Diagnosis? Help please | Arthritis Information

Lurker here who is still searching for a diagnosis. Thought I would share my timeline of labs and symptoms to see if this is a recognizable pattern to anyone.

Feb 2009

- Self referred myself to a RD for an increase in joint popping (no pain, swelling, tenderness).

- Labs showed elevated RF factor of 33. CCP and inflammation normal. Dr. wanted to monitor SED/CRP every 3 months.

Sep 2009

- Very mild, non specific joint pain started along with fatigue. Dr. agreed to put me on plaquenil. Been only on plaquenil since. Labs continue to be normal.

Feb 2010

- Labs show Vitamin D of 18 and minor elevated liver enzymes. Dr seemed surprised about liver enzymes because plaquenil should not have an affect on the liver. Feeling tired and symptoms continue to be non specific. CRP/SED still normal. I can't find record of Vitamin D ever being tested before this and am wondering if this might have been the cause all along.

On a side note, my hands always appear to be very shiny.

I'm going on almost 15 months since RF tested positive and still no diagnosis. No swelling, redness, or tenderness in joints. I do have some joint pain (maybe better described as bone pain) when i pick up my kids or work around the house.

Please diagnose me :)

I had low vitamin D and I believe that alone can cause some pains and fatique. I take the high dose of vitamin once a week. My doc has me staying on this to keep my D up. My D is now testing in the normal range. However, I can't tell much difference. The RA and fibro keep pain and fatique going. I wouldn't be surprised if you felt a ton better when your D is back to normal. My liver enzymes are weird because of the methotrexate I take. I wish I could be of more help to you. I hope you feel better very soon. I can't help but notice gaps in your treatment time line, did you see the RD every three months? What did he say? Did he offer a diagnosis?

I don't believe any one here would diagnose you. We can only share our experience and support one another through the challenges of a very serious disease.

Talk to you doctor and if you don't get your questions answered, seek a 2nd opinion. Please, don't trust an Internet diagnosis! I hope you find the answers you seek!

Thanks Waddie, should have been clearer about j/k on the diagnosis :)...really just want to see if anyone presented in a similar fashion.

To answer your question, yes...have been seeing the RD every 3 months. Where no date is given, all bloodwork was normal.

Has your doctor considered Lyme ??? good response, Waddie...

I have no idea how to assist you techzit.. but I can share from experience that getting my D up to normal levels has made a world of difference in how I feel.

what kind of shiny on your hands... the skin is shiny? is the skin taunt??

I'd be surprised if it was Lyme... you presented in the dead of winter.. but that would matter depending on where you live.... and you had no pain... people I've known w/ Lyme have had severe joint pains..... debilitating as many of us have.... not mild non specific pain.

good luck!
Well elevated liver enzymes you could have some antibodies attacking your liver? Also have you had any gallbladder pain? That could cause the elevated enzymes. Has your cholesterol been checked?

High cholesterol can cause a fatty liver. The liver can heal it is an amazing organ. My brother was recently put on fishoil for elevated liver enzymes because his cholesterol was high also.

I had elevated enzymes once and it went back to normal. Usually they do alot of bloodwork to rule things out like hepatitis ect. Make sure yur GP is aware of this and that test are run just to be on the safe side.

Best of luck to you! I hope it is nothing serious.