Fibromyalgia or RA? | Arthritis Information

Hi all,

I was diagnosed with RA about 1 year ago. The symptoms I had initially are for now fairly mild/under control, however recently I'm experiencing something...not sure if it's RA related or what: with my right arm, if I attempt to extend it fully I feel a stretching kind of pain, like a rubber band inside my arm (was upper arm, now in my fore arm) is pulled too tight. My PCP said she's not sure but maybe tendonitis - a massage therapist thought my lymph system was "backed up". I won't be seeing my rheumy 'til a month from now and am hoping he might be able to explain. Anyone else recognize what I'm describing? Thanks, Rana

Rana38467.7948263889Hi Rana....sounds painful. I have a lot of pain in my hands and wrists, with blue-lumps on my wrists. I play piano, so it isn't fun. Hope you can find relief soon!!

i was just dx'd with RA and have had full-blown fibro 20 yrs. your doc should do the tender point exam to see if you have fibro. you must have at least 11 tender points, as well as some other symptoms in order to have a fibro dx. i hope for your sake you don't.

I second pookie! ask the rheumy to check the tender points. you also have to have diffuse, widespread pain for more than 3 months i think. there are a few other things but the tender points is the biggie.
hugs, wayney

ALOT OF PEOPLE HAVE BOTH. VISIT THE RA MESSAGE BOARDS FOR MORE INFO.

I took up tai chi, which has improved my mobility and stamina - at least I can get through half a day before I need to sleep again, now.

Seeing the pain specialist means that that part of the fibro is now being well managed (most of the time).