Arthritis/ Fibromyalgia

[Wispy68]

Hello all. I have just been diagnosed with “lots of” arthritis in my spine, lower back and pelvis. Feeling very shocked, tearful and daunted, but was only told yesterday, so do realise it's only natural to be feeling like this. I have also had Fibromyalgia for at least ten years and have had severe neck, shoulder and arm pain, for a couple of years, which I have put down to the Fibro, but am now wondering whether I should ask for an X-ray, just to rule out arthritis in these areas. What would you do? Leave it, or ask for a full-body X-ray? Many thanks.

[anneasquith]

ask for an x ray to confirm athritis, and the location/s

[Sqad]

\\\\ I should ask for an X-ray, just to rule out arthritis in these \\\

Well, yes.
How can one diagnose arthritis without X-Rays?

Blood tests would also be helpful.

[anneasquith]

gp. may have x ray vision :)

[Robinia]

Wispy I have FM too and like you was diagnosed following xray with arthritis in the lower spine years ago. Now so many other aches and pains have developed that I wouldn't know which needed xraying first. I've always thought that due to costs the likelihood of having a full body scan was minimal. I know exactly how you feel though. Try not to become too depressed, talk to your gp again...this long damp winter isn't helping. Chin up.

[hellywelly4]

The doctor told me I had arthritis, but referred me to a musculo-skeletal clinic and I had an MRI scan. I ended up having an op on my lower back and all my pains have gone. The X-ray didn't show the problem with the spine, so if you can, ask for an MRI scan.

[bednobs]

i don't understand how havign an xray (or knowing if it's arthritis ot fms) will make any difference

[Sqad]

bednobs

\\\i don't understand how havign an xray (or knowing if it's arthritis ot fms) will make any difference \\\

;-) interesting point that you raise.

There are many diseases which present with a polyarthritis and although mainly diagnosed by blood tests, routine X-Rays or better still MRI scan may aid in the diagnosis.

e.g One would think that the difference between RA and OA would be obvious.....it usually is but often X-Rays ma be needed to differentiate between the two and hence points to treatment procedures...OA perhaps surgery and RA perhaps steroids. Also patients with RA can develop secondary OA and X-Rays are useful.

I am not a rheumatologist, but that will give you something to think about although your point is well take.

[bednobs]

i suppose i just think that if (presumably) wispy is having treatment for both arthritis AND fms, it matters not a jot which one the the arm/shoulder pain is attributable to.
However, i'm not the one suffering from it, and in all honesty, if it was me, i'd probably want to know

[Wispy68]

A very belated thank you, for all of your replies :-)