Hurting all over Can't hardly walk!

I have Crohn's disease and have been fighting all this other for about 2 months now! My neck hurts, the middle of my back and down (it hurts thru to my middle of my stomach) The upper parts of my arms down to my elbows feel heavy and like they are on fire! My wrist hurt and make snapping sounds. My knees down to my ankles hurt and my bones are snapping. I am having alot of trouble moving. I also have a funny feeling in my chest.The doctor has been giving me prednisone shots in the rump! I got a shot today and she must have gave me something else because I didn't get much relief at all! My back does not let up at all I am having a hard time with it. Especially when I try to lay down. When I do get up in the mornings I can't hardly get out of bed. I have to take a pain pill and wait for it to kick in to be able to move. I also have these spots on my lower legs that look like bruise about a dime size to quarter size. The doctor told me that I had Vasculitis. I think from what I have read on the internet that it is RA. I go Monday to a new doctor. It is a free clinic that comes well recommened, they say that they will gvie you test and send you out for what they can't do! It sure isn't good to have all of this going on and NO insurance! The blood test alone is running me $200. Sorry so long!

Sandi,

Hang in there.  I pray that your appointment goes well and they are able to help you.  Yes, it would be very difficult not to have insurance, and I hope that works out for you as well.  It does, in fact, sound like you need to consult with a rheumatologist.  Is that the doctor you're going to at the free clinic? 

Feel better!

Elcamino

Hi Sandi, so glad you are going to this new clinic. Vasculitis is not R/A from what I have read. What meds are you taking for your cd? Careful on the shots of pred, can't give alot of that. Let us know how things go. Hugs,Susie

dear Sandi,

 

if a person has RA, vasculitis can arise. in fact it is very common for a person with RA over time to develop it.  bascially is inflammation of the small blood vessels and veins and vasculature. affects the lower extremities the most.  it manifests as red, hot, swollen legs and veins that are painful. 

 

no matter what the problem is with your legs, you cannot go wrong with cold compresses and elevation. i have to do that a lot.  i get vasculitis from RA and it's so painful that i can't even touch my legs.

 

can you apply for medicaid?  i was dropped from my HMO last year from my oh so loving father (yeah right...spit on him!)  so severeley ill and no longer able to work...was left with no insurance! wonderful huh?

medicaid is a blessing.  i'de have to have filed bankruptcy by now if not for it. it doesn't cover my rheummy or GI, but the medicine and PCP it does...and the medication is $$$$$$$$$.

 

sounds to me like it's Crohns related arthritis.  i think they'll perhaps refer you to a rheummy. i pray they get down to what's going on & a good plan of treatment.

many hospitals have charity care as well.  bloodwork and diagnostic tests are fully covered if eligable, so that would be another thing to look into.

 

it's rough. and i don't know if i can say it gets easier.  but i think as time goes by, i've really learned to cope better.

so sorry you're hurting. me too!

take good care

erin

Sandi,
I too hope you can get a good doc to help you. Yes, you're right; Vasculitis does/can occur in people with RA, same as the RA nodules (or pannus). Given these things can occur, doesn't necessarily mean that we'll get them all. But there are diagnostic tests & evaluations that your MD needs to perform to give you a definitive diagnoses of not only vasculitis but RA as well.
It's very good that you are aware of what's going on with your body. Also it is good to in fact take those surveys and quizes online or in pamphlets...they kind of gear you towards what to expect @ a rheummy visit and what to really pay attention to.
Hmmm? I applied for SS and disibility and was denied (basically due to age) but even though I did not get approved for SS/DIS they had me fill out forms for general assistance...that's how I got the Medicaid, and it is a blessing. Too many medicines & too many labs...I'de have to sell my home by now if not for the medicaid!
Take good care.
Erin

Hi flower lady I too have been diagnosed with crohns and have the same problems with the pain and my doc thinks that with the crohns the inflammation justs goes from one place to another the back is so hard to deal with I can really feel your pain. Going to the rheumatoligist seems the route to take good luck and take care. Sometimes the medicine for crohns causes several side effects my doc says which causes alot of my pain in the upper extremities.