Hello,
I'll try to make this a short story. Last August I had discomfort in my left arm and shoulder. It came on suddenly. I thought I had pulled a muscle and ignored it. The pain varied for a couple of months, and I finally saw my family doctor. She sent me for PT saying it was tendinitis.
The PT suspected that I may have nerve damage in my neck and suggested I see an orthopedist. X-rays showed deterioration in two disks in my neck. He said I have significant arthritis. Two cortisone injections in my shoulder and an MRI later, there was little improvement. My ROM seemed OK. The pain persisted.
Then three weeks ago I came down with cystitis. I was put on a seven-day course of Cipro. Infection continued. Another seven-day course of Cipro. Infection still there. Then five days of Levaquin. UTI symptoms are still going on. The pain in my neck, shoulder, and arm have increased.
I am scheduled to see a urologist tomorrow, however other symptoms have presented. I am very dizzy. I mix words when I speak. I have trouble focusing and seem to have memory loss. I have gained a substantial amount of weight. In general, I feel as if I'm losing my mind. I feel stressed with the discomfort and dread dealing with all the doctors. Are these normal symptoms of RA?!?
I'm telling myself that this is depression, but suspect there is something else involved. Any insight or info anyone can share will be greatly appreciated.
I'm a 57 yo female.
Thank you.
Some of those symptoms you are describing sound more like MS than RA to me.
Welcome to AI.
You haven't actually been dx'ed with RA have you? Just because they've found arthritis in that one shoulder doesn't nessesarilly mean you have RA. RA typically would involve mulitple joints. Both shoulders for instance. Both hands, both knees.....both feet.
Hope you get the answers you are searching for.
Good Luck.
Hello, Lovie.....
Thanks so much for the reply. I was told I have major arthritis in my neck. The shoulder was clear. I had a bone scan done about two years ago. It should pre osteo stuff. I was put on Fosomax. I felt I was having negative side effects and stopped taking it. After learning of the neck issue, I began Boniva. I didn't take it this month because I was sure about the interaction with the antibiotics.
I thought of MS as well. I talked to the PT about it, and he told me that MS is usally on both sides as you talked about in RA. He didn't feel that it was a concern at this point. I also thought of Lyme and Lupus.
I have been putting off making the appointment with the Rheumatologist thinking I need to address the UTI first. However, I will call for an appointment today. I am wondering if the UTI is connected to the inflammation I'm feeling throughout my body.
I guess I'm also avoiding seeing so many doctors. Maybe if I just hang in there it will all go away. Guess not.
I should have mentioned that my entire body is aching. Especially the lower quadrant. My lower back has been 'saying hello' for years. It's really screamin' right now.
I've suffered with UTI & Bladder infections a good bit too; but I don't really think they started until I was on MTX.....but I'm not sure that has anything to do with it or not. A bladder infection can really cause some back pain; so maybe that could explain some of that back pain.
I know what you mean about all the different doctors. I was dx'ed about 13 years ago and it always seems like one thing leads to another. One doctor wants you to see this doctor and that doctor wants you to see another doctor....and so on and so on. I know how frustrating it can get.
Seeing a Rheumatologist might prove to be very helpful though. I'd advise it. I've had three different ones now (All good; just had to change for different reasons) and they have really helped me.
Good Luck. Hope things reveal themselves quickly so you can get on your way towards treating what evers wrong.
Saw you joined at 4RATalk. Good. Lots of nice folks there.
Thanks again, Lovie. I made an appointment with the Rheumatologist. They can see me tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. I didn't expect to get in so soon. Now I'm concerned that he has time available so fast. LOL! Yeah. I'm over the edge.Good Luck. Please check back with us and let us know what you find out.
Good luck at the rheumys appt. I agree, they must have had a cancellation they needed to fill to get you in so quickly. Look at it as a positive, the ball is rolling and I know you must be scared but getting a dx is the first step in feeling better! Keep us posted! Rhuemy's don't just work with RA. They work with all types of arthritis, and they are the best at giving you long term care. It sure won't hurt you to be seen by one - since you already know you have arthritis in your neck - you won't be wasting his or your time.