May not be RA after all??? | Arthritis Information

 

Isn't that strange that after 14 years, I may not have RA after all?  I am being worked up for other autoimmune conditions.  At the moment it is being called connective tissue disorder. but because RA doesn't affect the kidneys usally they are not sure what to call it.  In some ways it resembles lupus, there is the painful dry eyes, sore throat, reduced tear production, blue fingertips, etc. there are so many things going on plus it is resisting treatment with inflammation still being extremely high. I am spiking high blood pressures and headaches with it. was recently told to go on oxygen at night when I rest and a portable when I am active.  I have been told to become more active which the headaches come when I am active but will try to do what I can to get better.

I have been praying a lot more. so I know it isn't that. some people in my family, I won't call any names will say the bad health is from not praying enough.

However, i would love a mini vacation to florida's white sand beaches or somewhere there is a nice warm secluded beach. that would help me more than anything else right now.Hello Shelly,  I am sorry you are having so much trouble.  I believe you can have kidney problems with RA.  I don't know if this link will help but here it is;
http://rheumatism.suite101.com/article.cfm/lupus_nephritis
I will add my prayers to yours in the hopes you will find the answers you need and feel better.  A mini vacation sounds good to me right now too!  Hi Waddie, Thanks for the web site and for prayers.  Yes, I always thought RA could turn on your organs as well but I think it is just the overall picture, the way my hands look also and how the RA isn't responding to anything for very long.  I thought they figured this out from my lasr hospital stay but appearently they see something else. Thanks.  ShellyTheLa,

I am not real sure. From what I can tell it is a combination of all of it.  The blood clot I had 3 years ago, my lab work, I have been in the hospital every other month for a year now for symptoms similar to previous blood clots and very high echocardiogram numbers, this recent was high enough to do a heart cath which showed pulmonary hypertension -- again. they ruled it out a few months ago and now its back. however true pulmonary hypertension doesn't get better then come back. so they are calling me a mystery case. and say they are not sure if it is RA or what to call it.  Very frustrating as you can imagine.  I am just trying to stay calm and hopeful at the moment.  I was looking for relief of the painful symptoms and hopefully remission.  Now I am just trying to stay in the moment and not get ahead of myself with worrying. I keep downgrading my expectations.  I hope I don't get to the point where I am just happy to be breathing.  Living to me is so much more than that.

I have an appt. with kidney specialist and blood specialist. Maybe more answers will come out of that.

Take care.

Done with this placeLibby22009-02-10 01:24:24Shelly-I think you have the right attitude.  One day at a time.  Many times we get ahead of ourselves.  I have found this past year in many areas of my life that I can solve problems with just dealing with the here and now.  Otherwise I can get overwhelmed.  Good-luck.Libby2!  Thank you and welcome to the board! Prayers are always welcome.

I feel so blessed to have so many people here wanting the best for me and sending up prayers for me. It really helps lift my spirits. and I think if you are in good spirits that can help with your overall health as well. So much comes from praying.

Thanks again. and hope you are feeling better.

Thanks Thela.

Take it easy.Shelly- I feel for you and I am so sorry you have all this uncertainty and these health problems in your life right now. I too believe in the power of prayer and will keep you in mine. 
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