Hello to all of you. First of all I had a swollen ankle June 04 that I could not walk on for over a week. I went back and forth to my GP haveing test run as I knew I had not injured it. I got a positiv RF and elevated ESR. I was referred to a Rheummy in Chapel Hill NC. He ran some test and my RF was still positive and x-rays of my hand showed some erosions positive for RHeumatoid. He diagnosed me prescribed Methotrexate and folic acid. I never started it. I have not had any swelling since just constant pain from my nose down,and fatigue. I got a rheumy closer to home because the traveling thing is unbearable. He says because I don't have joint swelling, I don't have RA despite the pain. He has not performed any test and told me it was Fibromyalgia (diagnossed in 1999). The pain is diffrent. It is more like a deep throbing pain. Do any of you guys have RA without swelling?Welcome. MANY of us have RA without swelling. I can't help but be concerned about you not taking your methatrexate. Don't let the label scare you. Most people take it with very little side effects. You already have erosions which means damage is being done. RA is progressive but the drugs are very effective to slow or even stop the progression. RA can be a very debilitating disease. Nothing to mess around with. I hope you reconsider. The swelling does not always show. Trust me, many of us do not have swelling and many of those same people have permanent damage from RA. I don't want to sound so bleak, I am just too tired to sugar coat it and I know your "deep throbbing pain" too well. You will get lots of good advice here. Your current Rheumy does not have a clue. Sorry.I agree. DO NOT LISTEN TO HIM - I have made that mistake - I have
no swelling and I have RA. don't waste another second on this guy
because he's a quack, I swear I could break their necks for the damage
they do.
I first posted in July at some point. the my hubby posted for me again.
If you want some really good insight as to what IS RA when there's no
swelling - read everything I've posted especially the first few.
Please take the meds because you've got a good chance with them.
Hello btw and please stay with us and let us know what's happening.
Everyone here is currently dragging me (albiet kicking and
screaming)back from the land of terror and denial and into the land of
the living again. They are really really good people so
definately stick around because I don't think I'd honestly be around
right now if it wasn't for them.
God it's only 3pm here but I need a sleep (Yawn) will be back later.
After I drink More green tea because I have convinced myself it's helping - I know - but ya gotta love me
kelsey,
I've had RA for 21 years, and none to very little swelling. My
docs even dx'ed with negative bloodwork. I've been told by
rheumys even that my swelling is hard for them to notice at
times. Get rid of the rheumy who said no swelling means its
fibro. Go back to the one in Chapel Hill...is he affliated with
Duke? Even if not...he seems to have his head on
straight. I know driving sucks. Trust me. I've
actually considered a 4 hour drive to the Raliegh-Durham area to see a
rheumy at Duke. How far are you from Chapel Hill if you
don't mind me asking?
Again - I agree with Wayney - travel if you need to - I'm doing a 4
hour train journey at 6am on Monday to see people because they're
good. Don't waste time with idiots.
Thanks for responding. I live about 2.5 hours south of Duke. Wayney I noticed your only 28. I just turned 33. Do you have any kids? Where are you located?
I think I may go back to my GP and have x-rays of my hands again just to see if the results are still positive for erosions. It will be a different facility and they dont' have the results from Chapel Hill. If it comes back positive then I guess I will accept it and try the MTX. I know in my heart its not Fibromyalgia with the pain in my hands, I have had fibro for many years. The pain has become diffrent.
Thanks
Hi,
Welcome! I'm glad you found us here. Yep, sounds like your doc is out in left field somewhere. I was dx a few months ago before I ever had any visible swelling. Now I do have some, but not alot. That's good that you'll be willing to try the meds, but you should still get established with a new Rheumy that knows his stuff.
Good luck, I hope you'll keep us posted:0)
Pam
I'm in SC...Myrtle Beach actually. I do have a son. He's three. Oh and there's the 28 yr old kid I raise...oh, that is my husband! I'm kinda opposite of you. I was dx'ed first with RA, well JRA and then fibro. I've got to say, my hands are one place I've never felt fibro symptoms. Just don't see how your first rheumy said that....not that I'm a rheumy or expert or anything but that's a new one...passing off hand pain as fibro. Well, I should have come spent the weekend with you Wayney. Me and my four kids(one not much trouble as he is 33)LOL. Actually, it was my last Rheumy that said thats the thing with Fibro, it can hurt anywhere. Charged me 88 more dollars and gave me a Rx for Restoril for sleep. Do I need to say I still have the Rx?