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how did y'all get diagnosed with RA??

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Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Posted 1/11/2015 4:56 PM (GMT 0)
I think I might have it but don't know how to talk t o doc about referral to a rhummy??
Posted 1/11/2015 6:14 PM (GMT 0)
MRI, caugh it ; two nodules on right hand was done in 2009...ask for a RA Doctor referral or just make an appointment with a RA Doctor and talk about your concerns with the RA Doctor.. be proactive and if you think you have RA speak up, the first step is bloodwork...lots of bloodwork...
Hope. This helps many well wishes...
Posted 1/12/2015 2:08 AM (GMT 0)
went to bed healthy & strong- woke up the next day with symmetrical excruciating joint pain from head to toe which got worse with every day that passed. Couldn't care for myself anymore.
Swelled up like Shrek, joints red and so hot they sweat. Had high inflammation markers but never tested positive for RF.
My dx was made visually and by ruling everything else out.
Went into "remission" 2 years later and now Dr. is wishy washy about the dx.
Posted 1/12/2015 4:46 AM (GMT 0)
I developed a knot on a knuckle and my rheumy I was seeing for my lupus had a xray done.
Posted 1/12/2015 7:46 AM (GMT 0)
mine was odd when I was 15 I collapsed Every joint hurt had fever was in bed for 3 weeks they said "exhaustion"? then when I was 22 same again only Worse this time they said Glandular Fever I was off work for a month even picking up a spoon hurt it was So Heavy, every joint ached although No swelling, I got a little better so went back to work and after 3 days I couldn't move so had another 2 months off work still no real diagnosis I never got better and if I tried to work full time I was ill, then at about 30-35 I had a real bad time I was riding a pushbike and my knee locked and I fell off I had fever swollen glands and a few joints swollen they then tested for RA (amongst everything else) and I came back with a very High RA Factor Positive my Local Doctor diagnosed me even before going to a Rheumy it took a few years for Rheumy's to agree with each other if it was RA as it was not typical I had internal organs swelling and not many red joints but then one lovely Rheumy said Yes, I had a Whole Body Bone Scan which showed multiple points, I had gone rapidly downhill so I could no longer work and went on disability, Sometimes it takes a while to get a firm diagnosis but you need to keep asking and change doctors if needed .
Ask to see a Rheumatologist ask for Blood test even the Bone scan,
if you feel something isn't right go with your feeling your probably right
Posted 1/13/2015 1:56 PM (GMT 0)
I had terrible swelling in my hands and feet for almost 3 years before seeing a rheumatologist. I ran fevers and could not sleep due to the pain which worsened at night.

My family doctor only diagnosed tendinitis and sprains and had no idea what he was doing because I was so young. I could not work and was about to lose my house and was in very bad debt when I was diagnosed with carpel tunnel as well. This paid me enough that I did not lose my house thank God and I was able to begin treatment under a rheumatologist. She happened to be the same doctor that confirmed my other diagnosis but told me that I needed to come see her afterward because there was something else going on. She ran the standard panels and I came back positive for RA.

My father had RA as well and was afflicted at a young age as well as his father before him.

I remember very well what it was like to go so long with no treatment other than ibuprofen and I would not wish this on anyone. Once she began treating me I responded very well and had periods of remission. This was years ago and I have not seen the relief I had in years past but I am very grateful I am able to continue to work and lead a somewhat modified life these days :)
Posted 1/21/2015 11:37 PM (GMT 0)
Spent last winter with one joint after another swollen and so sore that I couldn't move it or walk on it. Many office visits with my GP and finally demanded a referal with a rheumatologist. Blood work and positive Anti-CCP test. Still trying to find the best treatment. Will be starting Humira soon.
Posted 1/22/2015 6:54 AM (GMT 0)
Like Kim, it took awhile to get positive dx. I had what was called migratory RA with a single joint red and painful and swollen. Then one would go away and another would start. Eventually both my knees, ankles and feet and wrists and fingers all started being affected so badly I was in excruciating pain and had to go on disability. It took almost a year to get through all the failed meds and get on humorous. Now on Enbril. Had RA ten years. Doing great! Poster child for tnf blockers.
Beth
Posted 1/23/2015 4:15 AM (GMT 0)
Beth,

I'm getting ready to start Humira. I'm hoping, hoping that it will work.

Kim
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