I DO NOT HAVE RA!! | Arthritis Information

 

That is what I was told today. She told me she thinks I may have lupus. She says my labs show something, but not RA. Even though my RF is positive. I'm having xrays of hips, knees, feet, and hands and she wants to do a lumbar MRI. Then, she is running a whole bunch of blood work on me so I guess I will find out soon. I'm hoping it is all negative and all in my head. Also, I got this big lecture about Vitamin D today. She put me on 50,000 u a week and told me I NEEDED to take it. Also, I started on Voltaren twice a day for my hip. She thinks I have OA of the hip. I really liked her and I feel she is being more thorough than anyone has been so far. I hate to think about what all this blood work is going to cost but I do need to know what is going on with me. Anyway, will let you know when I get results. Has anyone had any experience with voltaren?   Oh, and the only reason I'm taking this crap is my hip hurts, LOL.Wow Lori, that is some interesting news!  Is this a new doctor you're seeing?

I have taken Voltaren (diclofenac) in the past and it worked for me for awhile.  Eventually I upgraded to something else.  But I didn't have any problems with it.  I hope it helps with your hip.  Also, if you're not already, you may want to try Chondroitin Glucosamine supplements as they have been shown to be helpful with OA.

I think I've had generic Voltaren way back when this RA crap first started.  Naproxen works better for me than just about any other NSAID I've tried, so that's what I stick with now.  Of course, we all have different results from NSAIDs (and just about everything else!), so it's a good thing there are many NSAIDs to choose from! Hope your hip feels better soon Lorster.
I'm glad you found a new RD. These  AI diseases sure are tricky to diagnose. The most important thing is to stop or slow them and get relief. Wishing that will happen for you soon.
Seems strange that with an elevated RF she would say Lupus, it wasn't that elevated? After I first saw the dr for my jaw pain, he called when he got the blood work back and said I have good news and bad news. The good news is it's not Lupus, the bad news is it's RA. My RF was really elevated, but I didn't get how he put it.   

I hope all the tests give you a definative answer.I haven't tried the pill form but I have prescription creme that works wonderfully. I doesn't smell bad. Just a light scent of rubbin alcohol and it doesn't leave any slimy residue on your skin. I have bad hips and I rub that stuff on alot. You can use it up to 4 times a day.

Sounds like a good visit. I hope you get a more definative answer soon.

I've taken Voltaren when I was first dx'ed for pain. It worked ok. NOt great....ok. Rheumatology at its worst and best.  Lori, I am so glad you have finally found someone who sounds like they have some medical skills.   Since I was told at DX that I had RA, lupus, and scleroderma, and after definitive testing by doctors other than rheumatologists, its down to just RA.  I totally understand, as it a total head trip and your mind is a squirrel cage because you keep running everything around trying to figure out who is telling you the truth.  The worst part for me is wondering about all the side effects from drugs I probably should have never been prescribed for conditions I really didn't have.  Keep us informed, and hopefully the right drug will help you finally.  I know it did for me.  CathyI have no personal experience but my mom had a life threatening reaction to it, so I wouldnt take it for myself. Since she and I had many of the same  health issues.She is more inclined to think it is Lupus by my presentation of symptoms such as all the headaches I have had for the last 10 years, 3 or 4 really bad cases of pneumonia, the non symetrical joint pain and tenderness. My theory is that I got a bad case of reactive arthritis from the pneumonia, a mono infection, a fractured bone, and various other things. I did pick up a heavy vibe though that she is not into AP therapy. She felt my severe vitamin D deficiency plays a huge role in my aches and pains. I took the first dose this morning so I'm hoping that helps too. She was stunned that I did not take any meds which to me is sad that doctors are surprised that there are human beings out there that actually don't take any medication. I think she threw the voltaren and vitamin d my way to ensure I was taking something, LOL.

Innerglow, I'm going to pick up some glucosamine today and start taking it. That is a good idea. She is a new doctor to our town and to me.

Ninlchicken, My RF is not that elevated, however CRP and ESR are always high.


Lucky you Lori. I used to use Diclofenac for my back, it plays havoc with the tummy if you're body doesnt like aspirin. Hubby takes it for his hip and it works great for him. Hubby also takes glucosamine & chronditin (as mentioned), notices big time when he doesnt take it. Fingers crossed you get more good news. She sounds like a thorough doctor.  I hope everything works out for you.Lori, I know you are very against NSAIDS, but I have to be honest, I couldn't live without my diclofenac for my hips.  I have been prescribed Tramadol and Darvocette, but have never taken them (I'm stubborn about meds too).  But if I miss 2 or 3 doses of diclofenac, I pay for it for a week.  It really does help, and you need to take it regularly for it to work properly. My friend has lupus. Do you have the wolf rash, on the face? you never did so get the hell out of here!!!
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