Hi everyone, was wondering about some new symptoms. Since beginning of April I have felt quite ill. I had a flare up, usual things, pain and swelling, couldnt get out of bed for 3 days very nauseus. Just today my fingers on left hand are swollen and red and painful. I had a bad dizzy spell around an hour ago as I came in from the kitchen, I almost fell, it was lucky my husband caught my arm. I feel more than exhausted all the time, not sleeping due to hip and leg pain. When I go out I feel ill if in the sun for a short time, achy like flu symptoms and hands swell and go very red, face feels burning. When I had to go out with my daughter to Regent street I had to use one of the crutches left from my broken ankle as I cant walk now without it. I am working three days a week, and finding it hard going. I have consultant on 13th May, but dont want to tell him all of this as it sounds very strange, and he said at my last appointment that he thought the RA was well controlled. I havent been on steroids since January, and he told me not to take them again.

Thanks Anne, I am on mtx, 25mg. I just didnt want to go armed with all these strange things and for him to look at me like I am losing my mind (as my daughter's often do lol)
Maybe I will try to get a gp appt before then, and see if they think most of its unrelated. I am just sick of being sick!!!

Hi Barbie,

Sorry to hear you are feeling so rough.
Why not copy your first post on this thread and give it to your consultant. It's only a few lines, won't take him long to read, but it sums up how you are feeling and what is happening with you.
You are not losing your mind, these are definite symptoms and the doctors need to know about them.
Perhaps talking about it all with your GP first might help.
Hope you can get some help with all this.

Love, Doreen xx

Hi Barbara

Sorry to hear about all the problems. I have been experiencing flu like symptoms too and I thought I was alright in the sun but now wondering if it is reacting against meds. Hope you have success with your doc.

Love Sheila x

Sheila, thanks for the reply, glad I am not the only one with the odd symptoms in the sun. Have you been to your gp about it??? When do you see your rheumy next? Be interesting to hear what yours says re this, please let us know x

Rose, thanks you for replying, yes, I think I do need to tell my rheumy about the reactions to sun, and other problems. Sometimes it feels like you must be making it up, its all so unbelievable. Maybe thats because friends dont "get it". Saw a friend on the bus today, and she asked how I was, then we had a complain about the buses etc. and she asked why I dont walk, I tried to explain that what would take her 15 mins would take me 45 mins and I wouldnt be able to get out for a couple of days. She looked at me as if I was crazy. I only wish other people would understand, I feel very down at the moment. Everything seems such hard work, and I am stilll working with toddlers for 3 days a week.