[alimonkey]

I'm worried about my right foot. The joint at the bottom of my big toe on my right foot has been excruciatingly painful for months (like to the point of driving me to tears). I'm currently taking diclofenac and the pain has been reduced to more of a dull ache, but the joint is incredibly inflamed and now is looking deformed. It looks very swollen. Think I might go back to my GP about it. I'm worried that it's more rheumatoid deformity than just inflammation. However I have a negative RF and it's only in my right foot where I thought RA affected both sides. Anyone else have anything like this? It's been inflamed like this for a couple of weeks now and I think it's getting worse.

 

[Lily]

Hi ali,

I think it's wise to go back and have some blood tests run to see if something new shows up.............especially if you are noticing deformity with that joint. Things can change over time and also because we have one autoimmune disease doesn't mean we can't have another one tag along.

Good luck and let us know how you get along.

love
Lily

 

[GCCH]

I just had a bout of joint swelling over the weekend. It was the base of my left middle finger but it made my whole finger slightly sausage like. I've had on and off joint pains before, so for me it's probably not an indication of something major, but like Lily suggests, I think you should go get it checked out, especially since it's been so long-lasting and getting worse.

 

[alimonkey]

Yeah I'll go to my doc on Friday I think. I'm worried there's something else going on. I did think gout at one point, but I was neg for that too I think. It could be just chronic inflammation.

 

[greenhaggis]

Definately agree with Lilly...off to the GP, or even better you specialist for more tests!

Good luck on Friday and let us know the outcome!

 

[Pink Pearl]

Ali, this sounds similar to gout. AND you need to get it treated right away, not later. Call your doctor, tell him what is going on, and don't wait til Friday.
Sally

 

[alimonkey]

Now I'm thinking it might be a bunion. Argh, I should stop looking things up on the internet I'll drive myself mad! It doesn't look good though, I will definately get it checked out.

 

[alimonkey]

Doc says he thinks it's either the start of a bunion or just general swelling. Just told me to take pain killers and discuss it with the rheumy at my next visit.

 

[alimonkey]

I'm in tears with pain tonight. I'm really worried about my feet. There is significant swelling in the joints around my big toe on my right foot, but tonight I've noticed that my left foot looks swollen in the same joints, although I don't have as much pain (but then on 3 diclofenac a day plus 8 paracetomol & codine would I feel it????)

I'm absolutely convinced there's something else going on, probably RA. I had a negative RF in March/April though.

 

[GCCH]

Ouch, that sounds really awful. Have you considered going to emergency to get it checked out? I find that doctors sometimes neglect chronic pain and complaints. However, someone in emergency may see the urgency of the situation.

 

[Lily]

((((((((Ali))))))))))

I second either contacting your Rheumy or going to ER to get some help, you sound like you are in a lot of pain :hug:

love
Lily

 

[greenhaggis]

I 3rd going to Rhuemi or A&E! Why not even phone Rhuemie telling them problem and that you are rushing down to A&E...make both departments jump to attention and sovle the problem!

 

[PreciousCat]

I'd agree with the others, if your rheumy won't see you, go straight down to A&E.

I have chronic arthritis in my spine due to the lupus, hence chronic pain, which is often used as an 'excuse' not to investigate things or I'm told to 'live with it'. I used to just grin and bear it and accept what I was told...

Not now! I'm older and wiser and listen to my body. You know better than anyone else when something isn't right, so get it looked at if necessary at A&E. I've done this a number of times and now get better treatment from my GP as he's realised he's got to be more pro-active and actually listens to what I say.

Hope it's sorted soon.

Precious x

 

[alimonkey]

I don't even know how to contact my rheumy between appointments. She only said that if my symptoms change to contact my GP who would refer me back to the rheumy earlier. Maybe I should ask for this at the GP?

Still in a lot of pain tonight, but not as bad as last night, guess I've dosed myself up on pain killers. It's definately starting to make me think it's rheumatoid now that I have pain and swelling in my other foot - I've had pain in my right foot since before Christmas. I've always had numbness in both hands, although my hands now have hot aches and tingling.

 

[greenhaggis]

Phone the hospital that you attended for your Rhuemi appointment!

Ask for her private secretaries no. and the no. for the NHS secretary!

Obviouslt you can go through your GP, but perhaps it might be prudent to do it youself and thus cause less delay!

 

[debatat]

Lesley is right, you can phone the consultants secretary and explain your symptoms. They will either give you an appt or get the doc to phone you. Also your gp can phone the consultant directly and get some action taken. It is worth doing!!

Deb