Your early experience | Arthritis Information

Hi everyone. I've been lurking here a bit trying to learn more about RA. I don't want to waste your time with these questions, but if anyone can share some insight I would appreciate it. You all seem great and am sure you remember the anxiety of not knowing what is going wrong with your body.

I am 33 and suspect I have RA. Symptoms are bilateral wrist, thumb, and PIP pain that have been worsening over the last 6 weeks. Recently, my feet and knees are painful. I have not seen a rheumy yet, but my husband has talked to one for me (he is a different kind of MD). She has me on celebrex twice a day and told me to come in for the full work-up when I have had symptoms for 2 months. I'm disappointed that symptoms are worsening despite meds.

So, the questions: did everyone here have morning stiffness from the beginning? I have a little when I get up and more after prolonged sitting, but it doesn't last that long. Also, I don't see any visible swelling. Any thoughts?

I guess I will get my answers in a few weeks when I see the MD, but I am trying to learn all I can ahead of time. I know a lot of the textbook knowledge of RA (I was a physical therapist before I had kids). I am just wondering if anyone wants to share their personal stories, early symptoms, etc.

Good luck to all of you!

Stacy

if your taking celebrex and you havent seen a ra doc yet then stop you can make things worse .dont take meds with out knowing your doing the right thing I had the morning stiffness intermitently for a while in my feet especially. It didn't last long at all. It just gradually got worse over time until I felt like I was hit by a truck, including swelling.

I am also 33. I was diagnosed officially about two months ago, but I KNEW I had it. I just knew because my mom has it. I had my first suspcions and didn't want to believe it. I wish you well. Get treatment as early as you can so you don't have to suffer a full and miserable flare. It is awful. I am feeling so much better.

Another thing, I had serious fatigue for a long time that I now attribute to the RA. I never knew it then, but now that my energy is back being on MTX and prednisone, I feel like a new person.

Good luck with whatever is happening for you. I recommend getting on good vitamins and supplements now and drinking lots and lots of water. Get yourself in the best healthy routine you can.
Hi stacy,

I've had RA since I was twelve and stiffness was the very first symptom for me. I'm in my forties now and usually pain and stiffness in the morning is a good sign I'm probably going to have an off day.

I didn't really notice any visible swelling when I was young and I don't notice now either. Of course I'm not a really good judge of that since I always look fat anyways.

My doctor pointed usually has to point out to me what looks swollen. I know that sounds strange. I am able to tell when my hands are swollen though just not on other parts of my body.

Good luck with your appointment. Take care.Mine came out of no where no warning signs. I never had the morning stiffness until the last few months (mine was always in the evening about 5 o'clock - I would just have a melt down, then moving became hard and the stiffness was awful (getting up from a chair, or nap). Now I have both - yippeeeeeeeeee! Keep us posted on your appointment. Hugs and good vibes.

Thank you all for your comments and good wishes. I will keep you posted after the doctor's appointment.

Stacy

Hi Stacy,

It took many years (8) for me to finally get a diagnosis of RA, but like you I thought I probably had it or Lupus or another auto immune disease. Mine came on very gradually and in retrospect I think I probably had the beginnings as early as 30. I'm now 59 and only was diagnosed with RA less than 2 years ago. My first diagnosis was for OA followed by fibromyalgia. When they discovered I had RA at the same time they diagnosed me with Sjogren's but said I also still have OA and fibro. For many people it is a long journey to getting a definitive answer. I don't have much noticeable swelling except for a few finger joints and my knees. For years I had pain in joints but everything looked normal. When you visit the rheumatologist, he will check all your joints for possible swelling. Many times she finds swelling I didn't even know I had. The pain you are feeling is in appropriate joints for RA, but it's always possible you have another kind of arthritis too, or a combination like me. When you get on the right meds, the swelling should improve. If you have RA you probably are experiencing fatigue too. That is the most problematic part for me. Good luck on your doctor's appointment.

Thank you for your insight LindaK. I've been uncertain about the fatigue. That sounds crazy, but with three little daughters (ages6,4,and 1), I wonder if my fatigue is "normal."

I have noticed though that I am handling a lot less exercise. I have always been an avid runner, triathlete,etc., but lately have just been walking on the treadmill.

Thanks for your warning about how long it may take to get some real answers. This ordeal may actually teach me the virtue of patience:)