RA or Fibro?

For those that have both, how do you discern that your joint pain is RA versus Fibro? Is there any other symptom? (I could look it up but I prefer personal testimony!)

Thank you!! :)

I believe RA is inflammation specifically at the joints, whereas FMS is all over, but especially in the soft tissues. For instance, my ankles are bothered by the enteropathic arthritis, but the pain in my buttocks (no pun intended) is FMS.

I don't have RA, but a kind of arthritis that affects those with IBDs. An old rheumie put me on anti-inflammatories for it, but they bothered my gut, so i had to take prescription prilosec for it. Eventually, after I moved five years ago, my then rheumie did not renew the treatment.

Hello AnnaB. Sorry you are suffering with both painful and debilitating illnesses. It can be quite a burden at times. I hope the meds you are on are helping.

I also have both RA and Fibro and I think that I can determine which is paining me. I had RA first so I know what that feels like on it's own. It is a more acute and localised pain in my joints, usually but not always on both sides, and usually 3 or more places at one time. I don't get redness when my joints are affected by RA.

My Fibro pain is a constant burning aching kind of pain and most often in my feet, limbs, hands and neck muscles. It's worse at night especially in my feet. The level of pain goes up and down but is always there. I sometimes get a pulling or tearing feeling where the muscle is attached to the bone. I have also had blinding pain in some muscles when I tripped over something. The level reduced after a few minutes but lasted for a long time. I hope this is helpful. Neenaa