Hi all, I havent posted much at all recently, lots going on at home.In a nutshell my 16 year old daughter is suffering from depression and has developed an eating disorder, so things are up and down at the mo.

Before I was dx in Septe 2009 I developed a really bad pain in the muscle/tendon of my right upper arm. So bad that I had to call a duty dr out, the only way I could describe the pain was childbirth in my arm! I had had my left shoulder operated on the year previously as it was totally frozen, so presumed this was the start of the right one. My GP gave me a cortisone injection which did no good at all and was agony afterwards! The pain eventaully subsided and then I was dx with RA. For the last few weeks, the tendon, muscles, shoulder and neck have been really sore. When I was at the rheummy department last time a nurse had a very quick look and said he thought it was RA and has sent me for physio which I have next Friday. the pain is getting worse, I cant lie on it at night and my whole arm feels like its in a vice sometimes! Isaw a gp the other day and he gave me some anti inflammatory cream and said he thought it wasnt RA but a trapped nerve in my neck.

So, going round and round in circles! Has anyone else experienced this, and if so do they have any advice?

Many thanks

Heather xxxx

Hi Doreen, yes I use a wheat bag and it does help. Its just the not knowing what it is really. Hopefully the physio will be able to help.

Heather xxxx

Hi Heather,
Do hope your daughter receives the help she needs and recovers quickly. It must be a very stressful time for you.
As for neck problems, this is where my arthritis started, and my GP never did pick up on it. I went back and forth to the Dr's feeling so unwell with it and even said at one point, did he think it was arthritis. His reply was "I shouldn't think so". It was not untill it had affected all my other joints and that I stated to a registrar at the GP's surgery that I thought it was arthritis that they did blood tests and then referred me to rheumatology. When treatment started to take effect, thats when relief came. Like you, was unable to lay down at night, therefore no sleep, and felt very unwell with it. Also received physio, which did help. Could you contact your rheumatology department again and ask there advice?
Do hope you feel better soon, and get some resolution to your neck problems.
Candy

hi all thank you for the replies, its so lovely to be able to come on here and get such support and advice! I am hoping that the physio will sort things out. I do think also that Katies depression and all the stress that comes with it has probably been a contributory factor. Mind you I would put up with the worst flare in the world just to see her totally better!

I will post at the weekend after being to physio.

Thanks again girls.

Heather xxxxxx

Hello

Sorry to hear that your Daughter is not well very worrying I am sure - poor you. I hope she improves shortly.

With reference to your neck I am afraid I can imput anything of any use = I do receive aches and pains
there is general but nothing specific.

Keep posting

Rose

hi Heather,

what a worrying time for you .. i really hope your Daughter receives the help she needs,

i hope you get some good help when you see the Physio on Friday,

do come back and let us know.

Suzanne x

Hi everyone, thank you so much for the lovely replies, it really helps. Katie is having a good period at the moment and seems to be back to my lovely bubbly cheerful daughter. Experience tells me this may not last and she may dip, but hopefully (fingers toes and everything that doesnt hurt too much crossed!) the GP has just increased her medication and I think that has helped. My husband had a breakdown 2 years ago and has 99% recovered so he is a great help.

We;ve got an appointment with a pyschologist on Thursday which is great, I just hope that having to talk about it all and delve deep into herself doeesnt bring her down.

Went to aqua aerobics today, so early night to be had! I used to do it years ago pre RA and had forgotten what a good workout it is!!!

Thanks again ladies, will let you know how Friday and the physio goes. Hope you are all well out there and not getting battered by this wind???? I keep hearing rumours that the next 2 weeks are going to be a heatwave, bring it on!!!

Heather xxxx

Hi Heather,

I had real problems with my neck shoulders and right arm when I was diagnosed 3.5 years ago. I lost the use of it completely and could not turn my head. The pain you describe is what I used to say too, child birth is all the joints, it was horrendous. My neighbour used to do physio on my neck which in turn gave me some movement in my arm, it took what seemed like ages to get a bit better.

I feel for your daughter too, young people go through such a hard time at school nowadays more so than we were young. I think they are up against all sorts of issues. Be a good listener and keep strong, a good family network will help her so much. Time heals given time.

Take care all of you.

Lorna x

Hi Heather,

Best of luck with your daughter and glad she's on a good phase at the mo.

I swear by my memory foam mattress and pillow, if I stay away I really miss them. I got the pillow in Homebase, of all places! The mattress was bought online, there are some really good deals if you hunt a bit.

Thank you for reminding me about aqua fit - there's one 5 mins from me and I can't believe I hadn't thought of going! Hope you take it a bit steadier at the next one

Vicky xx