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Awaiting first appointment - advice please?

Posted , 5 users are following.

amyfarqxo
amyfarqxo

Hiya

I visited my GP recently as my hands constantly feel tingly and stiff and painful when opening jars, bottles, buttons etc. At first they thought it may be carpal tunnel but they ordered blood tests and I got a phone call saying they had booked me urgently t see a rheumatologist as I am positive for both rheumatoid factor and anti CCP (only low level thigh, 38 for each). I do feel drained a lot but a lot of this is to do with having a 16 month old baby and working nearly full time too (I think).

I know that rheumatologists will generally try and rule it out rather than diagnose, and although my fingers hurt they are not red or greatly swollen.

Basically I'm afraid that when he examines he isn't going to find anything. They have cancelled my referral for carpal tunnel which is frustrating as in worried I will be back to square one. And if I have this anti CCP in my blood, surely that means that something is up, so if it's not RA what could it be? As I have antibodies fighting my body. :-(

0 likes, 14 replies

14 Replies

  • Buckeyes
    Buckeyes amyfarqxo

    Posted

    RF should be under 14 from what I understand.

    Good luck!

  • Babyboomer27
    Babyboomer27 amyfarqxo

    Posted

    I had carpal tunnel surgery on both hands before seeing. Rheuatologist.  I wish I had not had the surgert now.  Pain back due to RA.
    • Buckeyes
      Buckeyes Babyboomer27

      Posted

      Sorry to gear that!  I think RA can be a factor in carpal tunnel so you might have had to have it anyway!

      best of luck!

    • Buckeyes
      Buckeyes

      Posted

      To HEAR!  Hate spell check!
  • Emily1234
    Emily1234 amyfarqxo

    Posted

    Hi Amy I have just read your post and wondered if you have seen your rheumy yet? My bloods are like yours. Did they put you on any meds? How are your hands?other joints now?
    • amyfarqxo
      amyfarqxo Emily1234

      Posted

      Hi Emily, I have had one appt and he said based on my results and the physical exam he has to diagnose me, and I am going on Friday for an ultrasound and to start medication hopefully. I had X-rays and bloods done again and I get those results on Friday. My hands are still constantly stiff and sore but it's my feet that now have it worse, they feel like they're burning when I walk xx

    • Emily1234
      Emily1234 amyfarqxo

      Posted

      Thank you so much for your reply.when did you first start with RA symptoms...I would love to know how your bloods are now and what medication they begin you on. Keep me posted I think I'll Be going through this soon.

    • amyfarqxo
      amyfarqxo Emily1234

      Posted

      No worries I will do, whereabouts are you and how old are you? :-)
    • Emily1234
      Emily1234 amyfarqxo

      Posted

       I'm in the UK, I'm 33 I have just had a baby ...just like you. How about you

    • Emily1234
      Emily1234 amyfarqxo

      Posted

      Hi Amy how did you get on with your bloods? Medications?
    • amyfarqxo
      amyfarqxo Emily1234

      Posted

      Hiya Emily I have put on methotrexate 25mg, hydroxychloroquine and folic acid, they did ultrasound scans of my hands and feet and 4 fingers are completely eroded at the joint and 3 toes on one of my feet, so more than they originally thought xx
    • Emily1234
      Emily1234 amyfarqxo

      Posted

      Hi Amy I am so sorry to hear that. Did they check your CRP or ESR again?. Wishing you well take care
    • amyfarqxo
      amyfarqxo Emily1234

      Posted

      They didn't redo mine as they said not to bother with the numbers, it's obvious I have it from scans etc xxx

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