still new, with a question... | Arthritis Information

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Thanks to all who replied!

 
It was a really rough weekend, and I still haven't recovered. I'm going to be calling my doctor tomorrow...I can't take much more of this.
 
I'm an art student, and since the beginning of this year I've found my right shoulder fatiguing when I'm doing something as simple as steering my car. Lately it's been my shoulder and elbow, for no good reason. I find this odd because I've had a year and a half of drawing and painting from my shoulder, if it's my muscles, they should be developed by now. Maybe I'm tapping into new muscles I didn't know I had...
 
It seems like, and I could be crazy, but it seems like it's all getting worse really fast. I've noticed over the past few months the aches and pains that I believe are the result of shifting bones in my feet, and falling arches, the changes in how I stand etc.
 
So my question is, how likely is it that I've had problems with my feet on and off for 3 years that have gradually gotten worse, and then all of a sudden I feel like I'm falling apart, and have that be RA? I don't know. I am not very patient and I know it'll be weeks until I can see a physician, let alone a specialist. I'm not asking for anyone to diagnose me, and I know that no one here can. I'm just trying to figure out if I'm over-thinking this. Or maybe I am crazy? I'm very confused, and rather scared, because art is my life and I've invested a lot in making it my career...any thoughts would help.
 
Thanks again!
I'm still pretty new to RA compared to many here, so it's not like I'm an expert or anything.  I was rereading your first post and was thinking that maybe the way you stand is different now because of your baby toes.  Like, maybe you unconsciencously put your weight on your inner foot to avoid the pain from the corns.
 
I have never heard of RA causing anything like that so I was thinking that maybe you should see a podiatrist instead of a rheumatologist.  But when you add your shoulder and elbow, I don't know.  Maybe the thing to do is go see your GP, tell/show him your symptoms, and go see the specialist that he advises.
 
 
Hi Stacia,

Well, that's actually how it happened with me.  Started with the feet and for several years I was told the pain was fallen arches.  Only after RA hit me hard did we realize that it was inflammation in the feet all along. 

But please, don't worry about the future now.  If you have an RA diagnosis you will be put on meds.  You'll have to be patient, but they can work very well.  I went from not being able to walk down the street at the time of my diagnosis, back to now hiking, cycling and skiing. 

Please let us know what your doc says.

Best wishes for you,
Joy
Well, see.  Their you go.  Told you I'm no expert.  I just never heard of RA causing corns before.   Good thing I'm not the only one around, huh?  :)Just to clarify, I don't have corns and haven't.  The pain and inflammation started in the joints in my feet, but haven't involved corns.
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