New and Want to Know | Arthritis Information

I'm Karen, 43, have Fibro for 7 yrs and just recently woke up with all new symptoms of like RA. My doctor is running tests and he is setting me up appt with Rheumy.

I'd like to know how everybody's symptoms started, like suddenly or gradually.

Like I said, I've endured pain and fatigue and muscle pain and limited joint pain with Fibro but now my fingers and toes are painful, moving into my wrists, ankles, upper arms are extremely weak. My hands and feet are burning and stinging. Low fever, but I run that usually anyway?

kaymac

Kaymac, welcome, and that is how I started as well. Gradual and now it is all out. The worst part is waiting for the Dx. I hope that it is in early stages for you. It seems to be easier to treat. Welcome and post any questions you may have. We rely on each other for help guidance and just a little support when we need to complain. Take careKaymac, welcome aboard and best of luck on your journey. And don't be surprised at the outcome of your bloodwork, and never give up, because whatever it is you have, it hides, changes, and is very cunning, baffling and powerful. You will have to be the final judge, not your doctors, on a number of levels: being believed despite no "medical proof that anything is wrong', learning how to accept and change to a new way of living, and most of all, be very kind to yourself. Mine came on suddenly, in a slow way, if that makes sense. I am 51 and at 19 I took myself to a physician as an adult for the first time and was told it was nothing. I only got diagnosed just over a year ago after a series of huge medical crisises and being told I was making it all up to cage for narcotics, and still do not have a complete diagnosis because I do not fit into a medical "box" or ICDM code, nor I cannot seem to get my symptoms, the right test, and a doctor in the same room at the same time. But, I am better on my drug regime and hope to be starting AP therapy very soon, as I cannot endure the horrifying symptoms I have when my disease decides its time to party. Best of luck, ask lots of questions as there is a wealth of information in here from some really great posters who truly understand. Take care ~~ Cathy

Hi Kaymac,

This is one fun and crazy place. I am amazed at the wealth of knowedge and experience available to us. Not to mention the suport that is instantly there.

My simptoms started a long time ago I think and were gradual. When I finally saw the rheumy I was all bent over and shuffled in. Pain in my hands, feet, wrists, elbows, shoulders, lower back, knees and a few other places. (Yes I was very manly and waited too long.) With meds it is under good control but still surprises me all the time.

Thanks for responding and for the Welcome. I do pray it's NOT RA, but having FM for 7 years I'm still learning that sometimes Life isn't fair and we have to adjust to changes.

I'm anxious for the appt I suppose only for confirmation that something is going on. My neck is stiff and burning today and I'm soooo thankful the weekend is here to rest up. I could not have worked another day.

The only blessing that may come with this is that my hubby gives me permission to finally check into disability IF it is RA. Only because he has seen me suffer and struggle so much this past year!

take care,

Karen