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Trying to get a diagnosis for an inflammatory arthritis

Hi
I have 3 children and 2 grandchildren (although far too young to be a grandmother). I have been in the throes of trying to get a diagnosis for an inflammatory arthritis for about 2 years.
I have degenerative disc disease, have had a lumbar fusion 5 years ago and thought that was the end of it to be honest but now on worse than ever.
An osteopath/doctor told me 7 years ago that I had Ankylosing spondylitis and he said I would hav e trouble proving it.
He wasnt wrong there.
I now under a Rheumatologist as my inflammatory markers are raised, I'm anaemic too, have had a positive Rheumatoid factor also.
But still havent had a confirmed diagnosis so stuck on steroids all the time.
Nice to be here. Thanks for listening.
I have 3 children and 2 grandchildren (although far too young to be a grandmother). I have been in the throes of trying to get a diagnosis for an inflammatory arthritis for about 2 years.
I have degenerative disc disease, have had a lumbar fusion 5 years ago and thought that was the end of it to be honest but now on worse than ever.
An osteopath/doctor told me 7 years ago that I had Ankylosing spondylitis and he said I would hav e trouble proving it.
He wasnt wrong there.
I now under a Rheumatologist as my inflammatory markers are raised, I'm anaemic too, have had a positive Rheumatoid factor also.
But still havent had a confirmed diagnosis so stuck on steroids all the time.
Nice to be here. Thanks for listening.
Replies
Nice to meet you too. 😊
Thank you for joining and sharing.
Sorry to hear this. You not alone many members can identify what you are going through.
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Best wishes x
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I honestly dont know what to do next.
I have just had an MRI appointment through for lumbar, sacral, SIJ and Thoracic. I am hoping this will show the inflammation they think it will.
I am deteriorating quite quickly at the moment as I am currently off the steroids until the MRI at the end of this month.
My husband says I should get the doctor to sign me off work as we are flat broke since I lost.my job. The children just dont understand. He said let's face it, what can you do! Which was very upsetting for me to hear but in truth is right.
I'm struggling to walk at the moment and using crutches is playing havoc with my wrists. I just cant win.
I dont know what to do. I dont know what help we are entitled too. I get standard rate PIP anyway and cant see them upping that. I dont know if I am entitled to some sort of mobility aid although I really dont want to use one. I'm scared, feeling very useless!
Any suggestions would be most.welcome.
Thank you
Janine
Take a look. Perhaps you can find something?
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I`ve had these a few times and received lots of very good help.
xxx