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Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Posted 4/2/2012 1:47 AM (GMT 0)
I need help! I am a 52 year old female, overnight  3 months ago I ached all over, had a positive ANA 1:64, all other blood work came back normal. History of migraine head aches, neck stenosis, Raynauds. The rhuemy DR wants to brush me off due to normal blood tests, my family DR wants me to take 15mg of MTX. That stuff scares me!! Has anyone else had normal blood test, except ANA, and found a diagnosis??wake up most nights with head aches and body aches all day long. Tingling fingers, buzzy feeling all over, dry eyes, stuffy sinuses. I feel like I amgoing CRAZY!

Thank you!

Posted 4/2/2012 2:42 AM (GMT 0)
Hi bajsj,
I have been diagnosed with RA as of feb 29. I had tons of blood work. I did not ask specific of blood test due to trying to hold it together. I go back in 9 days and will ask lots of questions. This being said. Rhuematoid dr said he couldn't put me on regular RA meds due to I have a siezure disorder. He put me on a prescription vitamin D, follic acid and the MTX. The dr told me I would fine information about MXT that said for cancer but for me to know it is used to treat many things. I called my neurologist to ask him what he thought of MXT. I respect my neurologist. He is great! He told mr his partner in his practice, that mans wife has RA and the MXT has worked great for her RA. So I am taking it. I take three pills a week. This is my third week to take. I take it two hrs after my regular meds. I immediately go to bed. I do not get a sick tummy. I'm still watching to see if I'm having any side effects. So far I seem to be sleepy the day after taking.
I'm working on keeping a calendar of my sleep patterns, how I feel, what hurts, what feels good(have to look for good too). I plan to share with dr. I feel this info will help me keep him informed.

Try not too focus on the fear (I know easy for me to say right now) be proactive for you. If you have questions about the specialist &/or your test, a second opinion wouldn't hurt.

Hang in there.
Im praying for you.

I'm 49,
Posted 4/2/2012 4:08 PM (GMT 0)
I would suggest you seek out help from another Rheumy doctor, as soon as possible, it's aweful that
your current rheumy just wants to brush this off....So do get another Rheumy Doctor....
and maybe look into doing the injections of MTX as you'll get fewer side effects and with
time it gets easier to do the injections...I just started with injections last year, and I was so scared
at first but then it got better...and yes you can have RA with normal bloodwork...a good Ra doctor
will order up mri's or scans that can show the RA damage...Hope this helps...Make sure to take "Folic acid"
when your taking mtx...you can find folic acid in the vitamin aisle....
Keep us posted as we do care...Many well wishes...
Posted 4/2/2012 4:52 PM (GMT 0)
I agree it would be best to go to another rheumy for another opinion.  Diagnosing on labs only is not the best idea and should be based on symptoms as well. I hope you find a rheumy who is willing to listen, they are out there!
Posted 4/4/2012 12:20 AM (GMT 0)
I would have to agree with everyone else that you should see another rheumatologist.

I began having RA symptoms when I was 14 and wasn't diagnosed until I was 16. Once I was diagnosed, I started taking 15 mg. MTX/week. I may be biased here, but in my opinion, and in my case, the benefit was worth the risk. That medicine made me feel just about normal again. It really was the right medicine for me. Only your doctor knows for sure though, and it is 100% your call what you decide to take.
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