Hello Everyone....
I wanted to ask everyones opinion. I am going back to the dr's next week. She did blood work on me and my white blood count is high. For what I have been reading, elevated white blood counts could signal inflammation like in RA. Did anyone ever hear of this? I try reading everyones posts to see the different signs of RA but I dont know if all of mine fit in or if its just the osteoarthritis causing everything.
I have been having terrible pains in my legs, knees, the top of my feet, right shoulder, across my upper back by my neck, my right hand. Also I have been so tired lately that I dont want to do anything. Even my eyes are feeling alittle different. And sometimes I am forgetting the littlest things :(
I just wanted to see what kind of questions that I should ask when I go. She did do a RA factor and mine was normal (9). I just feel like I am falling apart.
Thank You,
Lisa
Lisa,
Usually the most obvious answer is the logical one as well. And logically a high white count is sign of some sort of infection. Joint pain is often results from infection. Infectious arthritis is fairly common. The good news is that symptoms of that often reslove within a couple of months.
Minocycline and doxycycline show some postive results in treating rheumatic diseases. If the doctor cannot pinpoint a specific infection (make sure you are tested and retested for lyme disease) you might ask about trying one of those medications
Lisa I have Fibromyalgia and your symptoms sound a lot like it. Do you swell or turn red at your Joints? Yesterday my Dr did another white blood count on me as well. I also have OA but my x-rays showed the early signs of RA along with it.
My RA factor was an 8 but that means I am sero-negative so the normal RA factor does not necessarily rule RA out. There are other criteria your rheumy will look for during the exam.
I would definately ask about Fibro and I hope you find out what is wrong at your appt.