Our diagnosis's come in assorted sizes and flavors! For some, it happens pretty quickly, for others, it takes years. I'm in the latter group.

The best thing I can say is buckle up and pray the road is traffic free.

-Tanya N

My Primary gave me a referral to a Rheumy right away, but the symptoms went away so it took me another 9 months to call. Once I got in (it took 6 weeks) she ran tests and two weeks later I was diagnosed. Hope your journey through this isn't a long slow (and painful) process...

Be persistant. I see myself as someone who was dx pretty fast. Had lots of symptoms and never suspected RA. Went to four different docs, got four different dx, then my chiro suggested I go see a rheum. Got in the next week, then two month later finally got dx with having 'something' that looks like RA.

Keep a daily list of aches, pains and symptoms. Take it with you to your appointment. Find out if you have any bloodwork from the first doc and take that too!

Hello and welcome. For me my DX was a quick one. Has your GP given you a tapering packet of prednisone to aid in lowering your imflamation and pain? If not I'd ask them if they can. I hope you have a quick DX. Hang in there many have a long road awaiting a DX.

hey, thanks all! guess I kinda figured it may be an adventure! I generally don't have pain between flare-ups, so I', hoping this one will end soon and then without the symptoms I won't think about it much until I get in or have another flare-up! I've got my journal started and seem to manage alright with anti-inflammatories for now. We'll just have to see what happens, hopefully it won't be years but will be will be I guess.

The first time I complained of stiffness in the morning taking so long to go away, my PCP did the bloodwork and scheduled me right then with a rheumatologist for the next week. When I saw the rheumy, he had the results (positive) and immediately started treatment.

Good luck on this journey.

It took me and is still taking me a long time. My symptoms date back to when I was a child and doctor treated those at the time but reading back through my notes it's obvious that what was going on then is the same as now.

My symptoms started when I was 8 years old. I'm now 22. About 3 months ago a rheumatologist acknowledge something was wrong. Just be patient, stick with it if you know something's wrong. I'd recommend against the Prednisone if you can help it. My GP put me on it and I looked like a normal person (and felt like one too). The rheumatologist dismissed me because my joints looked fine. Extremely frustrating!

Good luck.

Hello, and welcome! Sorry you have, or might have RA, but this is a great site. BTW, I did take prednisone while I was waiting to see an RD. It helped me make it thru the day. I still had swelling and pain, so that wasn't a problem re: diagnosis.

Best Wishes!
V

I have spinal problems & nerve pain. Started swelling in my hands & feet & my PM doctor said enough is enough time to see an RA.

Got in faster then any of us expected with in a month.With in a week of my appointment & blood work the RA doctor called me to say I tested positive for RA & SJs.
She ordered x-rays a long with the blood work.

Ive only seen her twice but thus far I'd say I'm lucky as she made it clear the first appointment she would not give up & would work quickly to find the problem. Oddly enough she was the not the doctor I called to get an appointment with but his partner. Sometimes things happen for a reason.

The one thing Ive heard & learned is be sure your comfortable & feel your getting the best of care from the Rheum. Doc. If not find another as you'll be spending a lot of time with him or her.

I had a friend tell me you'll give more blood at an RA's then any other doctor you've been to & she was right.

Now my PCP tested ran blood work I want to say around 4-5 yrs back & RA was negative. This doctor believes Ive had it 1-2yrs.
Although its in my family I really did not believe I'd test positive oddly enough so was a shock to me.

I think Tanya said it best. Ive been on both sides of the fence. The RA was found quickly but my other problems took yrs so I understand. I wish you the very best of luck.
Sammy