I went to my cleveland appt with my rheumy two weeks ago, he ordered hip xrays because I have been having a lot of hip pain. He sent me a letter that the xray showed degenerative changes in my sacroilliac joints, is this common with RA. I have not been offically diagnosed because my blood work has been good... The only positve blood work I have had was a ANA, which was positive. I have hand /feet /hip pain and stiffness daily. The doctor is leaning more toward RA. I also have a hard nodule on my right hand tendon but not on the joint. The MD didn't seem to concerned about it, he didn't xray. Well welcome! I'm sorry it seems that you're leaning towards an RA diagnosis, but I'm glad you found us! If you have any questions, or just need to vent, feel free!!!!
Bless you eeskew and welcome to the board. I've not been dx'ed either so can't help you much there but I know a lot of great people who can
The people here are pretty smart and like to have fun, too. So join the party!
Welcome eeskew! Sorry about the degenerative stuff going on, but hopefully your doc will be able to come up with a definitive diagnosis and get you going on a treatment plan to help prevent further damage. Lot's of information here, so pull up a chair and stay awhile!Hi Eeskew. Welcome to the group!
I'm so sorry about the degeneration you are having. I have had degenerative disk and joint disease for many years. I think it was first diagnosed when I was about your age. I'm sorry you have to go through this.
But having a good doctor is a real blessing.It's much easier to go thru something like this when you have someone who is compassionate, and working toward easing your pain. Did your x-rays show erosion, like that which is seen in RA?
I suspect that he didn't x-ray the nodule in your hand, because , if it is a tendon problem, an x-ray wouldn't really show much. X-rays are pretty much for bones. However, if he does suspect RA, I'm sure he will x-ray your hands and feet, for a baseline picture, if nothing else. If he doesn't, you should ask him to do it.
I'm told that RA usually starts out in the hands and feet and that is where they should first see erosions. (Although, I'm a "puzzlement", as my rheumy says, because there isn't much RA-tye damage in mine. There is, however, a ton of OA damage
Have they started you on any meds yet? Anything at all to help with the pain and stiffness?
Take care and please let us know how you are doing.
Gentle hugs,
Nini
I have been on Plaquenil for about 2 years, it help alittle but advil helps the stiffness and pain more. I believe the Plaquenil helps prevent the joint damage more than anything.Hi & Welcome to AI
Degenerative changes in any joint are common with RA. Nodules aren't so pretty but nothing to worry about healthwise. There are several people here that are seronegative. Did they run other tests? Good luck to you & keep us updated on how you do.
Peace & Love...Neasy
Hi eeskew and welcome to the board,
I've been on plaquenil for a long time. It is mostly to prevent any further damage to the joints from what I understand. I wish you good luck with the doctor and diagnose. Hope that he will be able to find something to ease your pain.
Hi there and welcome. Please keep us posted on how you're doing and what treatments your doctor prescribes. You haven't been officially diagnosed yet, so be patient. You have to have patience when you deal with any chronic illness. I have degenerative disease and have had surgery, but wasn't diagnosed till I was about 48 year old. Lindywelcome shew. You're right about the plaquinel. It's a DMARD which is used to slow the progression of the disease. It's pretty mild in the line of DMARDS. I was on it for a few year in the early days. I've had RA for more than 13 years. I too have DDD along with several other back problems including RA. Yes; it effects my back which they say can happen.....but it's kind of uncommon.
Glad you're here. Hope to see more of you.
Hi Eeskew,
Welcome and I want to mention that PA (Psoriatic Arthritis) affects the SI joints along with others and I have two nodules on the tendons going to my ankles. It is treated the same as RA.
Take care