Hi all

In my previous posts, I explained that my GP had told me I would need major surgery for a bladder and bowel prolapse and referred me to see the Consultant I saw 12 years ago for the same problem. Luckily I only had to wait for a couple of weeks for an appointment but worried myself sick the whole time as not only is the operation awful, it is a 10 week recuperation period. I was very down over the last two weeks thinking, please give me a break, I was diagnosed with RA 15 months ago and it has been very difficult coping with the RA, never mind further health problems.

Yesterday I saw the Consultant. You could have knocked me down with a feather. I do not have a bladder and bowel prolapse but may have separate problems with my bladder and bowel. Therefore no major surgery at the moment (hurrary). On Monday next week I have to have a Cystoscopy (investigation of inside of bladder) as a day patient and then he is going to refer me to a bowel specialist. All in all he said he would be very suprised if I have to have major surgery.

I am so relieved that the diagnosis is not what my GP thought and am keeping my fingers crossed, (but obviously not my legs) that the surgeons knife has passed me by.

The Consultant is wondering if my RA is affecting my bladder and bowel. Although there is no prolapse, he seems to think the bladder and bowel are very weak. He is also wondering if the medication is affecting me, particularly the Methotrexate. Does RA also attack organs or just joints?

Jackie
xx

Hi Jackie

Yes, RA can definitely affect organs as well as joints; I have an inflamed heart muscle when the RA flares and problems with the sternum. Methotrexate can cause problems with the kidneys and bladder so certainly worth considering as a possibility.

Sounds like you have someone good on your case! Fingers crossed for a positive outcome.

Lyn x

I've been told that its the drugs we take for the RA that cause the organ problems. Good luck with the forthcoming tests anyway, hope they go well for you and NO surgery needed. Lxx

Hi Jackie, just read about your bowel and bladder problems, my friend also called Jacky, has to have the op that you now dont need. She has hers on 28th April, and was told to be off work for 8 weeks, but I wonder if she may need longer as she works with special needs children who have complex medical needs and profound and multiple learning difficulties, i.e. wheelchair users. Glad you dont have to have it, and hope they sort out your problems.
I wondered why at the appts they always ask about bowel problems, must be looking for problems re the RA, i had never even thought of it affecting anything other than major organs, so another thing I've learned!!

Brabs you nkow you said they ask re bowels its =becasue for 1 can get constipation issues due to some medication and also lupus diagnsois they ask about bowels.
must say mr garood is first 1 to ask me about my bladder and bowels,was quite by it.
jackie hope all goes welland you start feel less confused,sorry hear how your op results were undone trussing turkey.
naughty turkey
lv melly