Does this sound like it? | Arthritis Information

Hi, I'm new here!

I have an appointment with a rheumatologist for the first time next week. My doctor sent me there with a suspicion of RA. Now I'm doing the research and I don't know if my symptoms fit. Would love to get input from people who KNOW what it's like and get your opinion on wether that's what I could be suffering with.

It all started with a misdiagnosis of carpel tunnel syndrome when I started getting really bad pains in my forearms and hands. I then got referred to a hand specialist who diagnosed me with "arthritis-like" symptoms, prescribed wrist braces and sent me on my way.

I only then started to realize in my Pilates classes that the burning pain in ALL my joints couldn't possibly be normal. It wasn't the muscles that were hurting, it's the tendons near the joints. My shoulders/wrists/hips/knees hurt. From someone who used to work on a farm and lift 100 pounds feed bags on my own, it's not normal that I can work with a 3pound dumbell!

But reading the typical symptoms of RA, I'm not sure it fits. The only time I had morning stiffness was when I was on the farm. My hands would take almost an hour to recover full motion. My joints aren't swollen either...

I have disturbed sleep patterns which is typical of fibromyalgia but my pain is definitely related to use.

Any and all thoughts are appreciated!

Welcome to AI. It's hard for any of us to say one way or the other if what you are describing is RA or another form of arthritis. I guess there's a good chance it is. Definately a chance.

Were you tested for Carpel Tunnel and it was determined you didn't have it? How are the braces working for you?

I've had RA for years and they now suspect CTS in my wrist also. I've been told that RA can cause it over time. I also type alot and love to knit.....so they are defiantely used alot every day. I've been wearing the braces at night when I sleep because that's when I experience the worst of the pain. They are helping....but I don't think they'll cure the problem. If I go to bed without the braces I wake up with horrible pain in my hands as well as numbness.

When I was first dx'ed about 13 years ago the hand problem was one of my first symptoms. I would wake from a deep sleep with horrible pains in my hands. To bend my fingers felt like they would break! This most recent problem I've been having is more like they fall asleep. It's painful though. Scary more than anything. Morning stiffness or stiffness after sitting or laying in one position for an extended period of time is a good indicator.

I know I'm not being very helpful.....but I wanted to welcome you. Hope to see more of you here at AI.

Welcome- I was also tested for carpel tunnel...which was negative. That DR referred me to a rheumatologist. My "first" main complaint was my hands/fingers/wrists. They ached...and mine are worse and night than in the morning. (Get worse the more I use them) I've found out from other people on this board that RA can effect individuals differently. So it is a good possibility you have it from what you're describing. Mine is also in my ankles/feet/toes....but so far (knock on wood) my knees/elbows/shoulders are ok.

Sounds like your symptoms could be Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR). Yes, it's painful and it's a bit unusual for PMR to clear up without meds. A Google search will provide you with websites where you can read up on it. Take Care My first prob was Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (bi-lateral) for which I had surgery. About 18 months later I developed severe burning muscle pain in my arms, and the wrist pain and sore hands also came back.

I still sleep with wrist braces, and if I am doing anything that involves a lot of wrist movement etc.

Eventually developed shoulder and neck stiffness and pain, especially in the morning after sleep.

Further investigations showed elevated ESR, and Dr. suspected PMR, referrred me to a Rheumatologist who diagnosed me with Sero-negative RA with Polymyalgic features.

Watching Wolf could be on the right track.
Hi and welcome to the world of diagnosis creap! We've all been through this sorting out period and it can be very frustrating! My feet were so swollen I couldn't get my shoes on, started taking asprin, bought bigger and bigger shoes (5 to 7S!!), took muscle relaxants, and all sorts of over the counter stuff. Saw a foot doc and he said 'you have arthritis', in your feet. 5 years later I believed everyone and started on plaquinel then to mtx. I have joint damage in my toes. It is a long process sometimes to find out what you have and what meds you need. Good luck, love sarahWow Hurts...my RA started in my feet also! After a year and a half the doctors finally think it's RA. Both the podiatrists I saw didn't have a clue what causing my feet pain. I got steriod shots in my toes, insoles, perscription for some new NB sneakers...and both of them didn't have a clue it could have been RA.

Polymyalgia Rheumatica ... well that's a new one for me! I'll look it up. Thank you!!

Lovie- the CTS tests came back negative. Everything was ok there. The braces help some but I wouldn`t say they bring me significant relief.

Thank you all for the input. I'm starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. It gets depressing to be hurting everywhere all the time and feel like I'm just complaining for no valid reason.

Here's a question: I'm a pretty active person (as much as I can feeling like this). Once on medication, how limited are you with activities?

I am also an active person and have had RA for about 14 years. I am addicted to exercise and through the course of the disease I had many ups and downs with keeping up with my exercise program but mostly due to the RA itself. The meds controls the disease and make it possible to stay active although they are not without side effects.

It really depends on the meds you are on. Methotrexate made me very tired but if you are physically active you will probably be pretty determined to overcome that. The last year I have been on Enbrel and stopped all other RA meds. I feel great and am back into an exercise routine very similar to my pre-RA regime.

Not everyone is as fortunate as I but I do believe that staying active has helped me with this disease.

I've active.....but not into exercise. Never have been. It's just not my thing. But I lead a very busy life style and work a full time job 40 to 50 hours a week. I also have two children and two step children....that alone means "Active".

I've had RA for a little over 13 years and have been on a good DMARD treatment from the beginning. That's one thing that has helped me to continue to be active. I'll admit that there are times when I'm slower than others....but that's not unusual. RA certainly has it's ups and downs; but with early, proper treatment you've got a very good chance of leading a fairly normal life. Of course over time what you consider "normal" may change some......but trust me: Your life is not over.

Life with RA presents certain challanges it's true; but with continuous treatment it's very managable.

Glad you're here. This will become a very valuable part of your theropy. Finding a group of peers that experience the same struggles that you do is so helpful. I highly recommend it.

Glad I found this place. Hopefully, I can get a diagnosis that'll get me on the road to recovery next week. I'm tired of getting bounced between specialists with no answers.

I`m really happy to hear I should be able to continue all my activities. I ride horses competitively and it would crush me to have to stop. I'm 27yo, getting married in a few weeks... Sometimes feels like I shouldn't be dealing with this yet.

Trust me sweetie; you'll figure out ways to do the things you want. Stay positive and never give up. Even if you go through times when you can't do something.....it doesn't mean you won't ever be able to again.

You will definitely have to adjust any physical activity based on your RA activity. Just remember, if you are in a flare, it will get better. Sometimes it's hard to see that while you are in it.

I had to adjust my cardio training to low impact-less stress on the joints.

Good luck with the horseback riding but be careful not to screw up your joints doing something you feel you cannnot give up. I damaged my wrists that way from weight lifting. Sometimes it's hard to determine if it is OK to work through the pain.

You will definitely have to adjust any physical activity based on your RA activity. Just remember, if you are in a flare, it will get better. Sometimes it's hard to see that while you are in it.

I had to adjust my cardio training to low impact-less stress on the joints.

Good luck with the horseback riding but be careful not to screw up your joints doing something you feel you cannnot give up. I damaged my wrists that way from weight lifting. Sometimes it's hard to determine if it is OK to work through the pain.

Oops-that's what happens when you get up and do something else for a bit.

Impiaff, my RA is mostly in my hands and I have very little swelling. Because I still question my RD about my diagnoses at times, this last visit he patiently went through my MRI reports and explained my joint deteriation (sp) and all the other stuff that showed up which I can't remember right now. He said RA affects everyone differently and he's seen people with great deformities and no pain, and people like me with slight deformities and little swellling but lots of pain. He very gently said that I definitely have RA (for about the 10th time)and that's why he's so aggresively treating it. I love him. Actually, I think I have a crush on him .....

I also have carpel tunnel in my right wrist and had surgery last year that failed. I don't want to have it again.

Hang in there!