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Is it REALLY RA???

By bpchera Latest Activity September 1 at 1:56 am Views 260 Replies 3

bpchera

I guess I have been in a bit of denial or disbelief over my RA diagnosis which I received a year ago. My initial blood test didn't show the markers, just some inflammation. X-Rays showed a little inflammation in a finger I wasn't complaining about. I only had pain in my hands starting at the pinkeys and in one to two fingers. I didn't notice stiffness in the morning, just sometimes during the day. But they diagnosed me as RA based on tender spots all over my body (which is what I thought they did for Fibromyalgia). They put me on Prednisone and Plaquenil. Of course my face swelled up and my weight started going up. Then he added Methotrexate and the hand pain went away. Eventually he took me off the Prednisone and my face went back to normal and i started losing weight. I stayed without pain in my hands. Lately I have noticed not being able to fully stand up straight after getting up, so is that the stiffness he was asking about?

I was thinking I was misdiagnosed, but then thinking about the fact that if it wasn't RA then why did the meds help? These meds wouldn't help normal arthritis would they?

Also does RA cause pains that are fleeting but keep coming back over a few days in joints?

I really have had a hard time learning about RA. I'm pretty clueless. I'm also all confused about Sjogren's as well, as I mentioned in a different post.

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  • sewfast
    sewfast September 14 at 4:23 pm   
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    I also am confused about Sjogrens diagnosis. I have had OA since I was 5, and RA for 20 years now, tho my labs are mostly ok. I am on Prednisone and Plaquenil and dont have alot of confidence in these meds as I am still in pain and now losing the use of my thumbs, (Sjogrens?) tho not sure why. I just wish there were something better for the pain. Sometimes its so bad that all I can do is lay in bed and cry. Is this pain from Sjogrens or RA or does is really matter? Is there anyone else who feels as lost as I?

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  • Lana
    LanaPA September 4 at 9:04 am   
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    Hi bpchera! Sorry for the delay in responding to your post. The reason it took me so long to get an RA diagnosis was because, like you, my blood work only showed signs of inflammation, no Rheumatoid factor, and no other biomarkers for RA. 80% of adults with RA have this and that number is even lower for JRA. Tender spots – probably fibro, joint pain – likely RA but your doctor is best to answer your question. If you not sure, it is ok to get a second opinion. My RA started as you are describing but with proper treatment your joints will loosen up and your inflammation will be less and less often. The incidence of the rheumatoid factor increases the longer you have had the disease. By one year, 75% of the people who have been diagnosed show this. However, up to 20% of those not showing the blood factor, remain negative (called "seronegative rheumatoid arthritis") throughout their entire lives.

    I am not a fan of Prednisone but Methotrexate and Humira changed my life. I got control of the disease once I was using both meds. Plaquenil wasn’t helpful and did a number on my vision. I was on Gabapention for the fibro but as my symptoms have gotten better, my doctor has me on it as needed (when my symptoms came back, I start taking it again). As far as the standing and walking after sitting for too long, one of my symptoms as well especially when I am flaring. I have had good days but stress, lack of sleep, certain foods, inactivity – all these things bring my flares. Living with RA is a new lifestyle. It is a learning process but you will get there. I also know what you are saying about the fleeting pain and then back to pain. It is part of living with RA. It gets better as you find better ways to deal with the disease – the pain, the additional symptoms and emotional part.

    I have not yet seen the Sjogren's post so I am not sure what your question is. Feel free to send me an email and I will try to answer some of your questions.

    As far as living about RA, you need to learn it from the people living with the disease – at least that is what has been helpful for me. Here is a few links to bloggers living with RA.

    RA Guy http://www.rheumatoidarthritisguy.com/
    RheumaBlog http://rheumablog.wordpress.com/
    All Flared Up http://allflaredup.wordpress.com/
    RA Adventure Rider http://midnightflier.blogspot.com/
    The Life and Adventures of Catepoo http://thelifeandadventuresofcatepoo.blogspot...
    My Blog – Living Life As I See Fit. https://livinglifewithraandfms.wordpress.com/

    These blogs are good starting points. All these bloggers have additional links to other RA and fibromyalgia bloggers. I am sure some all my have Sjogren's.

    Anyway, I have been where you have been. The first year is hardest. Let me know if you have any questions about anything.

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