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i think i have rhemaoid arthrithis

Posted , 7 users are following.

lucy16943
lucy16943

since i was young (im 18 now) ive have had constant pain in my knees and hips when relaxing, doing excersize, or just walking, ive researched this and my symptoms match, ive alos had problems with my jaw and was given the diognosis of Temporomandibular joint disorder, ive alos researched this in connection with this type of arthritis and they are connected, ive been to the doctors about this and the doctor said that she will do a blood test t see if i had arhritis, what a lie that was, she only tested me for aneamia, and i was very possitive on that, i have really bad aneamia, ive also raserched this and it has a connection with arthritis, i just dont know what to do, i think that the doctor doesnt listen to me and thinks that im over exagerating about my symptoms, its starting to make me depressed as i dont have any help, and the pain is getting worse, im finding it hard to do every day things like getting up and down the stairs, waling to work, etc, i just need some help on finding a way to get the doctor to listen to me so that i get the right tests done.

0 likes, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • CA-Lynn
    CA-Lynn lucy16943

    Posted

    You need to go straight to a board certified rheumatologist and get the following tests done:

    RA Factor

    ANA ESR

    CRP

    Liver Function Tests

    CBC

    You are going to have to push to get to a rheumatologist. There are 300+ different forms of arthritis and no one but a rheumatologist will have the education to determine what you have. Be adamant. It's YOUR health. REmember, doctors work for YOU. YOU pay them, either out of pocket or by your insurance.

  • Jan999
    Jan999 lucy16943

    Posted

    Hi Lucy. Do you live in the UK? If so it is your right to request (then insist if your GP refuses) to ask for a referral to a consultant. Under NICE guidelines any patient with your symptoms must be referred immediately. There's no two ways about it! Google the guidelines. It couldn't be clearer. If she refuses complain to your local NHS trust.
  • connie49452
    connie49452 lucy16943

    Posted

    Lucy you need to try get a Dr to listen seriously to your concerns. As your still very young, if you do have arthritis and your symptoms sound like those of RA ....rheumatoid arthritis, then the earlier the diagnosis the better. Could you make an appointment with a different Dr and maybe take a parent or other adult with you for support and to confirm your symptoms. It's also worth writing down the dates things happened & describe what happens & how you feel. If you have any swelling take a pic on your phone. The more proof the easier for you. Good luck & let me know how you get on.
  • melody_14978
    melody_14978 lucy16943

    Posted

    It's sad how often RA is still being misdiagnosed. I live in the US and was told I had an infection for two years before I finally got someone to listen. Now I am no longer able to get out of bed. I'd never heard of RA at the time so I had no clue what was wrong with me. If this is what you have you need to know so don't be intimidated it's your health so you can't be overly cautious. IF LEFT UNTREATED IT WILL CRIPPLE YOU, IT WILL MAKE GETTING OUT OF BED IMPOSSABLE, AND THE PAIN WILL BE 100 times worse then it is now. Don't get scared get strong even mad if it helps but demand help. Take it from me watching everyone around you move while it hurts you to even so much as breath is nearly unbearable. I hope you get the help you need, God bless.
  • lucy16943
    lucy16943

    Posted

    thanks for all your help, ive got an appointment tomarrow so im going to put my foot down and demand i see a specialist, i dont want to be in any more pain, and hopefully sh will listen to what i want x
    • connie49452
      connie49452 lucy16943

      Posted

      Well done on getting another appointment. Be calm, be assertive and stress it's your right to have a referal to see a Rheumatologist. Good luck and please let us know what happens. ☺
  • Jan999
    Jan999 lucy16943

    Posted

    Good luck lucy. We'll be thinking about you. Let us know how you get on.
  • Sam2609
    Sam2609 lucy16943

    Posted

    Hi I am going through something similar but gp has listened and been refered. In my opinion the rheumatologist are much more understanding and do want to help. I had my first appointment with him two weeks ago and back to see him again tomorrow. How did you get on with the gp? I'm also young I am 25 and it's such a struggle to get listened to as classically people think we are to young to have these problems xx
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