Can I get some advice?

mylegshurt

Hi. So, I've had joint pain since I can remember, it's usually sharp and debilitating or a consistent ache or stiffness, mainly from my waist down, although it does happen in my arms and hands. It's never been 24/7, although I almost always get one flare-up every day or so where I need to sit down for a while. In the last week or so, it's gotten worse, to the point where I have nearly no doubt that I can call it chronic pain. I was sick though, a couple days before it got bad like this. I did research which led me to believe that this pain couldn't be residual from the illness, it would have passed. It is also quite different from the pain that you feel when you're sick. But I spoke to my friend who is diagnosed with Chronic Pain Syndrome, and he said that I need to speak to a doctor before I can 'claim the title', title being chronic pain. When the pain first began, when I was little, I went to a doctor and he said that it was all in my head, that I was faking etc. But I know how I feel, and I know how different the usual sick pain is versus the pain I've felt in my joints as long as I can remember. I feel like my experience and pain is kind of diminished, like I can't pay attention to it, or acknowledge it after what my friend said. Obviously I'm going to talk to my doctor, but am I still allowed to acknowledge it, and all that? My girlfriend said that I shouldn't listen to my friend, it's my body, and I know how it feels. Is she right?

martins

I'm not a doctor but I do work in a hospital and by the description has it ever been said that you could have arthritis? It might be worth asking your GP.

mylegshurt

martins said:

I'm not a doctor but I do work in a hospital and by the description has it ever been said that you could have arthritis? It might be worth asking your GP.

Yes, actually. That's what I've tried to get diagnosed with in the past, and they refused to even test for it. I've also had a lot of blood tests, x-rays, etc and if there were like arthritis markers I'm sure they would have told me.

martins

They can see if you have arthritis and what type by a blood test. You said you've had blood tests done but we're they checking for arthritis? There is not harm asking for the blood tests to be done again 

mylegshurt

@martins Okay yeah, good point. Didn't really answer my question but, it is helpful, thanks

Firefly123

Chronic pain is pain that lasts more than 12 weeks. It took me so long to get diagnosed with osteoarthritis as I didn't show the markers but not everyone does. Go back to your go I know how exhusting it is trying to get across how much pain you are in 

mylegshurt

@Firefly123 ah, thank you. So because the joint pain has lasted for more than 12 weeks, it counts as chronic then. Thanks for the validation of the pain

Firefly123

Yes any pain thats 12 weeks or more. Is classed as chronic pain my specialist said last week 

poppy123456

You really do need to speak to your GP or find another one if they won't listen. Chronic pain can be caused from many different things. Some conditions mimic others and tests will need to be done before a diagnosis of anything can be made. This can take many months, years in most cases.