I wish someone would just shoot me!!
Maybe the muscle aches is fibromyalgia? Deanna would be better at answering your quesitons on that one since mine does not bother me too much. I have found that heat is great for my knee. Sometimes I do alternate it with ice if I am really bad. Maybe some wrist braces to help with wrist pain? Paraffin wax baths to dip your hands in are awesome too. Katie would be able to help you with elbows since she sometimes has problems with hers. I wish it was May 3rd for you too!!! I hope you get better soon! Blessed, I was also RF neg. most of the time. Only rarely did I have a slightly elevated RF. Everything else was normal. My rheumy eventually did an anti-CCP test (anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody). That was really elevated. Further research I did indicates that this test is very specific to RA, where the other tests typically done could indicate a variety of health issues if positive. I would ask for this test to be done if possible. Since that test I have been treated for RA instead of getting occasional courses of steroids alone to help with my problems. The reality is that I went for 4 years not being aggressively treated and that is not a good thing. Now I will ahve more damage from those 4 years than was necessary. I hope you can get something done soon and get on the road to treatment and better days. Lisa sarah jane I know that pain and it will eventually 'get to your head', don't put it off.
I feel like I have been thru a swimming marathon!! My joints, and muscles are so achey! If it's not RA, WHAT IS IT?
I wish tomorrow was May 3rd, so I would be at my RD appt.
Oh, I'm so sorry. I know that is exactly what it feels like when I'm flaring. May 3rd is a long time to wait. Will your primary give you anything to hold you over. Some primaries will do a pred pack or at least give you something for pain.
Are you on any kind of medications for it right now? I definitely would try to get in and see your primary and beg for something to help you to get through until your appointment.
The diagnosis stage is the hardest because you are so sick and they have to take so many steps to really know. Have they done any bloodwork or xrays at this point.
Also, call the Rheumy's office and see if they can put you on a cancellation list for new patient's. The problem with new patient's is that they pretty much need about an hour with you to do a good exam and do the history. Some Rheumy's will send you paperwork to fill out ahead of time. My last one did. They also asked for the last 3 months of doctor's records from my primary and any MRI and xray reports. If they are not asking for any of these things, write up your own list of symptoms and how it affects you on a daily basis. If you are swelling, take pictures of the joints. A lot of people have done this and taken it into their doctors.
In the meantime, rest is really key. Depending on what medications you are on, Ibuprofen or Extra Strength Tyelenol can give you some relief. I find keeping my blood sugar up with protein and fruit does help some. But sleeping is something you should indulge in if at all possible. If particular joints are hurting you, we usually can come up with a lot of suggestions to help. Just post what hurts and we can see if there are solutions to help you get through until your appointment.
Thanks Deanna!!
My PCP took blood: RF and ANA came back negative, he said my something was elevated (showing inflammation) can't remember what test it was.
Did nerve conduction test: have carpal tunnel in both wrists and elbow. Went to ortho, was on prednisone at the time and had no symptoms (carpal tunnel), he said he thinks it is problem something along the lines of RA and was courious to know what the RD says May 3rd.
As far as what hurts: elbows, left knee, middles of hands and both of thumbs by wrists.
Thanks again Deanna...you're so sweet!!!
I call twice a week to see if there are any cancelations. My original appt was May 10, so I was able to move it up a week.
I just called them and they don't have anything yet but are keeping me in mind.
Last night was not fun...we had a cold front come thru this weekend and when I would feel the cold it would go staright to the bone like liquid ice. Better this morning, praise God.
Thanks again guys!
Oooo Lisa...one more thing I forgot to suggest...I didn't know you lived in a cold climate like me...a heated blankie!!! Does wonders for me. Also there are heated mattress pads.
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