Painful joints

A diary is a good idea, hope you get a specialist referral.

Sar53, am I correct in thinking this is the day of your doctor's appointment. Good luck. Please don't be disappointed if you do not get an instant diagnosis. These things can take time.

I started with swollen, painful joints about eight years ago and feared the worst as my mother had RA. However, blood tests came back normal. Despite this, a very flippant doctor prescribed methotrexate and steroids which I wasn't prepared to take. To cut a very long story short, I found a sympathetic and clued up Doctor who advised me on nutrition (avoiding certain foods such as gluten, citrus and dairy) and I embarked upon a course of acupuncture. Eight years on, I am fine, bar the occasional flare up (daft as it sounds, often due to weather conditions!) and I continue with six weekly acupuncture treatment. I also firmly believe that keeping mobile is so important, and I do Pilates and Yoga. Everyone is different, and this may not be the course of action best for you, but it's just another viewpoint. I do hope that you feel better soon.

Thank you Marydoll and Megram for your kind comments. I saw my GP this morning and he has referred me for an urgent assessment by a RheumatologIst. I am to have a telephone assessment next Wednesday and then given an appointment at the hospital. Apparently this is how it is done in this area, a Triage Service. He has stopped the steroids and prescribed Amytriptiline for the pain. I can only see how I feel after a few days. At least he seemed to be taking seriously what I was saying to him.

I am glad your GP is taking you seriously. Remember to try and remember all your symptoms, no matter how trivial, as it helps to build the most accurate picture of your condition. I only found out recently that the brain fog I have been experiencing, was in fact all part of my RA.
Good luck with your assessment.

your GP sounds good Sar53. At my initial assessment the consultant rheumatologist took my full medical history, he went on to ask about my parents and grandparents. He put the information together and explained in an easily understandable way the hows and why's of my diagnosis. Best of luck with yours.

I am feeling very disappointed. I rang the hospital this afternoon for what I was led to believe was a telephone assessment. I spoke to a receptionist who checked my details and told me I would receive an appointment through the post to see a Rheumatologist. I asked how long I would have to wait and she said probably the end of May !!! What a waste of everyone' s time. The hospital already had my details from the letter sent by the surgery so why did I have to ring.
I feel unwell most of the time at the moment and the thought of waiting another 5/6 weeks is quite hard. If this is an urgent referral I dread to think what an non-urgent one is like.
Up until I finished work 18 months ago I had private health care. Wish I had it now.

If this clinic is anything like the one I attend, it will be extremely busy. I attend every six months and I am quite unwell. Some patients get a yearly appointment. Quite often my July appointment is cancelled due to staff holidays and the next available appointment is six months later. I have to phone and try and get an earlier appointment. Yesterday I had a three month appointment, but that was with the rheumatology specialist nurse, as there were just no doctor led appointments available.
Also, your first appointment is usually a lengthy one with a consultant, so they are like gold dust.
I am sorry that your are so unwell and RA can also leave you with a very low mood. You can pm me if you need some one to talk to. I found that talking to other sufferers was a great support. Take care.

Five or six weeks was the timescale for my urgent referral over twenty years ago. inflammatory arthritis causes fatigue beyond non sufferers can comprehend. Feeling low I mood is common, depression can start because of feeling so ill over a long period of time.
I'm sorry you're feeling ill and low, it's tough. At the risk of being political, our NHS is under real pressure. Rheumatology is a brilliant resource, a comprehensive assessment by a consultant and any further investigations like bloods, X-rays, podiatry, eye assessments to name a few are time consuming and expensive. I've had some rough patches and sympathise. Hope you are resting as much as you can, plus fresh air and a walk if you can. Best wishes

So sorry to hear that Sar53. As you say, what a waste of everyone's time! Try and stay positive, be kind to yourself and try and keep your joints moving. (I know it's hard). Have a look on line at the beneficial effects of Turmeric on inflammation - it might help. Would it be possible for you to have an initial private consultation just to speed things along? Best wishes to you.

An instant response to steroids is often indicative of Polymyalgia Rheumatica. In fact, some doctors use it as a diagnostic tool even if blood results seem normal.I remember the relief after my first dose of prednisolone, and, after almost six years, am looking forward to taking my last dose! PMR affects large muscle groups such as shoulders and hips but sufferers often report more wide-ranging effects.

An update 're appointment. As I hadn't heard anything from the hospital since my telephone 'assessment' on the 19th April I rang them this morning, I have an appointment to see a Rheumatologist for the 4th of July !!!! This is meant to be an urgent referral.
I haven't felt too bad the last couple of weeks but yesterday and today my joints are aching a fair bit and my hands are 'fizzing'. I'm not sleeping too well either.
I'm seriously thinking about paying for a private appointment but couldn't afford lots of tests.
Sorry to be moaning but I really thought I would be seen a lot sooner than July.

Maybe the pains are because of a bad sleeping?? Sometimes not only the position when we are sleeping is important but also if mentally we dream about something good and relaxing. Night mares can be terrible and the most important is to don't forget about their interpretation. I found a great on-line dream book www.moj-sen.info where are almost all the meanings of dreams.