Can someone explain this to me in a way I might be able to understand?
I started getting some pain in my feet & ankles when I started playing netball a few weeks ago. In the past week, both my ankles have been swollen (not red) & I've had hours at night when I can't sleep because of the aching in both my ankles & knees.
After no improvement I went to the GP today & he's tested me for rheumatoid arthritis. I've been doing some googling & I'm a bit confused. I'm in alot of pain, & my ankles are both noticeably swollen, between my ankle & the bottom of my foot. The aching is right in the joints all day, but more unbearable at night. But its not hot & red. GP did say if it gets hot & red they need to know straight away...
I also read its an autoimmune disease? Is that similar to HIV & other diseases similar? As in the type that reduce immunity to infections?
An autoimmune disease is very different to HIV. An autoimmune disease means the body has developed an immune reaction to one of its own proteins and so thinks that the protein is foreign and must be removed from the body. There are lots of different autoimmune diseases. The reduced immunity to diseases to be because of the drugs that are needed to reduce the autoimmune process, reduce the ability of the body to fight infection.
HIV reduces your immunity by infecting and destroying specific white blood cells that are essential for mounting an immune response.
What runners are you wearing and have they been properly fitted?
Sounds like shin splints...Sudden increase in use/intensity + crap runners... properly fitted and sized runners = no more pain I used t get them all the time.
RA isn't reversible. But it's not life threatening either. It is a PITA and can change the way you do things - but you learn to adapt. You will find what works for you in keeping it in check. There's several arthritis sufferers on BB (including me) but we all react differently to flare ups, have different triggers, differing coping mechanisms, and differing treatment regimes.
Now. Ms Clover. Step AWAY from Google! Wait for the results to come in.
I think my shoes do have something to do with it, but the pain is IN my ankle. & the swelling is under my ankle towards the back of my foot. All around my ankle, but UNDER it IYGWIM.
The pain over night is also in my knees. Like, right in there, but not as bad & no swelling, so I haven't worried too much about that.
And I haven't worn those shoes, or done any exercise since Saturday & the pain is still as intense as it was that night. Its not getting any better even though I'm resting it. & the swelling is still just as bad, 4 or so days later.
ETA - I was only googling to find out what it was I'm actually not as worried as I was now I know what it means!
I've been taking 3 nurofen at a time (doc suggested 4) & its working. I actually thought it must be getting better... til I didn't take any before bed last night. I woke up in pain & had to go take them
I have a couple questions (don't see the gp til Wed to find out if it is RA)
For those who have it... how long do/can flare ups last? I get that it probably varies a fair bit, but on average... days? Weeks? Months?
And did anyone with RA also have pelvic instability during pregnancy? I wonder now if thats what it actually was. The pain that was in my hip joints & pubic bone is a very similar pain to what I'm feeling in my ankles now. My knees are acting up too, but that feels a bit different.
My flare ups vary from hours to months. Colder months are worse.
I'm a bit concerned about the neurofen, that much can damage your stomach. I'd be more inclined to try panadol Osteo. If the really want you on that much anti inflammatory, demand a script for mobic which is much much safer on your tummy. At my worst I've been on mobic, panadol Osteo, and tramadol. I've also tried endep which didn't agree with me.
I'm not keen on it, thats why I'm only taking 3, not 4. He said up to 6 times a day or something, I'm only taking it 3 or 4 times. As I need it. There's only one doctor here & he's away til Tuesday. Only actually comes down here once a week, so I can't see him again til Wednesday. So anything under a script I can't get til then.
I do have panadeine forte in the pantry though? Would that be better? I could only use the nurofen when the swelling comes on in the afternoons if the panadeine works I guess. There's not much swelling this morning. Its only very slight now, but gets worse through the day, as I do the housework etc.
Have you got it strapped? That might help a little.
Try taking just the two neurofen (which is the dose on the box) but take panadol at the same time. You can get panadol Osteo over the counter in the pharmacy which you can take with neurofen.
A lot of people try glucosamine as a natural remedy but I never foun it helped. Interestingly, people with various arthritic complaints often find that vitamin d helps them. I was skeptical but it certainly helped me.
Ice on the site helps to reduce inflammation as well. Heat feels good but most find ice feels even better (not so much fun in winter).
All shops within 2 hours are now closed Will try get some on Monday. I have basic panadol here, so will just go back to that & nurofen.
I was using ice. It honestly wasn't doing much for the swelling... or I was too sooky to leave it on long enough. I'm not a fan of cold
I was using that & voltaren. I did have one ankle strapped, the one that I strained last week & was a bit sore. Haven't got anything at the moment to strap the other one.
I just need to get through til Wednesday to find out what the go really is. I'm convinced its nothing. Just the shoes I was wearing.
It could be tendonitis. I have those symptoms and night time is worse. The only thing that helped was a few trips to the physio. I have also found some slip on shoes made it worse by night time so have been wearing a lace up when bad.
Vit D is good and glucosamine can also help. The vit d has other benifits so not going to hurt. My DH takes half a glucosamine couple times a week and knows when her hasn't.
If it is RA at least you already have some great advice.
Well... the bloods came back negative for RA, but positive for an inflammitory disease, or something. I'm worried now
More bloods done. Should get those results Wednesday.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
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I used t get them all the time.
Will try get some on Monday. I have basic panadol here, so will just go back to that & nurofen.
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