Rheumatoid Arthritis Community

Thank you for your posts. Reading them i can see the progression of emotion and symptoms you have experienced. I have struggled for a long time with knee pain which comes and goes, then shoulder pain, now finger and elbow. I never thought too much about it until my finger joint became very swollen and stiff. Like you I wake up with my hands clenched into fists and experience stiffness for several hours. Like you it has progressed to the point that on bad days I can't do my hair or open a water bottle. My Doc said he thinks I have RA, sent me for x-rays and blood work which (like you) came back normal. As I continue to struggle with pain, stiffness, and extreme fatigue I am waiting to get in to see a Rheumatologist. I appreciated reading your posts because I can relate! I think I would feel better to have a certain diagnosis no matter how bad it is. I can't end the post without saying that I am so blessed that Christ has been my comfort and strength during a time when I could become very scared. Thank you for your honesty.

started getting pain in my left hand, knuckles---
trying easpoon vinegar, fishoil each day

Sorry if someone else has already mentioned this... what about symmetrical psoriatic arthritis? I just read about it and you may want to look into it. It affects joints in pairs, and only those with psoriasis. (some people don't find out they have psoriasis until well into adulthood) Really hope this (or anything) helps!

As I was reading your statement, I was thinking to myself; I really don't remember writing into anywhere, but then I realized it wasn't me. You have experienced the exact same as I. My primary care physician thought I was faking my symptoms because nothing really showed up on my blood tests; however x-rays, scans, and MRI's showed that something was wrong. So, I was also sent to see a rheumatologist who again took the same tests and blood work. But he also performed an additional type of blood work. At this point I can't remember what it was called. My vitamin D levels was extremely low and the way I was progressing in the disease, he knew something was going on. What a lot of people is not aware of with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is that it is always bilateral. I had no idea as to why when he checked and tested one side, he automatically did the same with the other side. Also, RA and Lupus also have the exact same symptoms, however, the difference between the two is the fact that Lupus will have the 'butterfly' rash across the face and it is not always bilateral. I said all that to say, it appears that you and I have the same thing going on and none of the medicine is really working with me because I also have osteo-arthritis so the medication for RA doesn't work well on me. Also, I have CHAD (coronary heart/ artery disease) so I'm afraid to take humaria or any of those type of medications. Also, because of steriods thats in alot of my medications (asthma/allergies) it has made me gain an absurb amount of weight, which I can't get off because I have trouble exercising and I must take my medications. It sounds like I am feeling sorry for myself, but I'm not, there is also other dynamics going on with me. So, I'm sort of spiraling downwardly fast and don't know what to do and I am only 56 years old. Because of undiscussed circumstances I was forced to cancel my private insurance, so now I only have medicare part A & B. If you, or anyone can offer any assistance as what I can do for at least one day of relief, I would appreciate it very much. Thank you for listening, but just like you I am in dire straits. I realize everything I have said in aforementioned passages is not what you was expecting to hear or what you needed to hear, but your symptoms sounded so so much like mine, I couldn't believe someone else existed that had the same weird symptoms as I. If you encounter any satisfying relief of your pain, stiffness, swelling, etc., please pass it on. I may be reached at kathycalvin@yahoo.com

Sounds very similar to me. I woke up with severe pain going up my arm, very swollen knees, no strength in arms, hands etc. It took me about 8 months to get the correct diagnosis and it was RA. At that point I was happy to get a diagnosis, even if it was RA. I started on plaquenil and prescription aleve. It took 2-3 months for the plaquenil to kick in but it worked for a couple years. I am now on Remicade and it seems to be working very well, along with low dose of MTX. Its frustrating when your Dr's can't come up with a diagnosis. Mine came on overnite, and I was very active...aerobics 3 times a week, walking every day.
Its a nasty disease but more and more drugs (ugh) on the market every year to control it so lets hope and pray for a vaccine for RA. Good luck with your Rheumatologist!

Hi, Snoose63,
Thanks for your post!
I hope you are doing as well as can be expected. I am actually doing pretty well at this time. I am currently taking MTX 12.50mg per week; Arava 10mg per day; and Niacin each day. I have been doing so good the last few months that it worries me. But, will keep my fingers crossed and continue on.
I hope you do well also. Please keep me updated on your condition.
Best wishes!

hi i go by grandma4772 ihave swelling and pain in my hands mainly my right hand don't get much sleep because it goes numb i have had copple tunnel surgery and august 2010 had surgery on my thumb thumb joints worn down

What homeopathics are you taking? I also am a nurse, I eat the way you describe, and try to do things naturally.... having a real hard time with this severe joint pain and don't want to take meds.. My labs have been normal, but the pain is unbearable, in addition to visible changes in my joints..swelling etc..

I FOUND BY WEARING A GLOVE AND TAKING IBUPROFEN BEFORE BED, I'VE BEEN ABLE TO SLEEP THROUGH THE NIGHT.

BEFORE I AWAKEN BY PAIN FOR AT LEAST 2-3 HOURS EVERY NIGHT. THIS IS MY QUICK FIX UNTIL MY DOCTOR
APPOINTMENT NEXT MONTH.