Still having issues- please help

I have been in and out here, and am coming here because I am at the end of my rope. Last year at this time, I had a positive ANA test (1:640), joint pain and swelling, have Raynaud's, and have a strong family history of RA. Saw a rheumy. He did DNA testing which came back negative. He said I didn't have anything right now, but might be brewing something. Also have had chronic anemia and underwent 10 IV iron treatments this spring. I have seen a neurologist and cardiologist this spring as well, with no results too far out of normal.

Here I am now with the following stuff added- In the past 3 months, I have had increasing pain in my right hip and now some in my left. It is to the point where I am in a lot of pain throughout the day and especially in the evening. This scares the crud out of me, because 2 years ago a friend of mine started having hip pain. It turned out to be metastatic lung cancer (she was not a smoker). She passed away last summer. I know it is unlikely to be cancer but it is in the back of my mind, though I am more wondering if it is related to some autoimmune issue. I have also been experiencing a great deal of joint pain in my knees and feet. Additionally, I had a uterine ablation last summer and hadn't had a period since. However, in the last 3 months also, I have started having 5-6 days of bleeding every 2 weeks or so. I have an appt. with my gp for my hip next week and have an ultrasound scheduled with my gyn on the 14th.

I am thinking of getting a second opinion from another rheumy. I am soooo tired of being in pain, which I know many of you relate to.

Can anyone tell me of similar experiences with hip pain? Can autoimmune diseases affect your uterus or cycle?

I feel like I come here and complain a lot, for which I am sorry. I just don't feel that my friends understand. Thank you for any thoughts.

Hey there Alli,

You didn't say if or what you are taking to help alleviate any of the pain that you have right now.  I'm assuming you are, but I have found that most over the counter meds don't do much for me, so that is why I take darvocet periodically to take the edge off.  I hate taking all the drugs daily to be functional, but I also feel that no one deserves to be in pain on a daily basis.  Not only is it hard physically, but mentally after awhile.   Have you talked to your current rhuemy about the pain at all?  If not, you need to call them asap until you can get into another rhuemy if that is the path you want to take.  I also use the voltaren cream that Ginny mentioned.  It can really be a great help on many days in between popping the pain meds.  As far as the hormones, that was a definite issue for me up to a year ago.  My ob/gyn had me on the pill for years to help me stay regulated and also it is proven that you need the estrogen to protect your bones but then I started signs of perimenopause and she felt is was best to put me on cenestin and prometrium daily.  I don't have any periods now and notice a big difference as to how I feel with not having a cycle.  Everytime I went off the pill for the 4th week and had a period my body would flare.  My rhuemy told me that the immune system can act up with the fluctuation of the hormones and start to attack the cells again.  Anyways, hope this helps somewhat.

Hugs and Angels,

Lynnette

DX - sle and carpal tunnel

RX - plaquenil, prednisone, lisiniprol, folic acid, darvocet as needed, etolodac, hormones and vitamins

A second opinion is always worth the trouble as long as it is a lupus specialist and not just a regular old rheumy who specializes in old people diseases and arthritis. I would definately bring up the pain to SOMEONE. I am considering have ablation done and later a hysterectomy does it hurt much?