I'm Katie and I'm 22 years old. I had a positive ANA (1:80) result in
August after months of low grade fevers and general lethargy. The
rheumatologist I saw was unconcerned and despite the pain I was having,
said that there was no need to run anymore tests because my titer was so
low that whatever autoimmune problem I had was minor at best. Ugh.
Fast forward to last week when I began having really severe burning/
aching (really difficult to describe) pain in both my knees. It proceeded to
radiate down to both ankles and lasted for hours with no relief. I was
better the next day, but since then the pain has returned, only now it's
not just my knees and ankles but my hips as well. It's literally unbearable
and nothing I've taken has made even the least bit of a difference.
I don't know that it's RA, but that was what my doctor suspected initially
and my older sister has it as well. I guess I'm just wondering where to go
from here. I don't want to self-diagnose but RA seems like the most
likely culprit. Should I request to have the Rheumatoid factor test done? I
obviously need to find a new doctor as mine is not willing to work with or
for me, but I'm wondering if my pcp can do some of the preliminary tests
in the meantime.
Right now I really just want the pain to stop (I feel like my sanity is slowly
slipping away, right along with my ability to walk), but I'm hoping in the
meantime to find some support and information here.
Thanks in advance for any replies!I just want to welcome you Katie...and to say that if I were you I would find a new doctor immediately, because whatever is diagnosed in time is a great adventage for you and your health. So as I said if I were you I would not waste my time with a doctor who is not interesting in his job....and your health.
Be strong....determined! Hiya Katie,
I'm 23 and I've had RA for nearly a year. I'd definitely ask your PCP to do a
RF test, an ESR if it hasn't already been done and a anti-CCP test. The RF
and anti-CCP are the tests for rheumatoid, and the ESR will tell you how
much inflammation is going on. I can't believe the rheumatologist didn't
do these blood tests. Remember though that bloods aren't the be all and
end all, you can be seronegative.
I'd find a new rheumy though, because it's your life, and even if your
"titer" is low, your pain is very real.
Lots of love and hugs,
ChelseaAMEN
I love your name...
WELCOME aboard AI...
Here is a link for some information about the ANA test.
http://my.webmd.com/hw/lupus/hw2297.asps
This way you can be armed with some info. when you see ANOTHER DOCTOR, evidently this one is not for you...I hope that you find one that has your best interest at heart.
At anytime was there a mention about Lupus? It is possible to have Lupus with a positive ANA. Not that is what it may be, just a possibility like RA is...
Anytime you have something pointing at an Auto Immune disease, It is IMPORTANT...No matter what any one tells you...
I hope the next time we see you on the board you have some answerers, answered and a new doctor.
Please take care of your self and keep us informed as to how you are doing.
Toni
Hi Katie,
I'm 23 and was diagnosed with RA last March but had been exhibiting symptoms since I was 18. I would definitely find a doctor that is willing to work with you to figure out what the issue is. Mine told me for years that I was just typing funny on the computer or sleeping weird in my bed. I finally had to say "this isn't normal, please do something about this" before they took some blood tests. I almost felt like they were just doing it to shut me up...and then low and behold, my ESR and RF were high and they sent me on to a rheumatologist.
RA can be a very fast acting disease and it is important that you get to the bottom of it quickly. THe pains that you are having warrant you finding a doctor who will take you seriuosly. Good luck, welcome to the board and let us know how it goes.
Also feel free to join us over at www.rafriends.com because a lot of us have migrated over there!!
Britenny