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Testing for inflammatory arthritis

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Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Posted 4/27/2006 4:05 PM (GMT 0)
Good Afternoon,

I usually post on the lupus forum however, I have been told I have inflammatory arthritis.  I had a positive ANA last September and an elevated sed rate however rheumatoid and lupus tests were normal.  Most of the pain and inflammation is on the right side of my body, i.e. index finger joint, big toe joint, right hip, and occasionally the elbow and shoulder.  I had a C4-C5 neck cervical fusion about 2 years ago and am doing well with this.  I had my thyroid removed in Feb of this year and just had my meds reduced today.  My sed rate this time was 37 and has been as high as 52.  If anyone can help me with the inflammatory arthritis info I would be so greatful.  Thanks Bunee

Posted 4/27/2006 9:48 PM (GMT 0)
Bunee, I hope they are testing you for Ankylosing Spondylitis and undifferentiated spondyloarthropathy. Your history sounds similar to mine. The fact you have had planter fasciitis makes a good case for your problem to fall into the spondylitis family of diseases. Check out the descriptions and symptoms of the spondy family of diseases here: http://www.spondylitis.org/about/main.aspx
Posted 4/27/2006 10:02 PM (GMT 0)
Hi bunee and welcome to the arthritis forum! I hope you continue to post here as well as the lupus forums... Sounds like Ides has taken good care of you! Please keep us posted on how you are doing! Duck
Posted 4/27/2006 10:04 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Ides, thanks for replying to bunee and helping her out! Duck
Posted 4/27/2006 10:26 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, Ides has geared you in the right direction.

Are the docs going to keep repeating the bloodworks?  Sometimes it takes quite a while for things to show up clearly in the blood.

What about any articular changes via XRAYS? Any joint deformity?

 

At least the docs have a few leads with the sedrate & ANA. That should be checked on regularly.

A negative RF for RA doesn't mean that RA is out of the question...there are a whole set of diagnostic factors that need to be done along with blood.

This is the phase we all hate..not pinpointing exactly what the matter is.

The site Ides gave is great, I hope you find some helpful information.

Do you see a rheumatologist?

take care,

erin 

Posted 4/28/2006 12:39 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you all for your ideas and I will be checking out the site Ides gave me right after I am through writing. I have seen a rheumatologist, but unfortunately, he has not been very helpful. I have asked for copies of my blood work that he has done however and I am going to see my PCP this morning for samples (they reduced my Synthroid) and will be asking for the labs he has drawn. My last appointment with him I felt extremely rushed (a med student was shadowing him). In the past 7 years I have had to have cortisone shots in my hips for what was being described as bursitis and also Medrol Dosepak occasionally throughout the course of the years. I am currently on just OTC anti-inflammatories. I have been exercising, watching what I eat, (with my cholesterol at 237 and I told to not eat beef and cut way back on dairy). My grandmother who will turn 90 this month has rheumatoid arthritis but frankly I am sure how severe it is. I truly appreciate all of your comments and will let you know what the doc has to say!!!! I will now go and check out the spondylosis site. Take care all!!! Bunee
Posted 4/28/2006 12:43 PM (GMT 0)
Good luck today at the doc... let us know what your PCP says... Duck
Posted 4/28/2006 5:20 PM (GMT 0)
It's very important also to make sure the doctor knows RA runs in the family.
A rheummy I saw 7 years ago sort of brushed me off saying, "Ah, don't worry...I think perhaps you'l develop RA or Lupus when you get older given your bloodwork but no visible joint fuid & deformity"
Well, my Grandmother who's 87 just started seeing him a few months ago. The rheummy REMEMBERED ME! (remembered the same ast name) and feels really bad he just "let me go". Turns out my grandmother has a very bad case of RA as well.

So I guess they really take that into consideration, family history.
Posted 4/28/2006 9:12 PM (GMT 0)
Well I am finally home. Went to see the doctor and the EKG was abnormal. Did not see my PCP just had the test and was sent home with my samples of synthroid. His office assistant advised me to go to the ER because i was having some heaviness in my chest, dizziness, and some numbness in my hands. I went to the outpatient services which is much quicker and was told i was not having a heart attack but had sinus bradycardia and to follow-up with my PCP. The doc at the OPS said I should probably have an echocardiogram and he also was sending my blood for H. pylori. I guess at this point I will wait until Monday and see what the PCP has to say, if I get to see him. I have all of the labs and tests they did and I guess we will go from there. My hands and fingers look like sausages from the swelling. I will wait this out and see what comes next. For now, thank you all for your great advice. Bunee
Posted 5/1/2006 1:16 PM (GMT 0)
In my prayers Bunee. Hang in there. We're all here for you.
Sincerely,
Erin
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