Hi everyone, sorry I havent been around much, varous reasons, family, work and RA. Anyway, I am still on mtx at 25mg and hydroxychloroquine at 400mg with tramadol and paracetemol. I was also taking pregabalin for my nerve pain (fibromyalgia) but the consultant has changed me to cymbalta (other name gone out of my head) start them tomorrow. He has arranged a bone scan for next Monday 8th. Then a physio appt for January. Also an appt at the Sjogren's clinic on 23rd of this month, this is for a lip biopsy and lots of other tests too.

I tried to say how much pain I am getting, all he said was "well you dont look depressed" what is that supposed to mean!!? When I ask for better painkillers, he says thats what the pregabalin/cymbalta is for. Well, it doesnt work then!!! All I get is "give it time"

I am now seriously worried about how much longer I can continue to work with the kids, two little ones is hard work anyway, let alone with RA. As I am the wage earner (my husband is ill too, heart condition) what will happen if I hafe to stop? This government is making people ill worrying what will happen to them if they do stop working.

Sorry, all this is not exactly the way I wanted to get back on here. Hoping others are doing better x

I am sorry things are so tough for you at the moment. On top of all this you are worrying - hardly suprising. I know it sounds trite, but do try not to worry about things you have absolutly no control over. You can not affect them in any way. Give yourself space to think of the things you could do instead. I had a hard enough time looking after my own children, and that was 30 years ago, so I don't have any idea of what your days are like. Perhaps you could change from babies to older children as a first move?

Whatever! I can only send you my best wishes.

Thank you for the replies. Hopefully the bone scan and physio (although where I'll get time for tghe appts) will show something.
The two little ones are both 2 years old, and to be honest, once they get to 3 here in London they are at nursery anway, so its difficult to get them full time any older than around two years.
I do need to see my GP, I need to contact them, the one I like to see usually has a 3-4 week waiting list. Maybe a call for that tomorrow.
Thank you for replying, it means alot, and sorry to be so negative

Hello Barbara

Sorry to see that you are struggling at the moment. I sometimes think that when you see the consultant your appointment is rushed. It's like you sit down and its Ping your time starts now. The last time I saw mine I was very aware that he kept looking at the clock. It gets me so annoyed sometimes. If your having problems you count the days off to you see them and sometimes come out thinking what a waste of time. I'm still trying to work out about being in pain and not looking depressed, just think thats a silly comment.

I would take Carols advice and push to see a GP. You are ill, you are not wasting the GP's time, sometimes it is hard to get past the hurdle of the receptionist. I remember many years ago when I was pregnant and sitting in the waiting room for my appointment with the midwife. A young mum to be came in, she thought she was in labour, you only had to look at her to see she was in pain. She asked if she could see the midwife for advice. This is no word of a lie the receptionist turned around to her and told her she would have to wait till everyone else had been seen because she hadn't an appointment. The next mum to be when called for her appointment said that she should be seen first, receptionist still said no. The lady went in, must of told the midwife because she came straight out to see her. Would of loved to of been a fly on the wall when clinic finished.

Paula x

Hi Barbie,

So sorry to hear that you still haven't really got any help. I understand how much pressure you must feel to go on working, your job is sooo physical and demanding. I can't really add to what others have said but am glad that you are being seen for the scan. Nice to hear from you. Let us know how you get on.

Julie x

Ailsa, As far as I know the consultant wants to confirm (or not) the diagnosis of Sjogren's, as he believes that not all the pain can be from the RA, he has already diagnosed fibromyalgia. I have already agreed to take part in the tests as it is in conjuction with a hospital in San Francisco, and is a Sjogren's international collaborative clinical alliance. By taking part it helps with further studies into Sjogren's and I also get all tests done with only 2 appts. I do understand what you mean, I am already on the treatment, but at least I will have a definite diagnosis.