Hi Elaine
Im really sorry you are struggling so much to find out what is wrong. I cant answer your question about the costs of St. Thomas's but maybe an email to them can give you a rough idea of what a consultation or two along with blood tests, etc might cost? Either that or someone else might have more experience. Member Joirish has attended there and lives in the Cork area. Maybe you could PM her for some advice?
The other thing that I wanted to throw into the mix (if it hasnt already been investigated) is the possibility of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Did you ever have your Rheumatoid Factor tested? Have you had an anti ccp blood test? I know that a GP can order the RF test but Im not sure about the anti ccp which is a bit more specific for Rheumatoid Arthritis. Have you had xrays of your hands and feet to check for bone erosion?
The reason I mention it is because of your symptoms. RA does tend to affect the hands, wrists, fingers, hips and ankles over other joints (though they all can be affected). It comes with chronic fatigue and the vocal chords can be affected, causing hoarseness.
A positive ANA is also found in about 50% of patients with RA and, by the way, the ANA only has to be positive ONCE to contribute towards a diagnosis. The fact that it is negative now is not something that your Rheumy should be relying on. The doses of pred you have been on could well affect the results anyway.
Luv n stuff
Joan:rose:
Im really sorry you are struggling so much to find out what is wrong. I cant answer your question about the costs of St. Thomas's but maybe an email to them can give you a rough idea of what a consultation or two along with blood tests, etc might cost? Either that or someone else might have more experience. Member Joirish has attended there and lives in the Cork area. Maybe you could PM her for some advice?
The other thing that I wanted to throw into the mix (if it hasnt already been investigated) is the possibility of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Did you ever have your Rheumatoid Factor tested? Have you had an anti ccp blood test? I know that a GP can order the RF test but Im not sure about the anti ccp which is a bit more specific for Rheumatoid Arthritis. Have you had xrays of your hands and feet to check for bone erosion?
The reason I mention it is because of your symptoms. RA does tend to affect the hands, wrists, fingers, hips and ankles over other joints (though they all can be affected). It comes with chronic fatigue and the vocal chords can be affected, causing hoarseness.
from this link: http://www.medicinenet.com/rheumatoid_arthritis/page2.htm
A positive ANA is also found in about 50% of patients with RA and, by the way, the ANA only has to be positive ONCE to contribute towards a diagnosis. The fact that it is negative now is not something that your Rheumy should be relying on. The doses of pred you have been on could well affect the results anyway.
Luv n stuff
Joan:rose: