New to the forum - waiting for diagnosis | Arthritis Information

 

Hello,

I'm new to the forum and I thought I'd introduce myself. I'm 28 years old, and while I've had aches and pains in my neck/upper back related to an old injury most of my life, I only recently started having problems with my knees and elbows. My doctor is having me screened for RA and Lyme disease, but I have a family history of arthritis so I wouldn't be surprised to hear that it turns out to be RA. She also gave me a prescription for meloxicam to take when I have problems.

Back in April my knees and elbows started hurting for apparently no reason. I hadn't overworked them or injured them. My knees especially were sore, stiff, and felt unstable, almost like they could pop out of joint if I moved the wrong way. The worst of it was gone in a day or two, but the stiffness lingered on. Since then, I've had about 3 or 4 bouts of this. The most recent was last week while my fiance and I were in the grocery store. As I was hobbling around like a duck, he finally convinced me I needed to get it checked out. I'm not a big fan of doctors since I have been through the wringer trying to deal with my neck/shoulder problems (nobody knows what's going on or is willing to take me seriously). But, after doing some research I realize that if this is RA, then I'd better get a diagnosis sooner than later.

While I'm waiting to hear back on my results, I wanted to ask if there were any good resources you would recommend? I'd like to have something to read to keep me from being to anxious since it's going to be about a week before I hear back.

Thanks!
Bri

Hi Bri and welcome!  Sorry you find yourself here, but good for you for overcoming your aversion to docs...an early diagnosis can really make a difference here.

I don't have any specific books or resources to recommend, other than this forum itself.  But I did want to tell you that a lot of what you read about RA can make you very anxious.  The disease is very different for each person, so please don't be overly alarmed by what you read.  These days there are a lot of treatments that weren't available in the past, so outcomes seem to be better.  But even the treatments all have their drawbacks, so reading up and finding the right questions to ask your doctor is important.

 

Also reading up about diagnosis is good.  There are many conditions that have symptoms similar to RA, and while it can start in the knees and elbows (or even the neck and shoulders), I believe it is more common to start in the hands or ankles/feet.  Are you seeing a rheumatologist?  Are you waiting for bloodwork results?  They can be confusing because many people with RA don't have a positive Rheumatoid Factor, but do have other inflammation markers like elevated CRP and sed rate.  Sometimes the doctor will follow up with x-rays, MRI's or a nuclear bone scan to help diagnose.

 

The most important thing is if you don't feel the doctor is taking you seriously, find one who will.  It can sometimes be difficult to get a proper diagnosis but it is important.

 

Good luck with your results, and congrats on your engagement!

Thanks InnerGlow,

Yes, I'm waiting on the results of four tests: CRP, Sed Rate, RF, and Lyme disease. My mom was tested for RF years ago and she came out negative, but both her sisters have issues with their joints. One of my aunts even has the hand deformities that are generally seen with RA, so there's a family history.

So far I'm only seeing my regular nurse practitioner, but she's said that depending on what my bloodwork results show she'll get me a referral to where I need to go.

I've done some reading up on RA already and I understand that everyone's experience will vary, and that treatment has come a long way. I'm not really anxious about the prospect of RA itself - I think I'm more anxious of them not finding anything at all! If I know what it is, at least I can work towards feeling better. It's just so frustrating to be in pain like this for apparently no reason.

Thanks so much, I'll take some time and read up on the forum :)

Bri


Welcome!  It can be a frustrating illness but many people manage very well with current treatments.  Here's a couple of links you might tryi. Welcome to the board. Hi Bri...welcome!We are the same age and my knees are also having that weak feeling. I was just diagnosed a little over a week ago. I go to the general prac. Dr.  again tomorrow and she will refer me to an RA Dr.

This board is really helpful and there are a lot of nice people on here. I haven't bee on too much, but they have helped me understand a more about RA.
Welcome Bri - Good for you to take this seriously and seek answers right away.   It is important to find out what's going on - I hope it's not RA, but if it is, better to know right away and get started on treatment.    Alan provided you with some good links  - do some research and ask questions.   It's also very important to find a doctor you trust and listens to you.   hi brian welcome to you.. i  hope you dont have ra
good luck whith the tests

Boney   

Hi Bri and welcome!

Pip

Welcome.  I hope it turns out you don't need us but if you do, we'll be here for you.  Anytime.  Really.  No kidding.  I mean it.  Thanks everyone! Good news is I just got my bloodwork results back and everything is normal. Bad news is I'm still in pain, and back to step one. Thank you for your encouragement and support. I guess I'll have to keep looking and researching.  Welcome to the board bri. There are some things you can do while you are waiting for the results and treatment. Many members here add alternative treatments to their meds. Fish oil seems to be effective in helping get the inflammation down plus helps all systems work better. Have your doctor check your vitamin D level to make sure that is not the source of some of your pain. Many members here are very deficient and take supplements. Lynn posts many topics on Vitamin D and it is a hot topic in medicine right now. Many physicians are checking this level now. Probiotics are a good thing to be on with the current meds that many of us take. Stop smoking if you do and get your weight down to normal if you are overweight. Take overall good care of yourself and try to decrease your stress and do things to alleviate stress such as exercise, yoga and stretching. Get plenty of sleep and drink lots of water. Avoid sodas and high sugar drinks if possible. Eat a healthy diets with lots of fruits, veggies, and whole grains. Try to eat fish at least twice a week. Your body is now sending you a clear message that you need to listen to it and give it what it needs to fight whatever is going on. Good luck and keep us posted. LoriWelcome Brianala!  Be sure to check if with your doctor to see if they tested your anti-ccp antibody when the did the blood tests.  This is an antibody marker specific to RA and not all doctors seem to do the test.  I have very good friend who is a Dartmouth educated physician and she had never heard of it before.  Just like you my bloodwork came back normal under the care of three different doctors.  It wasn't until I went to a different rheumy for a second opinion that he discovered I tested positive for anti-ccp.  I hope you have a different reason for your pain, but its best to find out sooner than later especially if you are still hurting.  Best of luck to you and be sure to post often. Welcome!  I am new also.   I hope they find what is causing you the pain soon.Sorry you had to find us. Might want to make sure it's not something making you feel arthritic.
Lots of things mimic arthritis.
Welcome Bri. Don't give up! There are alot of people that seem to have normal bloods, but still have RA. It is not a very easy to diagnose disease. Keep going to the docs until someone finds out what is causing your pain.

Good luck
Hi Bri and Aleva,
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