Hi there, I saw my Rheumatologist yesterday, and they reviewed my x rays and tests from last visit. They said that I do not meet the full requirements for an RA diagnosis, but at this point they are calling it Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease. I tested positive for Rheumatoid Factor, however not terribly high. Also had a positive ANA, but sed rates were normal. Ex rays showed some deterioration of hands and feet, but he feels it is more osteo arthritis, as I was a hair stylist for 22 years. My elbows were normal, although they cause me great pain often. Osteo arthritis in hip and knee as well. I am so confused, I have wide spread, and at times severe joint pain, swelling as well but not terrible. I have bouts of severe almost dibilating fatigue. Had a bout of Pleurisy about 4 months ago that sent me to the ER, not in conjunction with any recent or current respitory infection. I have had hair loss as well. I am on Plaquenil 400 mg a day, and they want me to start Mobic now as well, for the pain. They re- ran my Lupus tests and sed rate, will not know about that for a week or so. I am sorry I am rambling on, I am just so confused. If I do not have RA, why do I have this awful joint pain, that comes in very definate flares, and why do I feel so awful? I certainly do NOT want RA, but the fact is , I have something,, just want to know what it is?? I do not meet any criteria for Fibro, regarding that I have no muscle pain, it is all joint, and do not have tender spots.Anyone else been through this, and what do you think ? Also I have read that Mobic can have some terrible side effects, and isn't terribly safe long term. I worry about the Plaquenil anyway, I am not sure if I should start the Mobic, or just suck up the pain. Well you have all answered my questions before, and made me feel as though I am not alone, just thought I'd vent!
thank you,
Jena
Hi Jena,
Sorry you're going through this. It's awful not knowing exactly what's going on with your body. I hope they figure it out for you.
As far as the Mobic. I've taken that for a long time without any side effects. I guess it depends on the dosage? I take 15 mg.
Jena, they do seem to take their time in actually giving you a diagnosis. It's very frustrating and frankly, emotionally painful. You do sound like you have some kind of inflammatory arthritis. And, there's a chance that the inflammation is causing the widespread osteoarthritis. The fact that they are calling it Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease means that they are sure you have something but they haven't narrowed it down yet which is why they are probably proceeding carefully. You just have to keep letting them know when you are flared. If you flare, try to get into the office so that they can witness it. You are right that lung problems can develop with RA. However, Pleurisy can affect anyone and is extremely painful. For instance, both of my kids had it as children. Pleurisy is a pretty straight forward diagnosis because they can see it on an xray. I think it is just bad luck that you got that when you are having so many other problems. Certainly if you continue to have lung problems, you might want to consult with a Pulmonologist.
I take Mobic and have for over a couple of years. It really helps with my inflammation and pain. It is much more mild than other meds. You just have to weigh the benefits against the possibilities. But with RA, this is the case with every medication they use.
My suggestion is to give the Mobic a try and see how it makes you feel. That's going to tell you whether or not you feel it is worth any long term risk. The other one they prescribe a lot for the same thing is Celebrex. It seems to prescribe more than Mobic. But I can't take it because of an allergy to sulfa. But so many people here have found it helpful. So, you might want to compare that one to the Mobic and see what the side effects are. But they may have chosen Mobic based on your particular medical history.
It is very hard going through the diagnosis stage. Most people say it is the worst time. You just have to hang in there. Also, have they done films to confirm the OA and are they sending you to physical therapy or an orthopaedic surgeon to try and help with those problems? There are a lot of things that can be done to help with that pain. Physical Therapy can really help with all of this. Also, PT helps them make the diagnosis as they measure how much you can move, where you have problems, etc. If the OA is serious enough, they can do surgery. I'm up for three. The ones that have had knee surgery have experienced remarkably good results. So, keep in mind that may be an possibility for you. Make sure they are pursuing these options as you can find a lot of relief and improve how you function.
Thank You Deanna for taking the time to answer my questions so thoroughly. Yes they have x ray'd to confirm the OA, and I agree, I was thinking too, why do I have so much wide spread? But, my career seemed to make sense to me. Right now I am not flaring, so the thought of needing Mobic is like eeeehh, but as you know in a few days or weeks I could go running to the Pharmacy for it. I do exercise regulary. I ride a stationary recumbant bike for an hour 4 times a week, and do trampoline jogging, light free weights etc. I have 2 boys 6 and 9, and keep busy and enjoy life, however there days and weeks,,,,,,, anyway thank you again!!Jena,
Please tell your doctor that you want MRI's of the joints that are the worst (usually hands and feet) this will show early RA. And get you the diagnosis and help you need. If it is indeed RA.
Jena, Mobic is fantastic, I used to take 2 daily (7.5mg each) and now I take one, they really really helped me.
good luck
Wendy