I have been struggling with what I have always assumed was a joint problem since I was four, 39 years ago. As a child, I had severe aching in both my knees but the docs said it was growing pains. By the time I was in high school, I also had the problem in my shoulders. In my late 20s, I was diagnosed with Takamotos Disease (hypothyroidism).
By the time I was in my early 30s, the joint pains had become inclusive to just about all my major joints. Within the last few years, I have been diagnosed with RA. However, I don't have any redness nor any swelling. I do suffer from stiffness if I don't take drugs to prevent it. I still have intense aching and also on occassion, I have what feels like pinching in the joint areas. Is this similar to anyone out there who has also been diagnosed with RA? I guess I have doubts about the RA but I do know something is wrong. The only reason I believe I am taken seriously by my doc is because of a higher than normal sed rate. Other than that, I look normal and I test normal. I also sometimes suffer from low grade fevers and I spend a lot of time being tired.
Thanks for any input.
Cristene, RA does not have a "set of symtons" that is the same for all I have had RA for 23 yrs and can't say I have had any "pinching" more like a sharp knife digging into my joints. I " Looked and tested Normal" for the 1st year of RA and no one took me serious either.If your Dr is not a Rhuematogist have him send you to one. You would'nt take your broken arm to your hairstylist would you ? The difference in how they direct your treatment could be that dramatic. The longer you wait , the more damage is done. Good Luck !
Thank you for responding. Perhaps we all have different ways of describing the same problems. I guess I'm looking for a guarantee of what my problem is especially since I have to take so many meds and my rheumatologist is planning on upping the anti and putting me on meds that require shots. I just want to make sure I don't get on anything that adds weight which has already been a problem.
Hi Cristene
I'm glad you're seeing a Rheu...Arthritis has so many variables from case to case even though people have the same type. There are 100+ types of arthritis and many of us have overlapping types. If you are truly not comfortable with your diagnosis then get another opinion. Thats not a guarantee though, the first 3 Rheu... I saw gave me 3 different diagnoses. The 4th one got it right.
Barb
Copyright ArthritisInsight.com