Couple of questions/a few theories of my own

[Guest guest]

First of all, I was recently diagnosed with RA. I am Male, 39. I'm

still not convinced that this is what I have. I was sure that I had

cancer. Maybe someone can confirm or deny my diagnosis by

evaluating some of my " strange " symptoms.

1. Sometimes (usually later in the the day, when I'm more tired,)

when I'm sitting, the room sometimes feels like it's spinning.

2. A few times I have had this feeling of anxiety come over me. So

intense that I thought for sure my heart would give out. I have had

to get up from my desk and go outside for a walk around the block.

3. A few times I have noticed a small amount of puss in my stool.

Probably 4 times over the past 5 years.

4. pain in the middle lower back area. What used to feel like a

hitch in my back now feels more like a burning pain. But this pain

has definitely subsided over the past couple of weeks. But was

intense about 4 out of the 8 past months.

5. Strange " zingy " sensation shooting up my arm, or sometimes my

leg.

6. About 8 months ago I noticed my left elbow bone seemed kinda

sore when applying pressure. Then about 2 months ago, my right

elbow joined in. And now they both hurt (even without applying

pressure) in lovely harmony.

7. About 3 months ago, I was standing on a ladder for about 2

hours, when i got home that evening (about 4 hours later) my knee

was in a great deal of pain, so much pain that it kept my off my

feet for a couple of days. And then went away, in a flash.

8. My fingers are soar at the joints, and I have this like heated

pain radiating from the center of the back of my hands.

9. Excessive flatis.

10. Change in personality. More irritable.

11. Brain fog.

12. Lousy short term memory.

13. Depressed.

I'm sure there are more things but that's all I can think of right

now. Anybody have any input.

Now for my theory. I could be wrong but apparently 70% of all RA

patients are female leaving 30% for men. I think that it stems from

over-use of household cleaning products such as Bleach and Ammonia.

Because (not to sound sexist, but it's probably true that a good

majority of women do not get any help from their macho men. At

least not when it comes to srubbing tubs and toilets. I happen to

be a housekeeper for a hotel for the last 5 years. I was too macho

to wear gloves, and now I have problems. Anyway that's my laymen

theory. Thoughts anyone?