Hi and suggestions please

Hello Suzanne:

I'm so sorry that you are in this situation. It can take up to 2 years to show RF positive results for RA. We are all different including the onset and rate of progression. There is Seronegative RA also but it is still RA. That's a toughy to diagnose. Some Doctors know very little about diseases and medications, unfortunately.

That Dr. is WRONG! Even babies are dxd. with RA. My cousin was dxd. at age 10. I had the first painful symptoms in my groin area at age 24. The painful, swollen, stiff joints in my fingers, that you mention and low grade fever, fatigue and flu-like symptoms were months later at age 25. I went to a Walk In Clinic because I disliked appointments and was too busy with my first baby, house work, etc. The Dr. said that I was riding my bike too much. The otc meds he prescribed did not work. I was in so much pain, also in my shoulder and right hip. I had a limp.

The second time I went to the walk in clinic, another Dr. said he didn't know what kind but I had Arthritis. He referred me to a Rheumatologist. The first visit there, I had a total physical exam, exrays and blood work. I was dxd. with severe RA at my next visit.

We, of course, cannot diagnose anyone because we are not doctors. You may have something else. I was also dxd. with OA at age 45.

Aside from another Dr., I would suggest a warm bath when needed, ice or cold bean bags that you can freeze or microwave to warm which can take the edge off the pain. You need an anti-inflammatory and pain med too. A presciption is needed for a stronger one. You need rest, relaxation, zero stress, if possible and a healthy diet. Perhaps Yoga, massage, easier exercises or meditation. Cognitive behavioral therapy, acupuncture or PT. Those of course, cost money. As far as the PT, you could find that on the net.

If you don't have enough money, why are you not on Welfare(yes, the dirty word but helpful to some). They have to help you, if you do not have much money.. You need to be dxd. and given the proper meds ASAP. I have had severe RA for 36 years. I have some damaged joints, Total Hip Replacement from RA, Total Knee Replacement from OA, another coming soon), Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Surgery, Torn Rotary Cuff and other symptoms of long term RA but that is because most of the 30 drugs that I was on, didn't work for me. I still am not in a wheelchair because I was dxd. and pushed on Disability 5 years later by my Rheumstologist. I have not been on it since my last child turned 18.

I'm sorry that I can't help much. I do hope that you are able to find a good Rheumatologist or GP that knows about RA. Best Wishes to you in the New Year!

Post Edited (msOuchie) : 12/28/2019 4:01:24 PM (GMT-7)

Hi Suzanne:

Sorry, but I can't believe that any single person in Mississippi USA is any less qualified to receive benefits from the Government programs, than any other person. They need to have an address, of course, and fit the other criteria.
Everyone needs medical care and medications when needed, food and water, clothing and shelter, etc. especially when they are low income or no income and/or unwell.

I found this site for you:

https://www.sapling.com/5409583/welfare-benefits-singles

Sorry, you'll have to copy and paste it. It seems like a legit site.

Let us know how you are getting along. You are certainly welcome.

Have you xonsidered leaving the area and migrating to someplace like AZ or something close to the border part of the year where you can cross over and find medical care and treatment much cheaper? There are also alternatives to traditional western medicine that might help you as well and are very low in cost compared to it.
I know its a rather extreme alternative and can be a bit frightening to consider but there are many people these days who are living nomadic lives on the cheap and that includes many disabled people on fixed incomes. I have been considering it myself in fact because here in the pacific north west although we have relatively mild weather compared to many places we still have so many storms that pass through that year after year the older I get I am finding that they are very crippling for me and I end up unable to do almost anything due to flare ups for 4-5 months each winter.
This man speaks about this lifestyle and has been doing it for many years himself. You will have to cut and paste the link to watch it but you may find his channel informative and interesting. This year has been so bad for me that I think I am going to save and get things ready in the summer and next October I am going to head south and at least try it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9377x36O620

CaMama said...
I'm so sorry to hear the struggle and the fact there is no help for single people in your state. That is crazy! I hope you are able to find some government assistance to get yourself proper health care.
In the meantime, MsOuchie does give some very good advice - baths, heat, ice. There are some OTC creams that might give some relief - I haven't had much luck with them but others claim they have. If you cannot tolerate Motrin, maybe try Tylenol Arthritis?
Even if your doctor doesn't believe you have anything but OA, you have such extreme symptoms, you should be sent to a rhuemy who would have better knowledge of how to help treat you. I'm shocked and annoyed and angry at this jerk of a doctor you encountered.

Good grief, I tried not to mention the doctors cause I tend to be straightforward and that can come across as very rude at times, but people mostly have unnecessary blind faith in doctors and that can sometimes cause more good then bad. I had to tell the VA that nobody there has the right to comment on my arthritis problem without testing me properly after a Nurse Practicitional made a silly comment about my arthritis condition. I'm just not a blind faith type of guy.

The only way anyone has the right to diagnose a person is by doing the testings that merit it