free again soon with mobility. The immunosuppressed label isn't one that's nice and reassuring, but equally it can be managed. The team at my local hospital are great and addressed my concerns. There are so many treatment options nowadays and I would say try not to get ahead of yourself reading effects of potential treatments like I did!
One step at a time. It can be sorted and managed with careful monitoring so you can live a full and active life. Honestly x

@Julysunshineishere thank you so much. Really appreciate your messages. How are your energy levels? That is another fear. I have a young family, love being active, and work very hard in my job too, something I relish. You’re right, I am getting ahead of myself, but finding it quite hard to stay in the moment and not fear for the future and big adverse change.

I ended up diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis which was triggered by the menopause. Got my first very minor lesions in my late 40s which are very few and far between but the pain in my hands and feet 😭.

I’m on the mildest drugs and they seem to help.

rosessss · Today 09:39
** thank you so much. Really appreciate your messages. How are your energy levels? That is another fear. I have a young family, love being active, and work very hard in my job too, something I relish. You’re right, I am getting ahead of myself, but finding it quite hard to stay in the moment and not fear for the future and big adverse change.

I completely get your concerns, really valid. I started after I had my daughter and honestly, within a few months of starting the meds I was able to go to the park and run again. I couldn't lift her or do her clothes poppers up properly and I felt exhausted and absolutely awful.

When I started the meds my joints were pain free and I could function normally again. Share all your worries with the rhumatology team as they are better out in the open. It will help them to get the right treatment. I used to take my daughter in her buggy to the hospital for some checkups and I remember feeling so pleased that each visit during the early monitoring visits I found it easier each time.

I've found that RA was not really understood by many people I worked with and socialised with and that was tough, but the team and staff and other patients in the clinic really helped. I've got my life and freedom back and was doing everything I could before. If just needs thinking about more initially, but honestly you will feel better soon with the right support and meds 💐

I get this & it disappears when my Oestrogen dose is sufficient- unfortunately my new GP won't prescribe that dose that I've been on for the last 3 years! Once my dose qas first upped it solved all my probs (I was already on a decent amount but I needed more). Likewise it resolved my flatness and anxiety so I am drug free now.

Just waiting for my private appt in a month to resolve the issue. I did ask the rubbish GP how she was going to treat my joint pain then?! She had no answer (but still wouldn't up my Oestrogen).

Remember HRT has so many preventative benefits even if you currently think you don't need it - it's licensed for osteoporosis and evidence shows (due to it's anti-inflammatory effects) that it also helps protect against Dementia, Heart Disease, diabetes, cancers, autoimmune diseases etc etc.

It's only when we lose the Oestrogen that everything starts going wrong. The risk is not about taking HRT it's about NOT taking HRT.

Thanks for your post
did you have any other low oestrogen symptoms alongside the joint aches/stiffness?
I don’t seem to have any other low oestrogen symptoms so not sure if HRT is an option or how this would be decided. Before I got the symmetrical aches, I did just assume it was just an early peri/low oestrogen thing. Thanks again