I was reviewing the criteria for being diagnosed with RA. I have only the joint stiffness and pain, this is severe in the morning for over an hour and mild throughout the afternoon. It tends to get back again at night. I have no swelling of the joints, my labs are all normal and no xray abnormalities as of 2 years ago. I have not had xrays in two years. I am seeing my specialist at the cleveland clinic on monday and I have worsened. I now have severe hip pain bilaterally,, I really don't want to be started on the big guns right now, I am 39 and have a new baby and I know the side effects are bad. I think I am going to ask him to repeat the xrays, I already had the labs last month. I may just start on something for pain...does anyone take Celebrex still. I will start on some of the stronger medications if the xrays show anything. Are there any better tests to diagnosis this disease... I am full of doubt because my tests are normal but I feel so bad. Well, I am not much help because I am the opposite...my labs are always extreme and I definitely have swollen joints.
What I do know though is there are others on here who have RA and normal labs so it is possible. I think also there are some with little swelling so in time I am sure they will answer you.
I do have however bilateral hip pain that comes and goes. Didn't have it two days ago, but I have it now. My hip pain can be severe as you describe.
And as for the Big Guns side effects being bad, my personal experience is that is not the case at all. Only side effect I have is from the MTX which is some hair loss. We are all different. Can you live with what you have without the Big Guns and look after your baby? That is the question. It is never easy, decisions on meds.
Take care.
There are some strange and treatable arthritises that they can test for. Do not wait until you are "feeling bad" to get a diagnosis. I waited too long and what should take two or three months is still not controlled after almost six. Trust the doctor and give him a complete history including ancestory or psoriasis. I was test for a lot of arthritis that just effects Native Americans, so tell him/her everything.
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