Arthritis - OR more serious????

[Crazy680]

Hello

I am back again asking more questions.  I will try and keep it brief. In March I started off with a pounding back pain around the kidney area on a morning, it was agony.  After a few pain killers it went mid morning.  I was sent away by the doctor with muscle problem, the pain subsided and I suddenly got hip pain beyond belief where I could not walk first thing.  Lower back didn't feel too good and I diagnosed myself with having sciatica again down right side, I had this when pregnant so knew what it was like.

I have been given some anti inflams and pain killers which worked a treat (for the pain) and its my 2nd month on them.  My blood tests show inflammation of the the joints but at the time my doctor didn't think it was high enough for arthritis.  I'm waiting for second results now.

What worries me sick is that my wrists, shoulders, neck etc all seem to click a lot when I move, I can raise my right arm and under the shoulder towards the back feels like its clicking a lot.  I still feel week and my muscles ache some times.  

If anyone knows anything about arthritis how can all this happen literally overnight if it is that, one minute I was working out at the gym keeping fit, the next having terrible back/hip problems.  I wish I could believe its all a knock on effect of a sports injury but not holding out much hope now we are in August.  My bones even down to my toes all feel slightly off line, not sure if that will make sense but I feel totally disjointed.

Has anyone any thoughts, much appreciated?????????????????

[Crazy680]

Thanks for your help Trudie, I will push for some answers.  One of the things I do know is that sitting on my backside and moaning about something is not going to help.  I have around 20lbs of weight to shift and rather than sitting here stuffing my face adding to the problem, I am making a start today after a good think last night about your post and reading up on arthritis.  I kind of know something isn't right, we all know our own bodies and my mood is so low its unreal, I'm usually a very upbeat and positive person.

I still hold out hope this is an injury that can be fixed, if not then as you say, lets learn to live with it.  Good for you for being so positive despite what you have gone through, hope all goes well with you.

I shall go get on my exercise bike, cheers.x

[TrudieC]

There are quite a lot of auto-immune diseases with quite a variety of symptoms and treatments and outcomes.  There is no cure because in order to have a cure they need to know what causes it and that has not yet been found.  The majority of these diseases are chronic in nature and go in and out of remission.  Early treatment can prevent long term damage and there are a number of therapies to help manage the symptoms.  Do relax but push for answers as it can take a bit of time to get a proper diagnosis.  I have 3 auto-immune diseases and may possibly have a fourth once they are done with me.  I'm still living my life, working, etc.  You make some adjustments where necessary.  Don't think the worse when you don't have enough information yet.

[Crazy680]

Hi Trudie

Thanks for the reply, Im in my 30's and have just phoned for my blood results (2nd lot) and I have to go and see the Doctor which will be a wait until Monday.  I'm worried sick, me being me with young children have all kinds of visions of something wrong and ending up crippled.

Sorry to be so negative but I never envisaged anything like this.  I will try and push to see a rheumatologist but its took me months and I keep on getting sent away, trying to narrow down what maybe wrong.  

Anyhow, if it is some kind of disease ie. auto-immune, I would be interested to know what my options are of recovery, is there hope?

[TrudieC]

Osteoarthritis is the traditional old people's arthritis - it is due to wear and tear on the joints.  The other types are auto-immune diseases and they can hit you all of a sudden and can take time to fully show in your blood work.  Please insist on being seen by a rheumatologist in order to get a proper diagnosis.