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Rheumatoid Arthritis in the lumbar spine

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Jan999
Jan999

My rheumatoid factor was only slightly raised. The upper limit if normal is 20, mine is 22. I have had a painful shoulder for almost 3 years which I presume is rheumatoid arthritis. However in the last few weeks I've started to experience lower back pain which has not been relieved by Naproxen 250 mgs and Codeine Phosphate. Over the last few days the pain, which is severe is radiating down my left leg. I can't seem to get any relief. Could this also be due to RA? My GP hasn't referred me to a rheumatologist. She said she didn't think he/she would do anything differently. However my GP isn't aware of the back and leg pain. I hate to trouble her as I just feel as though I'm complaining unnecessarily as I've not heard of RA_in the spine and the leg pain seems unusual and I think it could be something entirely different. Has_anyone else had experience of similar symptoms?

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  • Jan999
    Jan999

    Posted

    Well I'm now totally fed up! I requested my Naproxen to be increased today as the 250 mgms three times a day weren't helping the pain. I also get Codeine Phosphate on prescription. My GP changed the prescription to 1-2 250 mgm tablets twice a day!!!! What use is that? It's only 1 extra tablet a day. I'm gobsmacked to say the least. Explained my symptoms and the worsening pain but she still doesn't think a referral will make any difference to my treatment as my RF is only slightly raised. Time for a change of GP I think 😬
    • connie49452
      connie49452 Jan999

      Posted

      You say your gp says that a referral to the Rheumatologist wouldn't make a difference - well challenge her on that ! Tell her you want to be referred & if the Rheumatologist agrees with her then you'll accept that. She's a gp and NOT a specialist in RA. Good luck. 
    • Jan999
      Jan999 connie49452

      Posted

      Connie I know you are right but I just get so upset and anxious. I just wonder now if I should wait and see how the pain is. Perhaps give it a few weeks then tackle her again. Thanks for your support
    • Light
      Light Jan999

      Posted

      Matron, make another appointment and take someone with you to supoort you.
  • connie49452
    connie49452 Jan999

    Posted

    Matron I agree with Light. It is scary, you do feel like it's all in your head but you know deep down that it's not. Waiting longer may see the pain etc go away. If it's RA though it won't stay away for long. By then you've suffered unnecessary, and possibly suffered long-term damage to the joints involved. Make another appointment, take someone who you trust with you and confront the doctor. You can do it.... you know you can. 
  • poemsgalore55
    poemsgalore55 Jan999

    Posted

    Light is correct, I was seronegative for 27 years. I'm now seropositive. It does happen sometimes. But you wouldn't want to wait that long for your GP to suddenly start believing you. Whilst you are not getting the correct treatment that a rheumatologist would give you, your joints are becoming damaged and that will make things worse in the future. I agree with light's suggestion, take someone with you for support and make sure they understand the need for you to be referred.
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