Re: Help needed for a newbie...

[Guest guest]

you know i had a cyst in my mouth about 5 yrs ago. never really thought much

about it, had it removed and that was it. or so i thought

kathy

[Guest guest]

Stef: Welcome. You will love this group. My RA was negative it seemed like

forever, but it finally indicated RA, I had all the symptoms, in fact my left

knee joint totally deteriorated within two years of being diagnosed. Keep us

posted, good luck.

Jan in SC

[Guest guest]

Welcome, Stef!

I'm sorry you haven't been feeling well. Even worse is that your

doctors can't figure out what is going on and you are starting to

second-guess yourself. I'm not a stranger to that situation - I've

been undiagnosed since the fall of 1996. So, unfortunately, it

happens.

Too, the tools available for diagnosis of rheumatic diseases are

crude. In the beginning, diagnosis can be particularly difficult,

especially since some symptoms are common to several diseases and you

may have more than one condition.

Don't give up. Don't let anyone convince you that it's all in your

head. That's common, too! Please go see another rheumatologist.

Oral ulcers would point to lupus, Reiter's, Behcet's and other

conditions more than RA. Do you ever have ulcers anywhere else? What

about other symptoms?

Hang in there,

> Hello, my name is Stefanie and I am new to this group. I am not

sure

> how long I will be here as I have not been diagnosed with having RA.

>

> I have been having problems with my health generally for 1-2 months

> now. It started with bad bad mouth ulcers (some the regular mouth

> ulcer and some of a hard nodule sort)...one dentist though it was

> pemphigus and it is not. This whole time I have had a low fever

btw

> 99 and 100 (usually about 99.4). About 2-3 weeks ago I started

> noticing pain in my ankles esp at night and then it came into my

> hands and wrists...now it is all the time esp in my wrists and

hands

> and the pain can be very bad. There is some stiffness as well but

> very little real swelling (some redness and heat when pain is extra

> bad). I don't know if what I have is RA or something else, but I

> honestly don't recall feeling pain like this before (it is not

always

> very painful)

>

> my problem is...after all this, I went to a Dr (several by now),

who

> is my GP...he said he thought it to be strep as to his knowledge

one

> does not have a fever with RA but did Rh blood test anyway. I got

a

> call from his receptionist today and she said that there was

nothing

> found in the blood tests (no real explanation and I didn't even

talk

> to the Dr). I asked what was wrong and the reply was NOTHING.

>

> I guess in the end I wonder if I am crazy and imagining it all. I

> don't know whether to persue the pain and see another GP or

> Rheumatologist or believe (as the Drs do) that it is hypochondria

and

> see a psych. This is all very distressing and painful for me.

>

> Thank you for your help,

> Stef

[Guest guest]

Welcome, Stef!

I'm sorry you haven't been feeling well. Even worse is that your

doctors can't figure out what is going on and you are starting to

second-guess yourself. I'm not a stranger to that situation - I've

been undiagnosed since the fall of 1996. So, unfortunately, it

happens.

Too, the tools available for diagnosis of rheumatic diseases are

crude. In the beginning, diagnosis can be particularly difficult,

especially since some symptoms are common to several diseases and you

may have more than one condition.

Don't give up. Don't let anyone convince you that it's all in your

head. That's common, too! Please go see another rheumatologist.

Oral ulcers would point to lupus, Reiter's, Behcet's and other

conditions more than RA. Do you ever have ulcers anywhere else? What

about other symptoms?

I recommend that you start to keep a health diary. Record anything of

note that happens. Fever patterns, pain locations, location and

duration of the ulcers, whatever is happening. It's easy to do it on

your computer. You need not write something every day.

Hang in there,

> Hello, my name is Stefanie and I am new to this group. I am not

sure

> how long I will be here as I have not been diagnosed with having RA.

>

> I have been having problems with my health generally for 1-2 months

> now. It started with bad bad mouth ulcers (some the regular mouth

> ulcer and some of a hard nodule sort)...one dentist though it was

> pemphigus and it is not. This whole time I have had a low fever

btw

> 99 and 100 (usually about 99.4). About 2-3 weeks ago I started

> noticing pain in my ankles esp at night and then it came into my

> hands and wrists...now it is all the time esp in my wrists and

hands

> and the pain can be very bad. There is some stiffness as well but

> very little real swelling (some redness and heat when pain is extra

> bad). I don't know if what I have is RA or something else, but I

> honestly don't recall feeling pain like this before (it is not

always

> very painful)

>

> my problem is...after all this, I went to a Dr (several by now),

who

> is my GP...he said he thought it to be strep as to his knowledge

one

> does not have a fever with RA but did Rh blood test anyway. I got

a

> call from his receptionist today and she said that there was

nothing

> found in the blood tests (no real explanation and I didn't even

talk

> to the Dr). I asked what was wrong and the reply was NOTHING.

>

> I guess in the end I wonder if I am crazy and imagining it all. I

> don't know whether to persue the pain and see another GP or

> Rheumatologist or believe (as the Drs do) that it is hypochondria

and

> see a psych. This is all very distressing and painful for me.

>

> Thank you for your help,

> Stef

[Guest guest]

Stef,

My son had systemic onset JRA when he was young. It did start with fevers

that would spike to 102 every day at 2 PM. He never tested positive for

rheumatoid factor, as I unfortunately do. I don't know how old you are but

with Dan it was a process of elimination that finally led to a diagnosis-

lots of blood work, lumbar puncture, bone marrow... He had no joint

involvement for at least a month-then had it majorly. Back then they only

treated him with salycilates and physical therapy-we've come a long way. He

is now 18 and has been symptom free for many years but we still worry.

Temple

Kuddle Kritters Farm

3 Fox Haven Way

Chelmsford, MA 01824

dat2352@...

http://www.homestead.com/kuddlekrittersfarm/index.html

http://www/homestead.com/kuddlekraft/index.html

[Guest guest]

Stefanie:

Welcome to the group. Sorry you have had problems. Hopefully you can find

some help to ease your problems from the members of the group. This is a

wonderful group of lovely caring people and leaders. I know you will love

everyone here as I do.

Hang in there.

Sincerely, Colletti

Anjillah@...

[Guest guest]

Hi, I'm Ohio - Terry. I don't know if you have RA but the symtoms you

are describing is how my RA and FM started. If I were you I would

make an appointment with a Rheumatologist. Considering RA affects 1%

of the population and is very different for each person who has it

most doctors are exposed to it in less than 1% of their patients.

Many members here have RA but don't have a positive factor. There are

many other symtoms. When I was first affected I had a low grade

fever, occational pain in my feet, hands, wrists, ankels. I didn't

flair at first but had red joints that were warm to the touch. My

first factor tests were negative. When it finally showed it's ugly

head, it took off like a rocket and is very aggressive.

An experienced rheumatologist will check many things besides your RF

factor because there are many auto-immune deseases. They are elusive

and a trained physician is better experienced at how these things

progress. Besides, if it's not RA or one of the others it will be well

worth the cost for peace of mind. If it is, you will have done the

best thing you could possible do for yourself in descovering it early

and aggressive treatment in the beginning which will save you a lot

of pain later.

Not being a girl I can't attest to this, but one thing the girls here

were talking about has stayed with me since I found the group. They

said they would rather have babies 24/7 than go through the pain we

suffer with these diseases. With that in mind, you deserve to know

what it is affecting you.

[Guest guest]

Don't let the doctors do this to you. If you're in pain, keep going to

doctors until yolu find someone to beleive you. keep you're chin up.

[Guest guest]

Hi Stef!

A *very* warm welcome to you! I wanted to tell you that even though your lab

work showed nothing as far as having RA, you can still have RA. The

rheumatoid factor doesn't always show positive when you have RA. When I was

13 that is how I was diagnosed. I got very lucky in being diagnosed quickly.

My RF was positive. I've now had RA for 19 years. And get this, to prove my

point, last February I had my RF tested, and it tested NEGATIVE! I said,

" Whoa! That shocks me! " to my doc. And then he did a double take and said,

" Yeah! Me too! Let's run that test again. " So he ran the test again. I don't

know the results of this last one. But the point is I have RA in EVERY joint.

From jaw to little toe and my joints are always hot, swollen, red. So testing

negative on the RF doesn't mean a thing. It just makes it harder to diagnose

you IF it is RA you have.

Now, the sores you get, I get those once a month with PMS. Does this happen

with you? Then go away?

From what it sounds like to me. It is possible you have RA bcs of the hot,

swollen joints. In RA, you don't necessarily have to have swelling to have

RA. I have a shoulder being eaten away at that has no swelling in it. But the

other shoulder that DOES have swelling is fine! So don't go on swelling.

Here's some really good info and also lists some other lab tests you should

get:

Hugs, Rainy Sue

> Diagnosing and Treating Arthritis

>

>

> Diagnosing and treating rheumatoid arthritis is a team effort between the

> patient and several types of health care professionals. A person can go to

> his or her family doctor or internist or to a rheumatologist. A

> rheumatologist is a doctor who specializes in arthritis and other diseases

of

> the joints, bones and muscles. As treatment progresses, other professionals

> often help. These may include nurses, physical or occupational therapists,

> orthopedic surgeons, psychologists and social workers.

>

> Studies have shown that people who are well informed and participate

> actively in their own care experience less pain and make fewer visits to

the

> doctor than do other people with rheumatoid arthritis.

>

> Patient education and arthritis self-management programs, as well as

support

> groups, help people to become better informed and to participate in their

own

> care. An example of a self-management program is the arthritis self-help

> course offered by the Arthritis Foundation and developed at one of the

NIAMS-

> supported Multipurpose Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases Centers. Self-

> management programs teach about rheumatoid arthritis and its treatments,

> exercise and relaxation approaches, patient/healthcare provider

communication,

> and problem solving. Research on these programs has shown that they have

the

> following clear and long-lasting benefits:

>

> a.. They help people understand the disease.

> b.. They help people reduce their pain while remaining active.

> c.. They help people cope physically, emotionally and mentally.

> d.. They help people feel greater control over their disease and help

> build a sense of confidence in the ability to function and lead a full,

> active and independent life.

> Diagnosis

> Rheumatoid arthritis can be difficult to diagnose in its early stages for

> several reasons. First, there is no single test for the disease. In

addition,

> symptoms differ from person to person and can be more severe in some people

> than in others. Also, symptoms can be similar to those of other types of

> arthritis and joint conditions, and it may take some time for other

> conditions to be ruled out as possible diagnoses. Finally, the full range

of

> symptoms develops over time, and only a few symptoms may be present in the

> early stages. As a result, doctors use a variety of tools to diagnose the

> disease and to rule out other conditions:

>

> a.. Medical History -- This is the patient's description of symptoms and

> when and how they began. Good communication between patient and doctor is

> especially important here. For example, the patient's description of pain,

> stiffness and joint function and how these change over time is critical to

> the doctor's initial assessment of the disease and his or her assessment of

> how the disease changes.

> b.. Physical Examination -- This includes the doctor's examination of the

> joints, skin, reflexes and muscle strength.

> c.. Laboratory Tests -- One common test is for rheumatoid factor, an

> antibody that is eventually present in the blood of most rheumatoid

arthritis

> patients. (An antibody is a special protein made by the immune system that

> normally helps fight foreign substances in the body.) Not all people with

> rheumatoid arthritis test positive for rheumatoid factor, however,

especially

> early in the disease. And, some others who do test positive never develop

the

> disease. Other common tests include one that indicates the presence of

> inflammation in the body (the erythrocyte sedimentation rate), a white

blood

> cell count, and a blood test for anemia.

> d.. X-rays -- X-rays are used to determine the degree of joint destruction.

> They are not useful in the early stages of rheumatoid arthritis before bone

> damage is evident, but they can be used later to monitor the progression of

> the disease.

>

> Treatment

> Doctors use a variety of approaches to treat rheumatoid arthritis. These

are

> used in different combinations and at different times during the course of

> the disease and are chosen according to the patient's individual situation.

> No matter what treatment the doctor and patient choose, however, the goals

> are the same: relieve pain, reduce inflammation, slow down or stop joint

> damage and improve the person's sense of well-being and ability to function.

>

> Treatment is another key area for communication between patient and doctor.

> Talking to the doctor can help ensure that exercise and pain management

> programs are provided as needed and that drugs are prescribed

appropriately.

> Talking can also help in making decisions about surgery.

>

> Goals of Treatment

> a.. relieve pain

> b.. reduce inflammation

> c.. slow down or stop joint damage

> d.. improve a person's sense of well-being and ability to function

> Current Treatment Approaches

>

> a.. lifestyle

> b.. medications

> c.. surgery

> d.. routine monitoring and ongoing care

> Lifestyle

> This approach includes several activities that help improve a person's

> ability to function independently and maintain a positive outlook.

>

>

> a.. Rest and exercise -- Both rest and exercise help in important ways.

> People with rheumatoid arthritis need a good balance between the two, with

> more rest when the disease is active and more exercise when it is not. Rest

> helps to reduce active joint inflammation and pain and to fight fatigue.

The

> length of time needed for rest will vary from person to person, but in

> general, shorter rest breaks every now and then are more helpful than long

> times spent in bed.

>

> Exercise is important for maintaining healthy and strong muscles,

> preserving joint mobility and maintaining flexibility. Exercise also can

help

> people sleep well, reduce pain, maintain a positive attitude and lose

weight.

> Exercise programs should be planned and carried out to take into account

the

> person's physical abilities, limitations and changing needs.

>

>

> b.. Care of Joints -- Some people find that using a splint for a short

> time around a painful joint reduces pain and swelling by supporting the

joint

> and letting it rest. Splints are used mostly on wrists and hands, but also

on

> ankles and feet. A doctor or a physical or occupational therapist can help

a

> patient get a splint and ensure that it fits properly. Other ways to reduce

> stress on joints include self-help devices (for example, zipper pullers,

long-

> handled shoe horns); devices to help with getting on and off chairs, toilet

> seats and beds; and changes in the ways that a person carries out daily

> activities.

>

>

> c.. Stress Reduction -- People with rheumatoid arthritis face emotional

> challenges as well as physical ones. The emotions they feel because of the

> disease -- fear, anger, frustration -- combined with any pain and physical

> limitations can increase their stress level. Although there is no evidence

> that stress plays a role in causing rheumatoid arthritis, it can make

living

> with the disease difficult at times. Stress may also affect the amount of

> pain a person feels. There are a number of successful techniques for coping

> with stress. Regular rest periods can help, as can relaxation, distraction

or

> visualization exercises. Exercise programs, participation in support

groups,

> and good communication with the healthcare team are other ways to reduce

> stress.

>

>

> d.. Healthful Diet -- With the exception of several specific types of oils,

> there is no scientific evidence that any specific food or nutrient helps or

> harms most people with rheumatoid arthritis. However, an overall nutritious

> diet with enough -- but not an excess of -- calories, protein and calcium

is

> important. Some people may need to be careful about drinking alcoholic

> beverages because of the medications they take for rheumatoid arthritis.

> Those taking methotrexate may need to avoid alcohol altogether. Patients

> should ask their doctors for guidance on this issue.

>

>

> e.. Climate -- Some people notice that their arthritis gets worse when

> there is a sudden change in the weather. However, there is no evidence that

a

> specific climate can prevent or reduce the effects of rheumatoid arthritis.

> Moving to a new place with a different climate usually does not make a long-

> term difference in a person's rheumatoid arthritis.

>

> Medications

> Most people who have rheumatoid arthritis take medications. Some

medications

> are used only for pain relief; others are used to reduce inflammation.

Still

> others -- often called disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, or DMARDs --

> are used to try to slow the course of the disease. The person's general

> condition, the current and predicted severity of the illness, the length of

> time he or she will take the drug, and the drug's effectiveness and

potential

> side effects are important considerations in prescribing drugs for

rheumatoid

> arthritis. The table below shows currently used rheumatoid arthritis

> medications, along with their effects, side effects and monitoring

> requirements.

>

> Traditionally, rheumatoid arthritis therapy has involved an approach in

> which doctors prescribed aspirin or similar drugs, rest and physical

therapy

> first, and prescribed more powerful drugs later only if the disease became

> much worse. Recently, many doctors have changed their approach, especially

> for patients with severe, rapidly progressing rheumatoid arthritis. This

> change is based on the belief that early treatment with more powerful

drugs,

> and the use of drug combinations in place of single drugs, may be more

> effective ways to halt the progression of the disease and reduce or prevent

> joint damage.

>

> Surgery

> Several types of surgery are available to patients with severe joint

damage.

> These procedures can help reduce pain, improve the affected joint's

function

> and appearance, and improve the patient's ability to perform daily

activities.

> Surgery is not for everyone, however, and the decision should be made only

> after careful consideration by patient and doctor. Together they should

> discuss the patient's overall health and the effects of a surgical

procedure,

> the condition of the joint or tendon that will be operated on, and the

reason

> for and cost of the surgery. Surgical procedures include joint replacement,

> tendon reconstruction and synovectomy.

>

>

> a.. Joint Replacement -- This is the most frequently performed surgery for

> rheumatoid arthritis, and it is done to relieve pain, improve or preserve

> joint function and improve appearance. In making a decision about replacing

a

> joint, people with rheumatoid arthritis should consider that some

artificial

> joints function more like normal human joints than do others. Also,

> artificial joints are not always permanent and may eventually have to be

> replaced. This may be an issue for younger people.

>

>

> b.. Tendon Reconstruction -- Rheumatoid arthritis can damage and even

> rupture tendons, the tissues that attach muscle to bone. This surgery,

which

> is used most frequently on the hands, reconstructs the damaged tendon by

> attaching an intact tendon to it. This procedure can help to restore some

> hand function, particularly if it is done early, before the tendon is

> completely ruptured.

>

>

> c.. Synovectomy -- In this surgery, the doctor actually removes the

> inflamed synovial tissue. Synovectomy by itself is seldom performed now

> because not all of the tissue can be removed, and it eventually grows back.

> Synovectomy is done as part of reconstructive surgery, especially tendon

> reconstruction.

>

> Routine Monitoring and Ongoing Care

> Regular medical care is important to monitor the course of the disease,

> determine the effectiveness and any negative effects of medications, and

> change therapies as needed. Monitoring typically includes regular visits to

> the doctor. It may also include blood, urine and other laboratory tests and

X-

> rays.

>

> Osteoporosis prevention is one issue that patients may want to discuss with

> their doctors as part of their long-term, ongoing care. Osteoporosis is a

> condition in which bones lose calcium and become weakened and fragile. Many

> older women are at increased risk for osteoporosis, and their rheumatoid

> arthritis increases the risk further, particularly if they are taking

> corticosteroids such as prednisone. These patients may want to discuss with

> their doctors the potential benefits of calcium and vitamin D supplements,

> hormone replacement therapy, or other treatments for osteoporosis.

>

> Alternative and Complementary Therapies

> Special diets, vitamin supplements and other alternative approaches have

> been suggested for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Although many of

> these approaches may not be harmful in and of themselves, controlled

> scientific studies either have not been conducted or have found no definite

> benefit to these therapies. Some alternative or complementary approaches

may

> help the patient cope or reduce some of the stress associated with living

> with a chronic illness. As with any therapy, patients should discuss the

> benefits and drawbacks with their doctors before beginning an alternative

or

> new type of therapy. If the doctor feels the approach has value and will

not

> be harmful, it can be incorporated into a patient's treatment plan.

However,

> it is important not to neglect regular health care. The Arthritis

Foundation

> publishes material on alternative therapies as well as established

therapies,

> and patients may want to contact this organization for information.

>

> Medications Commonly Used to Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis

>

> Medications

>

> Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

> a.. Plain aspirin

> b.. Buffered aspirin

> c.. Ibuprofen (Advil, *Motrin IB)

> d.. Ketoprofen (Orudis)

> e.. Naproxen (Naprosyn)

> f.. Diclofenac (Voltaren)

> g.. Diflunisal (Dolobid)

>

> Uses/Effects

>

> a.. Used to reduce pain, swelling and inflammation, allowing patients to

> move more easily and carry out normal activities

> b.. Generally part of early and continuing therapy

>

> Side Effects

>

> a.. Upset stomach

> b.. Tendency to bruise easily

> c.. Fluid retention (NSAIDs other than aspirin)

> d.. Ulcers

> e.. Possible kidney and liver damage (rare)

>

> Monitoring

>

> a.. Patients should have periodic blood tests.

>

> Medications Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) (also called

> slow-acting antirheumatic drugs [sAARDs] or second-line drugs):

>

> a.. Gold, injectable or oral (Myochrysine, Ridaura)

> b.. Antimalarials, such as hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil)

> c.. Penicillamine (Cuprimine, Depen)

> d.. Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine)

>

> Uses/Effects Used to alter the course of the disease and prevent joint and

> cartilage destruction

>

> a.. May produce significant improvement for many patients

> b.. Exactly how they work still unknown

> c.. Generally take a few weeks or months to have an effect

> d.. Patients may use several over the course of the disease

> Side Effects

>

> Toxicity is an issue- DMARDs can have serious side effects:

> a.. Gold: skin rash, mouth sores, upset stomach, kidney problems, low

> blood count

> b.. Antimalarials: upset stomach, eye problems (rare)

> c.. Penicillamine: skin rashes, upset stomach, blood abnormalities, kidney

> problems

> d.. Sulfasalazine: upset stomach

>

> Monitoring

>

> Patients should be monitored carefully for continued effectiveness of

> medication and for side effects:

> f.. Gold: blood and urine test monthly; more often in early use of drug

> g.. Antimalarials: eye exam every six months

> h.. Penicillamine:

> blood and urine test monthly; more often in early use of drug

> i.. Sulfasalazine: periodic blood and urine tests

>

> Medications

>

> Immunosuppressants (also considered DMARDs):

> a.. Methotrexate (Rheumatrex)

> b.. Azathioprine (Imuran)

> c.. Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)

>

> Uses/Effects

>

> j.. Used to restrain the overly active immune system, which is key to the

> disease process

> k.. Same concerns as with other DMARDs: potential toxicity and diminishing

> effectiveness over time

>

> l.. Methotrexate can result in rapid improvement; appears to be very

> effective

> m.. Azathioprine: first used in higher doses in cancer chemotherapy and

> organ transplantation; used in patients who have not responded to other

drugs;

> used in combination therapy

> n.. Cyclopho-sphamide:

> also used in higher doses in cancer chemotherapy; effective, but used only

> in very severe cases of rheumatoid arthritis because of potential toxicity

>

> Side Effects

>

> Toxicity is an issue -- immunosuppressants can have serious side effects:

> a.. Methotrexate: upset stomach, potential liver problems, low white blood

> cell count

> b.. Azathioprine: potential blood abnormalities, low white blood cell

> count, possible increased cancer risk

> c.. Cyclopho-sphamide: low white blood cell count, other blood

> abnormalities, increased cancer risk

>

> Monitoring

>

> Patients should be monitored carefully for continued effectiveness of

> medication and for side effects:

> a.. Methotrexate: regular blood tests, including liver function test;

> baseline chest X-ray

> b.. Azathioprine: regular blood and liver function tests

> c.. Cyclopho-sphamide: regular blood, urine and general medical tests

>

> Medication

>

> Corticosteroids (also known as glucocorticoids):

> a.. Prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone)

> b.. Methylprednisolone (Medrol)

>

> Uses/Effects

>

> a.. Used for their anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects

> b.. Given either in pill form or as an injection into a joint

> c.. Dramatic improvements in very short time

> d.. Potential for serious side effects, especially at high doses

> e.. Often used early while waiting for DMARDs to work

> f.. Also used for severe flares and when the disease does not respond to

> NSAIDs and DMARDs

>

> Side Effects

>

> a.. Osteoporosis

> b.. Mood changes

> c.. Fragile skin, easy bruising

> d.. Fluid retention

> e.. Weight gain

> f.. Muscle weakness

> g.. Onset or worsening of diabetes

> h.. Cataracts

> i.. Increased risk of infection

> j.. Hypertension (high blood pressure)

>

> Monitoring

>

> Patients should be monitored carefully for continued effectiveness of

> medication and for side effects.

> * NOTE: Brand names are provided as examples only, and their inclusion does

> not mean that these products are endorsed by the National Institutes of

> Health or any other Government agency. Also, if a particular brand name is

> not mentioned, this does not mean or imply that the product is

unsatisfactory.

>

> http://go.drkoop.com/conditions/arthritis/page_24_117.asp

In a message dated 2/13/01 1:17:07 PM Pacific Standard Time,

stefanie_1973@... writes:

> Subj: [ ] Help needed for a newbie...

> Date: 2/13/01 1:17:07 PM Pacific Standard Time

> From: stefanie_1973@...

> Reply-to: <A

HREF= " mailto: " > </A>

>

>

>

>

>

> Hello, my name is Stefanie and I am new to this group. I am not sure

> how long I will be here as I have not been diagnosed with having RA.

>

> I have been having problems with my health generally for 1-2 months

> now. It started with bad bad mouth ulcers (some the regular mouth

> ulcer and some of a hard nodule sort)...one dentist though it was

> pemphigus and it is not. This whole time I have had a low fever btw

> 99 and 100 (usually about 99.4). About 2-3 weeks ago I started

> noticing pain in my ankles esp at night and then it came into my

> hands and wrists...now it is all the time esp in my wrists and hands

> and the pain can be very bad. There is some stiffness as well but

> very little real swelling (some redness and heat when pain is extra

> bad). I don't know if what I have is RA or something else, but I

> honestly don't recall feeling pain like this before (it is not always

> very painful)

>

> my problem is...after all this, I went to a Dr (several by now), who

> is my GP...he said he thought it to be strep as to his knowledge one

> does not have a fever with RA but did Rh blood test anyway. I got a

> call from his receptionist today and she said that there was nothing

> found in the blood tests (no real explanation and I didn't even talk

> to the Dr). I asked what was wrong and the reply was NOTHING.

>

> I guess in the end I wonder if I am crazy and imagining it all. I

> don't know whether to persue the pain and see another GP or

> Rheumatologist or believe (as the Drs do) that it is hypochondria and

> see a psych. This is all very distressing and painful for me.

>

> Thank you for your help,

>

[Guest guest]

Welcome to the group Stef. About 30% of us are sero negative (the RH Factor

is negative). One of the most aggressive cases of RA that I know of is sero

negative - don't let that make you question the diagnosis.

While many of us have a negative RH Factor, most of us have an elevated sed

rate (ESR). Do you know if your sed rate is elevated? That is not specific,

it can be normal with RA and elevated with things besides RA.

I ran low grade fevers for many years and my doctors all attributed them to

the RA. Once I was on the gold shots, the fevers stopped. That seems to

indicate that there was a connection. I had had the low grade fever for

over 20 years.

Pat

At 04:19 PM 02/13/2001 +0000, you wrote:

>Hello, my name is Stefanie and I am new to this group. I am not sure

>how long I will be here as I have not been diagnosed with having RA.

>

>I have been having problems with my health generally for 1-2 months

>now. It started with bad bad mouth ulcers (some the regular mouth

>ulcer and some of a hard nodule sort)...one dentist though it was

>pemphigus and it is not. This whole time I have had a low fever btw

>99 and 100 (usually about 99.4). About 2-3 weeks ago I started

>noticing pain in my ankles esp at night and then it came into my

>hands and wrists...now it is all the time esp in my wrists and hands

>and the pain can be very bad. There is some stiffness as well but

>very little real swelling (some redness and heat when pain is extra

>bad). I don't know if what I have is RA or something else, but I

>honestly don't recall feeling pain like this before (it is not always

>very painful)

>

>my problem is...after all this, I went to a Dr (several by now), who

>is my GP...he said he thought it to be strep as to his knowledge one

>does not have a fever with RA but did Rh blood test anyway. I got a

>call from his receptionist today and she said that there was nothing

>found in the blood tests (no real explanation and I didn't even talk

>to the Dr). I asked what was wrong and the reply was NOTHING.

>

>I guess in the end I wonder if I am crazy and imagining it all. I

>don't know whether to persue the pain and see another GP or

>Rheumatologist or believe (as the Drs do) that it is hypochondria and

>see a psych. This is all very distressing and painful for me.

>

>Thank you for your help,

>Stef

>

>

>

>