Can I get some advice? — Scope | Disability forum
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Can I get some advice?

mylegshurt
mylegshurt Community member Posts: 4 Listener
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?

Comments

  • martins
    martins Community member Posts: 30 Connected
    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
    mylegshurt Community member Posts: 4 Listener
    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
    martins Community member Posts: 30 Connected
    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
    mylegshurt Community member Posts: 4 Listener
    @martins Okay yeah, good point. Didn't really answer my question but, it is helpful, thanks
  • Firefly123
    Firefly123 Community member Posts: 530 Pioneering
    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
    mylegshurt Community member Posts: 4 Listener
    @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
    Firefly123 Community member Posts: 530 Pioneering
    Yes any pain thats 12 weeks or more. Is classed as chronic pain my specialist said last week 
  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Community member Posts: 53,357 Disability Gamechanger
    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.
    I would appreciate it if members wouldn't tag me please. I have all notifcations turned off and wouldn't want a member thinking i'm being rude by not replying.
    If i see a question that i know the answer to i will try my best to help.

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