Back to the rheumatologist with MRI images of my knee joints

Great, the good news is that it's not cartilage wear and the bad news is that it's probably some form of inflammatory arthritis. To my surprise we also discuss gout as a possibility, rather sobering given I'm guilty of drinking a glass or two of wine every night.

To nail the diagnosis we need another round of blood tests which would blow the BUPA budget so it's better for me to get the tests on the NHS.  So, the BUPA cover is not sufficient to pay for the tests and consultations needed to reach a diagnosis, let alone administer the course of treatment.  Company group BUPA schemes might not be worth the extra tax they incur!

More tests . . .

My thoughts before the consultation:

Systemic?

What else could we test?

Gout seems unlikely, toe, redness. Alcohol close to allowance

Allergy? No change in lifestyle

Virus? Muscles ache. Swelling of fingers, stiffness in top of spine

What can we deduce from MRI?

No treatment yet.

NSAIDs? 

Muscle strengthening

Prognosis?