Do any of you suffer from upper arm pain? Actually I think it is probably from my shoulders but I suffer every afternoon. Whatever I do around the house in the morning seems to bring it on. I have had severe RA but ARAVA and prednisone are helping the joints in my feet and wrists. So I feel lucky. But I get so fatigued by noon that I can barely raise my arms and weakness plus pain prevails. Plus I have trouble sitting up. Would really appreciate hearing from you.
Sure. I do. You can have weakness and fatigue like that anywhere. Your joints are part of the support system of your body, and when they are weak, other things make up for it. It's worth mentioning to your doctor, since it seems to but such an issue. I haven't been able to sit up (without back support and without crossed legs) since I was a tween. (I've had this since I was born though) I'm sure it has something to do with the RA.
So, anyone else????
You still can develop joint problems in your shoulder which will cause upper arm pain. Get to the doctor and request some films. It sometimes seems like your disease is under control but damage is still occurring. If you catch this early, they might be able to get you in some PT and improve how your arms are working which I know would be a great relief. If there's damage, then some arthoscopic surgery might be in order.
I have this problem, mostly in my left arm. It turned out there was a bone cyst and bone spur that was causing tendonitis in my arms and shoulder. But I do get the same kind of pain in my right shoulder.
If I try to mop the floor, I have to lay down for at least 4 hours afterwards, not being able to use my arms.
Also, have them check for anemia and FM. Those can really add to your fatigue.
Thanks to both of you for your information. I have had an MRI of my right shoulder because I had such bad Scalpula pain. They found I had a rotator cuff tear, tendinitis and bursitis. So I try not to overuse it and that has seemed to help. That pain in my back is better but my upper arms are hurting me as I write this. I usually spend this time of day trying to get enough strength to make dinner. It is hard to stand when your upper body is so weak. I am not complaining. And I surely don't want anyone to go through this. But if you have advise I am still listening!Why don't they do surgery then. It can be fixed. I started having spine problems around the same time and then nerve problems.
However, I know just the shoulder problem caused me to have to overcompensate with all my other muscles.
The weakness in your back needs to be addressed.
Do have them investigate for anemia. It kept showing up on my bloodwork but my previous Rheumy wasn't doing anything about it. Now, I have bone marrow problems as do some others here.
Go to the Rheumy and get the bloodwork updated and get a referral to a surgeon. Tip, if the first one says he can't do it, don't listen. First one said no, the two next ones said, no problem.
Just don't keep living with this. You shouldn't have to.
i'm having a lot of the same issues too, especially in the past few months. Started with shoulder, then to neck, back and legs (on top of the regular ra stuff). Going to get an mri finally tonight. Unfortunately I don't have any advice as I'm still learning about possible issues and reatments. I know that I can't take any time off work, so I hope treatment can be doen after work.
I really hope you are feeling better soon and can get some answers and releif. :-)
Hi suelee - I have shoulder problems and am being stubborn and holding off surgery for as long as I can. I do get cortisone shots in my shoulder if I need to. They really help me and mine seem to last for a long time somewhere between 6 mos. and a year (my rheumy will not inject any joint more than once every 3 months). I also use heat and ice on it and some days use a pillow kinda tucked under my arm to help with support. I think the exhaustion is horrible - be sure and rest often through the day if you can - get a good nights sleep (if you need something to help you sleep ask your doc) and I also take Provigil for the exhaustion and alertness (I just love it!!!). Hope you feel better very soon. Hugs and good vibes.
Sulee,
I have upper arm pain. Mine is more likely to happen at night for some reason, but its quite uncomfortable. I thought it was muscle pain, but then I realized it was actually the bottom of my shoulder that was inflamed.
I hate it.
Jennifer
I do and sometimes it'll be in my elbow and forearm as well. I have cervical DDD and have pinched nerves.
It so hurts. :(
Suelee, That was my first symptom of RA. Upper arm pain. Felt like someone punched me. I thought I slept wrong. I still get it and then it usually radiates up and down my arm to joints. You are not crazy but I know the doctor like to put your symptoms in a little box and if yours is not in their medical books - they will ignore you. I am not ignoring you. I know your pain !!!!