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crystal · Joined: 04 Apr 2007 Posts: 308

I have not posted much recently because of health worries.
Today I went to see another specialist and got some answers to questions I have had.
I learnt a couple of weeks ago that the xrays show I have advanced arthritis in each of the 4 different parts of my spine as well as both my knees. That at least would explain why the arthritis causes so much pain as the nerves are being trapped hence pain in my extremities.
Today I saw a London specialist and I am told that I have two different auto immune conditions as well as heart and lung problems. I need some more tests to see how I will be treated.
But at least I know why I have felt so bad for a while now. I changed gp's a couple of months ago because my last one was trying to get me to believe that I was imagining the symptoms.
The doctor I saw today was shocked by the state of my knees as well as the lack of care I have had for a long time.

Janie · Posted: Wed Sep 26, 2007 4:40 am Post subject:

You have my sympathies Crystal. I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in my lower spine almost 11 years ago now.
Funny thing is..although it is normally thought of as being a degenerative condition, mine has actually affected me less in the past couple of years..weird....

VictoriaPlum · Joined: 16 Jan 2007 Posts: 718

Maybe you are taking care of yourself a bit better now Janie.

((((Crystal)))), I am sorry you are having such pain and problems. The auto-immune conditions - I know Rheumatoid arthritis is one, is the other Lupus (SLE)?

Now that you have been properly diagnosed, I pray that you will receive the right treatment to alleviate your pain. It is possible you know and the first step has been taken by you getting a proper diagnosis. You too must take good care of yourself now with good diet and reduction of stress.

Our prayers for you will help too.
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Nel · Joined: 10 Aug 2007 Posts: 4

You have been through the mill crystal Icon_hugginsmileys_753

Now you seem to be getting somewhere for help it will esase your mind a lot and this to in itself is a big relief
Nel

crystal · Joined: 04 Apr 2007 Posts: 308

Janie, Victoria and Nel thanks for your kind words.
Victoria, it is not RA that I have but OA. The two auto immune conditions are Lupus as you suggested and Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS).
It has been a rough year but I feel that now I have the diagnosis I can get on with life. Sadly it has been suggested to me that I was having a breakdown which made me feel worse because I was feeling so ill. Just to know that I was not imagining it and there is a real reason for me feeling so bad has made me feel better.
My husband was bothered by it because I have not made a fuss about how I felt and so when we sat with the doctor he was hearing symptoms for the first time. I did get a bit of a telling off from him when we were outside. But only because he cares.
I have also had some great support from people and have a new gp who believed me and sent me to see a doctor who specialises in Lupus.
I did have some good time yesterday as well. I met a lovely christian lady who I have only chatted to online, and I also sat by the Thames watching the world go by.

VictoriaPlum · Joined: 16 Jan 2007 Posts: 718

Bless you Crystal.
It must be horrible to have a GP who doesn't take your seriously, I am glad you changed to another one.
You will get the right treatment and feel better Crystal.
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Vix

angel · Joined: 28 Jun 2006 Posts: 4751 Location: essex

Sorry to hear your so bad Crystal, I will keep you in my prayers.
It must have been a very hard time for you, its good that your husband is sympathetic, he should understand your pain better now.
For those who thought you were having a breakdown, just goes to show how ignorant some people can be Icon_icon7

I pray your Blessed in abundence, and get all the help and support you need. Icon_hugginsmileys_753

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crystal · Joined: 04 Apr 2007 Posts: 308

Angel, my husband has always understood my pain, he is a very caring man who has been a tower of strength to me.
Sadly people did say some really nasty things about me, including telling people that I was making a fuss when all I had was mild OA. This was what the gp had said but that was because he could not be bothered to help me. He thought anti-d's would stop me going to see him. The truth was that when I went in to see him about my back he decided that it was my neck. He then sent me to a knee surgeon about my neck. It has taken months but at last I am on the road to treatment.
It does make you wonder how many people are fobbed off with anti-d's when they really do have something wrong with them.
As for help and suport I am getting that from my family, they have been there for me.

angel · Joined: 28 Jun 2006 Posts: 4751 Location: essex

Bless you Crystal Your an inspiration Icon_hugginsmileys_753

I pray you keep going from strength to strength.
God Bless.
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VictoriaPlum · Joined: 16 Jan 2007 Posts: 718

Crystal, i am really horrified that you were treated so badly. It also gets my goat that "some people" were so judgemental about your then undiagnosed condition. How can anyone, seriously, judge another person's pain? It's ridiculous.

Thank God for your good, supportive husband - and a proper diagnosis and treatment at last.
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Vix

davelarge · Posted: Wed Oct 03, 2007 7:38 am Post subject:

Crystal, no doubt all here are praying for you. I hope that things take a turn for the better very soon. Keep us updated, if you can, and if you've anything specific that you'd like us to pray for, I'm sure there will be plenty of listening ears.

dave
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