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Do I have rheumatoid arthritis?

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Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Posted 6/8/2007 4:54 AM (GMT 0)

Hi guys, I have been reading your posts for a few days now and wondering weather I have rheumatoid arthritis.

Here is my history.

A year ago I developed an unexplained irritable bowel problem, which totally knocked me for six, I was in pain totally worn-out and feeling very unwell. Thankfully over time those symptoms have mainly passed, but what I am left with is spells of feeling tired, headaches, eye ache and shaking. A few weeks ago I developed a sharp pain under my right big toe, which lasted a couple of weeks. Now Both my big toes ache in the joints, I seem to get aches through the centre of my foot. I have now started getting aches in my thumbs and little twinges in my fingers and hands. I’m bit of a worrier but I don’t think that I’m imagining these symptoms.

 

I’m a 33-year-old male and I am quite worried about this possibility. My grandmother suffered with rheumatoid arthritis so I have seen how it can affect people. I have an appointment to see my GP on Monday.

 

Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

Posted 6/8/2007 5:01 AM (GMT 0)
Young and male makes it less likely, but the only way to know for sure is a blood test. Just do it. I ignored symptoms for yeeeeaaarrrssssss, until I could barely walk, not smart.
Posted 6/8/2007 9:29 PM (GMT 0)
It's possible that you've got some form of inflammaotry arthritis. Did you se a gastroenterologist about your bowel problems? If not, you probably should. There are some types of inflammatory arthritis that are associated with inflammatory bowel disease. I don't mean to scare you, as this may not be the case for you, but with the symtpoms you described, it wouldn't hurt to investigate it.

RA can be ruled in or out by a simple blood test. Your PCP can order that while you're waiting for a Rheumy appt. I hope you get answers and relief soon.
Posted 6/9/2007 4:04 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you for your reply.
I did see a gastroenterologist, on investigation nothing was found and was told that it might be IBS.
Posted 6/9/2007 3:37 PM (GMT 0)
hi raggedroy,

I have IBS, RA, Raynauds Phenomemon, and whole bunch of other crap too, IBS may explain your stomach & intestinal issues, but you should really see a Rhuematologist, to really evaluate the joint pain, speaking from experience IBS doesnt not make your joints hurt...and being that your grand mother had RA, you really should double and triple check with you're PCP or Specialist..


Feel Better & good Luck
ttyl
BabZ
Posted 6/9/2007 9:47 PM (GMT 0)
RA is not always ruled out by blood work, you can have it without a positive RF factor, I just thought I would let you know that doctors also go by symptoms not just by tests alone.
Posted 6/10/2007 5:07 AM (GMT 0)
Yes! this rheumatoid factor level is just a "piece" of the pie. many normal non-RA people can have it as well as the elderly.
the entire rheumatic panel is taken into consideration plus objective physical findings byt the doc plus your personal symptons & history.
you do have the right for a 2nd opinion! i'd go for it if their's any doubts!

peace
erin
Posted 6/10/2007 8:45 AM (GMT 0)
I`m getting very concerned now.
I have searched the internet and can`t find any other conditions that relate to my symptoms. I just can`t think how I will cope with bills etc if I have to give up work. As I mentioned my grandmother suffered quite badly with RA and so did alot of the female members of her family, as far as I know no male members have it.
Posted 6/10/2007 12:41 PM (GMT 0)
Raggedboy, try not to get too worried until you find out exactly what is going on. There are many more meds available to us now to keep the damage to a minimum. Even if you have RA, it might not be as bad as what your Grandmother had and it's always better to know what's happening than to bury your head in the sand.

Relax and take it one day at a time.
Posted 6/26/2007 9:56 AM (GMT 0)
Hello everyone,I am new here, I would like to know if Rheumatoid Arithris is hereditary???
Posted 9/22/2007 2:12 PM (GMT 0)

HI shania15,

There are alot of theories about how Rhuematoid Arthritis starts and develops, some Health Care proffessionals believe that it can be Hereditary, while other health care proffessionals believe that it can be enviromental, they have also been some research and claims, that some believe that RA can be triggered by an infection, or certain foods and allergies....

So basically what it all boils down to, there really isnt a clear answer to how and why RA can develop in some people, and not others, also based on research I did read a while back that they were trying to look into a study, that studies our Dna & physiology to see what makes our chromosones different from someone that doesnt have it...  There is still alot to be learned, when it comes to RA..

Basically Ra, is an Autoimmune disease that is attacking our joints, & tendons and sometimes it can even attack our organs such as but not limited to organs like the heart, causing us to have inflammation surrounding the heart..

To break it down simpy, think about a person with a cold, our normal immune system builds up certain antibodies to kill off these types of infections & viruses, however when a person has RA, these antibodies also known as our immune system, builds up and tries to look for an infection that isnt there, soo becuase these antibodies can't find any foreign infection, these antibodies can't be released unless it attacks a foreign invader like an infection, soo therefore, our Immune system becomes our enemy, and attacks our joints, tendons and causes inflammation surrounding the joints, muscles, and tendons...This is the only way these abnormal antibodies also know as our immune system can be released, this is why many Doctors will prescribed medications that are in TNF Inhibitors category, to suppress our immune system, by suppressing our immune system, those antibodies that were in attack mode to our joints, muscles, and tendons are suppress, thus leaving us to a lesser flare up, and in the hopes of forcing a RA REMission....

who knows maybe its all of the above, maybe its enviromental, Hereditary and allergery base....and maybe depending on a persons personal body make up, you can have it or not...I do know that they are trying to develop more advance testing to decifer whether or not a person will develop this disease or not, regardless of family HX, allergies, and what ever other deciding factors, that are in involved...I hope this helps in answering you're question...and I hope i didnt talk ur ear off...LOL

Posted 9/22/2007 5:37 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Raggedroy:

I have RA and Raynauds. The only sure way you will know is if you have blood tests and see a rheuatologist to examine you. Just because your grandmother had RA does not necessarily mean you will get it. With that said, they have wonderful medications today to help the pain and control the progression of RA. I should have been diagosed earlier but because of a negligent GP it took longer. Insist on seeing a rheumatologist as soon as possible. Chin up!

Nana to 2
Posted 9/25/2007 12:41 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Raggedroy:

Yes, I agree with most others who have replied. Take a blood test. Sed rate is important to know, but many other factors play a part.
Earlier you are diagnosed properly, better off you are.
I am diagnoised with RA/Osteo (both). Everything seemed to hid me at once. Yet, as I look back now, there were early signs that I just ignored as I was busy working and with family. No regrets, did my best for what I knew at the time.

Good luck.

arthurmary (new to forum)
Posted 9/25/2007 10:05 PM (GMT 0)
I was diagnosed with R/A three years ago and have been taking meds for it ever since.  They have helped but I still had a whole bunch of other symptoms that my Rheumatologist said were unrelated.  He didn't offer any further advice or diagnosis...just its unrelated.  Doing my own research I came across Lyme Disease whiich a curable disease with antibiotics.  Maybe you could look up some information on it...on here.  I read that there are many many people who have been told they have R/A and it turned out they had Lyme and now after receiving the antibiotic therapy are completely cured and symptom free.  I am starting the antibiotics on October 10th.  I am so excited.  I hope this information helps you in some way :-)
Posted 9/25/2007 10:10 PM (GMT 0)
There is no reason to think that you would have to quit work. If RA or IBD were diagnosed there are so many medications out there that can make life and work more appealing again. I was sure 1 year ago I would have to quit work because of the pain and disability but I am still kicking, still working full time.... I am making it... no reason to think right now that you cannot.

Theresa
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