Buckeye, I am amazed you had the nodules by 2nd visit.
Lyn I was already seeing an RD for fibromyalgia when my RA symptoms came on, but it still took about six months between tests and such for him to make a firm diagnosis. I am seronegative so maybe that's part of it.
Ranger, I am also curious why you need a DX by the end of the year, but if that's true, ask the RD's office if you can get on their cancellation list so that if someone cancels, you could get in earlier.
And Lyn, I luv your decorations!
Lyndee - no I am not. I will do some research and try to find it again. The article was about how men and women are treated so vastly different in the medical system. Like when Lori told us as an RN about how during hospitalization men get painkillers properly and better overall treatment, and women don't. Terrible, eh? It has to do with how women are unfairly branded as lying about pain because they don't look sick, and look how long it has taken to get fibro recognized as a legitimate complaint. Last year the AMA took the unprecedented action of putting out a document instructing doctors to start treating women for their fibro pain, even if they could not document it with any test. It's all amazing.
justsaynoemore2008-11-15 20:07:05Thanks for the replys! I was hoping for a DX by the end of the year for insurance purposes. It's open enrollment time here at work for the upcoming year. We have several BCBS plans we can choose. The one i'm currently enrolled in is free. It's great insurance, but does require I pay 10% on procedures. The other plan is a bit expensive per paycheck, but pays 100% of everything, including meds. Being still relatively young and no previous health issues, I 've always opted for the free plan. But, if i'm going to be facing a chronic, serious disease, then I would of course pay for the premium plan.I guess I was "lucky" to present with a very severe onset which gave me a quick dx.- within a couple of weeks. I had all the classic RA things they look for and very high inflammation markers in my blood work.
I'm thankful that I got on DMARDS right away.
Just to be safe- I'd go with the premium plan this year. Even if you are lucky enough not to have RA- you may be having a lot of tests to find out just what is causing your problems.
Best of luck to you- hope it's not RA and something easily taken care of!
Makes sense that you want to make the right decision as it's OE time. Does your free plan have copays for office visits and prescriptions or is it 10% for all services? Weigh all costs out of pocket and premiums. For myself, I was still better off with the lower premium plan as most of my services were office visits and scripts.
While I hope you don't have RA, I also hope if it is, you're diagnosed quickly and can start some treatments. Earlier, the better in my opinion.
Thanks. I sure hate to add the additional exspense of insurance the way the economy is at this time, but I may have to. Knee doc said judging by the xrays it was not inflammatory (whatever that means), and thought Osteoarthrits was the most likely culprit. But, after researching, OA dosn't seem to fit. For one, I have several joints affected. Two, i'm still a bit young for classic OA. But, RA seems like a bit of a stretch also. For one, i'm a male under 40. And from what i've read, RA is extremely rare in men under 45. While it's common in females under 40, I guess not so much for men. Also, pain is generally on one side of body only, and morning stiffness is not much of a problem. Psoriatic arthritis seems to fit, but my hands are pretty much unaffected except for my middle finger, and my nails are normal. I dunno, frustrating stuff!Ranger,
I went to a Rhemuy 2 years ago. no DX. I let it go. Then when I could no longer let it go because of pain, stiff joints my family doc sent me to cleveland clinic and first visit was dx.
I hope you get to the bottom of it. Best wishes to you.
Lisa
Thanks. inflamed. I'm also from Ohio! I hope i'm Dx'ed soon also. I'm starting to get real worried thanks to the internet!! I had no idea arthritis could be so distressing! I thought only real old people got arthritis.flare to DX.... 4 months.I saw my GP at the first flare. It took 6 weeks to get into the Rheumy's office. I had blood drawn after I left the Rheumy's office. About 4 days later my Rheumy called to tell me he was sure I had RA.
I feel lucky that all my tests were high positive - makes for a quick diagnosis.
Lyndee- I probably had noticeable on going symptoms for about 6 months before I went to the dr. I was an active 22 year old with a full time job and going to college I didn't have time for dr's visits...besides I could always come up with a reason why I hurt.
However, in looking back I had signs of disease activity for at least 2 years prior to that and even possibly as early as age 15 or 16. My rheumatologist once told me I had damage like he would expect to see in polyarticular jra but it was too late to know for sure
Hi Ranger. Welcome!
First of all, you can have OA in many joints at the same time. I have it pretty much throughout my body. It was definitely diagnosed when I was about 45, but I had severe symptoms for years before that. The RA was diagnosed about 3 years ago, because that's when the RF showed up at 658, and inflammation tests were both quite high. For about 20 years prior to that, my PCP was positive I had RA or some kind of autoimmune disease, but my tests had always been very conflicting.
I would think that since your PCP said you definitely have OA, that would be an arthritis diagnosis. And if the other doc said your feet are full of arthritis, it seems that would pretty much count as a diagnosis. The one you don't have a diagnosis for yet, is RA. I can tell you that my OA has been MUCH more problem for me than my RA. I have been seeing a pain specialist for a long time, for chronic pain. It requires narcotic pain meds on a regular schedule to help keep it under control at all.
Not trying to scare you, but just want you to know that OA can also be quite crippling and require meds. It just depends on how badly these diseases are effecting you.
I don't know how much the plan you would pay for would cost, but if you can afford it, I would really sign up for it. Having 100% coverage, even for meds is terrific insurance. I am on Social Security Disability and Medicare. I have a Medicare HMO plan with drugs. But even with that, some of my co-pays for prescriptions (Name Brand) have been up to 375.00/mo. and I take 13 different meds every day.
Of course I am 60 years old, but have been on meds like this since mid-40's.
Good luck to you! I hope you get a diagnosis from the RA soon. Or maybe it's not RA. I hope not, for you.
Please let us know how you are doing.
Hugs, Nini
Welcome to the board you ole Buckeye.
My 2 cents is I would opt for the premium plan for now. It seems that at the time of any DX of a chronic and hard to DX disease like RA it cost so much to find the right meds, all the test and follow up. It might be money better spent for now. Do you have the option to readjust the policy any time through out the year? Best wishes and welcome to this very informative place. There are allot of very nice people here. If you want any info about the Cleveland Clinic PM me. I adore my doctor.
Nini,
that is interesting. I also take narcotic pain meds on a regular schedule to control my pain. My feet are full of arthritis and as I posted before the arches have already dropped and my hands are currently swollen, stiff, weak. I am trying to be patient and see if plaq will start to help. I turned down the prednisone because I had such a bad experience with it in the past....but I do not know how long I can wait for plaq to work. I see my Doc next month. I am trying to tough it out.
Edited for typos inflamedOnline2008-11-16 20:17:28I dunno, the more I read about arthrits the more I doubt if my problems are even caused by arthritis. Think I might be dealing w/ something else all together. My main doubt comes from everything i've read about morning stiffness. Seems almost like a staple and starting point for docs trying to confirm a DX. I don't expierence any morning stiffness at all. As a matter of fact, thats the only time of the day i totally pain free. As the day goes on, my feet begin to hurt, legs tire, and knee aches a bit. Ranger,
Sounds like OA
But do not listen to me because half the time I do not know what I'm talking about, I'm just nosy. This place rocks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Or in my case............OA.........Obese Ass! This place really rocks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Ranger-I'm curious as to if you've had any bloodwork drawn. Inflammation markers, positive RF, CCP, ANA, and others will help with diagnosis whether it is an inflammatory arthritis or not.
I was diagnosed after my first visit, within 2 months of my first flare. I had a high RF and high CCP which is RA specific. That made it easier.
By the way I have heard of people who did not have noticable stiffness. La
Hi Ranger,
Welcome. I also had my pain and swelling worsen as the day went on.
Since I've been on meds, the swelling has mostly disappeared and pain
can be at any time of day. Stiffness is now primarily in the morning,
or after periods of inactivity (e.g. feet up watching the boob-tube).
As TheLa mentioned, I would highly recommend getting your blood tests done prior to going
to see the rheumatologist. At my first rheumy appointment I had all
those results so it was a quick an easy diagnosis for him to make.
Having said that, I had symptoms for years prior to that first rheumy
appointment.
I wish you best and hope you can find your answers soon.
- Joy
[QUOTE=inflamedOnline]
Welcome to the board you ole Buckeye.
[/QUOTE]
I'm not old
I'm from the other end of the state
LOL!
Wow, well things have certainly changed in the last few days! Forget about what I said about no morning stiffness. The last two days i've barley been able to get out of bed. Feet are ankles were terribly sore along with upper legs and fingers. Seemed to work itself out after 10-20 minutes of walking, but both feet are constantly tender and sore feeling. Also, one of my toes has all of sudden become deformed looking. It's very fat and odd looking. kind of puffy like. I looked on the web and found pics of what they call "sausage toes" and thats what I got for sure!
Did this all happen suddenly or has it been sore for a long time?? Initially I thought of OA too..........I have OA at the base of my wrist (both hands, same place) and nowhere else, which of course is wear and tear ------ but after a severe infection in 2007 I developed PRA which is entirely different.
Have you had blood tests and Xrays taken?? It's prudent to take all test results & recent Xrays with you to your first appt with a rheumatologist so they have all the information they need to make a diagnosis. If not then can you get your doctor to order them? It's always better to go to a specialist appointment armed with the latest findings.
Maz
Maz-aust2008-11-19 16:44:11I've had symptoms for 3 or 4 months now. Now I have pain in several areas including both feet, right knee, both middle fingers and right side of jaw. The "sausage toe" I believe is new. Or maybe I just didn't notice it before. I've also lost 15 lbs during this time. Not sure if thats related or not. And yes, I had xrays taken for an unrelated knee problem. Knee doc said my foot was full of arthritis. He really didn't offer anymore info and I really didn't ask. He did say that on xray, the arthrits did not appear to be inflammatory.Hi folks. I'm back unfortunatly! After a month or so of no improvment of symptoms I was referred ONCE more to a Rheumy for evaluation. She concluded I did indeed have PsA. I've been avoiding MTX because I VERY much enjoy a beer or 2 or 3 or 4..... But, she insisted even though I bluntly told her that I was NOT going to stop drinking beer. Plain and simple! Anyways, I am pain free now and liver test have been fine! mmm, I just noticied half of the post on this topic have been removed??? interesting.Try posting it again Ranger. Sorry to hear the MTX is a must with you enjoying your beer....I know the feeling.
Hey Ranger..
sorry about the DX.. but, glad you're feeling better w/ the MTX... consider yourself very lucky to be pain=free w/ MTX only.. I would wish!! ;)
Good luck to you
Ranger, I truly wish you had better news and only posted to tell us so... do be careful w/ the beer and MTX as things can change really fast.
[QUOTE=wanttobeRAfree]Try posting it again Ranger. Sorry to hear the MTX is a must with you enjoying your beer....I know the feeling. [/QUOTE]
I thought it was strange that she insisted on MTX even though I told her I drink. And I stressed the fact that I would NOT stop drinking beer. I don't do it often, but when i drink i drink! Guess she thinks it's okay. We will see.
Also seems strange that docs are so insistant to start MTX right away. If I was a doctor I would perscribe MTX as a last resort. The side effects are devastating and FAR to common. Seems completly irresponsible to perscribe someone a powerful, dangerous drug without trying one of the much safer drugs first! I'm actually dismayed and shocked by the medical community right now. Never had to go to the doc much so I just assumed that docs were kinda like miracle workers who had all the answers. In reality, it seems like most are horribly flawed and have virtualy no communication skills whatsoever. I've been to 4 specialist and have been disappointed in each one. My newest and last Rheumy is supposed to be one of the best in buisness and works for a network that is renowned as a top arhtritis shop. I don't know- MTX is one of the most widely used DMARD drugs for RA. DMARD's slow or stop progression of the disease. From what I hear it is because they get a lot of success with it and although it can have awful side effects the bad ones are rare. It has also been around a very long time.
Taking MTX takes a little getting used too- I was terrified to start it when I read up on it but I'm OK with it now. My only struggle is the no drinking part.
But what if other safer DMARDS would have had the same effect. You would never know, because it was never tried. The sulfer drugs for example can be very effective IF they work. And as far as the drinking, i'm beginning to think that whole thing is a bit overblown. Either that or my supposed Super Rheumy is just like the rest. Not so SUPER after all. I STESSED the fact to her that i DRINK and was not planning on stopping. She was unfazed. I explained that I had been a frequent drinker for the last 20+ years. Again, she was unfazed. AND I was the one who brought up drinking in the first place. She did not even mention alcohol use before writing the RX. Sorry to sound so dismayed, but i just feel like she made alot of misakes during our appointment. And i have serious doubts about whether or not i'm recieving the best treatment. Also have serious doubts about whether or not i was even correctly DX. I mean, i was DX just after a consoltation. No xrays at all! I had to point out my "sausage toe" to her. She didn't even see it upon examination! Also she kept pointing to what she said was swolled joints that WERE NOT swollen. I told her if they were swollen, then they had been so for my entire life! Hi Ranger,
Did dr do any blood work for rf factor or ana? You might have said already, but I missed it. I have OA and RA. It is possible to have more than one disease. I was dx in a matter of weeks. Dr first thought I had cellulitis in my finger and put me on antiobiotics which didn't do anything. I went to prompt care and the dr did blood work and xrays on hands and feet. My toe was "sausage like" but I just assumed I was tired and sore all over from having cleaning two or three houses. I had my own cleaning business. My rf factor was 129 and can't remember other figures but they were high. He referred me to a rd and I went to him for two years before I changed. I couldn't stand the man. He wouldn't even say anything unless I did or I asked a question. I don't know how he made it thru med school. I now have a really good dr who is a human being and so sweet. She sees me and says "oh you poor thing" and is so nice and even called later in the week to ck on me. WOW.
I hope you can find a good dr. This may take some time or you could get lucky.
I wish for luck.
take care
Well for me- I am allergic to sulpha so I guess I could have taken Plaq which is for milder cases. I am pretty good now but I presented as very severe.
The drinking thing- I don't know. I don't think they know. All they know is MTX is hard on the liver so to be safe they say no alcohol. I have to say my doctor is very wishy washy about the whole thing. I have been upfront and honest with him too about what was usual for me. One time he will say to be safe and have none! Then when I told him I was depressed about the holidays and not being able to drink he told me I was a party pooper. I wish that there were people who have been on MTX and continued to drink to come forward somewhere and be studied or say what did or didn't happen. I know I drink more than I should on it and I just try to drink a lot of water to flush my liver. I don't know what else to do.
My doctor also sees swelling I don't see. It must be not much but something that is present in the trained eye....
I hear your frustration, I feel your frustration...
I don't want to encourage drinking on MTX, but my RD isn't too concerned about drinking. She said basically just don't drink too much, like, one or two is okay but not a whole bottle of wine. Both alcohol and MTX are very hard on the liver. So I have one drink a day. That way I don't over do it but I also don't feel deprived.
On Christmas and New Year's I have 2.
That said, it would be nice to cut loose every now and then, but that's off limits.
edited for typos
Gimpy-a-gogo2009-01-10 20:11:41My RD said NO drinking on mtx. I'm bummed. I'm on several other meds for OA and migraines that also forbid drinking, but I didn't worry too much about it. Now I feel like I'm really pushing my luck if I have more than a sip now and then. My liver might up and leave all together...I have found the few times I decided to have a beer.....my ra would really start hurting after about one. (I would stop drinking and take a pain pill it was so bad). Did or does this happen to anyone?
I used to go out with my girls on Friday nights and have several and then we'd have dinner after wards or breakfast. LOL Now just the thought is enough to make me say no.
I had lunch with my buddy Sam Adams today. I haven't seen him much lately, though I did hang out with his friend Dom Perignon a few weeks ago.
I think alot of people don't like to talk about drinking because they feel like people judge them. I don't care what people think. I like to party, and thats that! I don't drink and drive, I don't miss work, and I certainly don't drink every day. But, I grill and drink. I go to Bengals games and drink! I go to Reds games and drink! I work in the yard and I drink! I have decided to limit my drinking to one day a week (Sunday). I'm gonna take my MTX on Tuesdays and drink plenty of water in the following days. Then on most Sundays I will drink as much as I want. Probably 8-10 beers. I will let you all know how my tests come back!
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