Hey, I think I have some form of arithitis but haven't been diagnosed yet. My ANA has been positive for the last 5 years, and I've also been anemic for five years. Sometimes both hands ache when I'm tired and that's alot. I exercise when I can, but lately, after i come home from work, I just want to sleep I'm so exhausted. I do have mitral valve, but I've always been active--I'm 42 now. I have chronic low back pain due to annular tears and degenerative disks. Both elbows ache to when I keep them in the same position, like when I walk for exercise--what do you think? Is it arithitis? I'm seeing a rheumatologist on Tuesday. In a way, I hope it is, I'm sick of being told that nothing is wrong with me, when I'm in constant back pain and my hands are stiff and swollen in the morning! --GracieIt sounds like it could be. It surely is not in your head if that's what the doctors have been telling you. I was told that also until I saw a RA doc and was diagnosed with Seronegative RA. Hang in there and let us know what the doc says.
Hope you get some answers next week.
Hi, Gracie. I hope they get you diagnosed soon. There are many forms of RA, but a diagnosis is critical to getting the right treatment. Good luck! Gracie, Please dont give up hope. I too, am in the same boat. I still dont have an actual diagnosis. Every test that i have ever had in the past four years points to RA. I am in constant pain at night when i try to go to sleep.I just started treatment with enbrel. I have had two injections, and I am already feeling the difference. I think that it is going to work. Please make sure that you dont give up. this is very serious. You need to start going to the rheumatoligist, they will work with you to find a treatment that will work for you. I do know how you feel. It is so frusterating not knowing, and tests dont show much either. So go to the DR. and keep me informed. GOOD LUCK!!!