Hi everyone - I'm new to this forum. I don't have RA but I feel like I do! Actually my dr has tested me for RA but it was negative.
I had Graves disease (thyroid disease) and then the eye disease that goes along with it sometimes. My eyes bulged out and caused me alot of problems. I had the decompression surgeries, etc. and was finally able to wean off of the prednisone after 3 1/2 years. My highest does was 80 mg/day, but usually it was 40 mg. I weaned off of the prednisone until I was on 1 mg/day.
About 1 month after my last dose I started aching in my joints, bones and muscle. My doctor said it was probably from the prednisone. But now 3 months later, I am in alot of pain and it is hard to get around like walking, grabbing, squeezing with my hands, etc. And forget about squatting. I can't get back up. I'm 48 y/o.
Has anyone had this kind of problem before? I plan to go back to the dr and tie him to his chair until he can do something, but I want to make sure he and I are not crazy.
Thanks and write back - please!!!!
Clarissa
Thanks for you help. My older sister just recently was diagnosed with RA after having a flu shot. He said it triggered the RA. We talked today and she said the same thing you did; go see a rheumatologist. I might have to go see my dr tomorrow and I will see if he can get me a referral.
Again, thanks for writing back!
Clarissa
hey good luck---I hope you find someone who can get you some answers. Maybe you could find out about seeing your sisters dr. ---your PMD should be willing to write a ref. to the doctor of your choice. It is nice to not have to shop around for doctors (what a waste of time!!!) Let me know how things work out for you!
Thanks again - you are great! Just having someone to talk to about this!
I go to my dr in Shreveport this Monday and I will ask him to refer me.
Thanks again and I will let you know what happens.
Hey!
My opthamalogist referred me to a rheumatologist. Long story but it has to be March 31st. However, the pain is really wearing on me and I don't think I can wait. So I guess I will go back to my PMA and see what he wants to do. At least maybe he can give me something to ease this up some. At least I hope so. I really don't tolerate most pain meds, but I have to have some relief.
I will keep you posted.
PS my optho said that he thinks that while I was on the Prednisone something triggered RA. ?
Anything could have triggered it. I am sero-negative RA. I spent 7 years being told that I didn't have RA then finally last November my new Rheumatologist said that up to 25% of people with RA have negative blood work. Maybe now with the right diagnosis I can make some headway. The Rheumatologist will do other tests and take everything into account and be able to tell you what the problem is.
Pam
Thanks Pam for your help.
Can I ask a few questions? Some may be silly to you, but I just need to know. HA!
Do you have pain everywhere, or just in your joints?
Is it (the pains)bad first thing in the morning, then worse again at night?
Have you lost strength in your limbs especially hands, like grabbing things, picking up books, etc.?
I'll probably have more, but justed wanted to ask you.
Thanks again, Clarissa
Hi Clarissa:
I only have pain in the joints that are flaring. Originally it was just my knees, I had them both replaced and now they are great, just a bit of achiness now and then. At the moment my wrists and a few knuckles are painful as well as the balls of my feet and my toes.
In the morning I have more stiffness than pain but the pain is defintely worse at night after a day of doing stuff. Walking is starting to be a bit of a pain (pardon the pun) but my worst gripe at the moment is my hands. I have trouble holding things, like holding a book to read, or holding the kettle while it fills. I also have trouble turning taps, door knobs and getting lids off things. The problem is part pain and part weakness. I have a lot of weakness in my left hand and have trouble gripping things. On bad days even lifting my coffee cup can be risky, I'm afraid I'm going to drop it and burn myself with hot coffee (or worse spill it all over my keyboard at work).
Keep logging on, you'll get to know lots of others and learn that we all have good days and bad days and we are all here to help each other. We can be sounding boards, give tips, laugh or cry with each other, just generally...friends.
Pam
Hi PaM
Yeah, my knees give me fits. It is very painful to get up and down. But once I'm up or down, it eases up. Walking is very tiring. I'm stiff and my legs give out. I have the same problems you have with your hands, but unless I just don't know it, they are not swollen. It even hurts to start the truck; turning the key. And my feet; I told my sister that I felt like the padding on the bottom of my feet has detiorated. It feels like I'm walking on bones.
At least I don't think I'm crazy now!
I will check back to this site often and if I have more questions, you will be hearing from me!
Thanks, Clarissa
Hello all, first posting and Clarissa, You are right about the no padding on your feet. The older we get the skinnier our feet pads get. No justice in the world. I once could go barefoot over any and everything and it no shoes was definitely my preference at home. Now it is slippers all the time. I do not think there is a cure unless we go with reverse lipo. I am reading the posts to see if there may be an answer or so for my situation. If not I will post and ask. No consolation, but it seems we do not suffer alone and silently. Thank goodness. Wandasue
Thanks for the information. Well, at least now I know where the padding has gone! HA!
Again, thanks and I'll post with more stuff after I see the Rheumy.
Clarissa