Guest guest Posted October 19, 2004 Report Share Posted October 19, 2004 --- In , " kayjamikel " <zookeeperjoy@e...> wrote: I have sworn for years that i have some type of rheumatological > disease, but doctor's have been slow to diagnose at all. I have Where do I start with my > doctor? Anything work for the pain? > > Thanks, > Joy Tell the doctor what you said in the first sentence: " I know I have some kind of rheumatological disease. " Say it with conviction.Try different doctors until you find one with whom you are satisfied. There is relief from your pain. Sierra Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 19, 2004 Report Share Posted October 19, 2004 I have sworn for years that i have some type of rheumatological > disease, but doctor's have been slow to diagnose at all. I have Where do I start with my > doctor? Anything work for the pain? > > Thanks, > Joy Tell the doctor what you said in the first sentence: " I know I have some kind of rheumatological disease. " Say it with conviction.Try different doctors until you find one with whom you are satisfied. There is relief from your pain. Sierra Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 19, 2004 Report Share Posted October 19, 2004 Is your doctor a rheumatologist? --- In , " kayjamikel " <zookeeperjoy@e...> wrote: > > > Ok, where do I start. I am 38-years-old, have 3 babies, oldest being > 6, and have symptoms I cannot explain. It starts years ago with > positive ANAs and ESRs. On and off throughout the years, these > levels have been elevated and then next month they are not. I also > have what i call floating symptoms. For instance, I will have a > finger that is swollen one week and the next week it is my foot that > is swollen. I have had hips I cannot lay on. Feet ache constantly. > I have hypothyroidism, GERD, Barrett's esophagus, super elevated > cholesterol levels, and no diagnosis. This week, one of my fingers > feels broken. It is all swollen in the nuckle and can barely move > it. I have sworn for years that i have some type of rheumatological > disease, but doctor's have been slow to diagnose at all. I have for > at least 12 years ached from head to toe, just aching all the time > with these painful joint problems floating aroudn my body. I also > tend to get rashes for no reason. Mainly, my right hand has a > constant rash, but i have had my face blow up for no reason, etc. > Does this sound familiar to anybody? Where do I start with my > doctor? Anything work for the pain? > > Thanks, > Joy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 19, 2004 Report Share Posted October 19, 2004 Is your doctor a rheumatologist? > > > Ok, where do I start. I am 38-years-old, have 3 babies, oldest being > 6, and have symptoms I cannot explain. It starts years ago with > positive ANAs and ESRs. On and off throughout the years, these > levels have been elevated and then next month they are not. I also > have what i call floating symptoms. For instance, I will have a > finger that is swollen one week and the next week it is my foot that > is swollen. I have had hips I cannot lay on. Feet ache constantly. > I have hypothyroidism, GERD, Barrett's esophagus, super elevated > cholesterol levels, and no diagnosis. This week, one of my fingers > feels broken. It is all swollen in the nuckle and can barely move > it. I have sworn for years that i have some type of rheumatological > disease, but doctor's have been slow to diagnose at all. I have for > at least 12 years ached from head to toe, just aching all the time > with these painful joint problems floating aroudn my body. I also > tend to get rashes for no reason. Mainly, my right hand has a > constant rash, but i have had my face blow up for no reason, etc. > Does this sound familiar to anybody? Where do I start with my > doctor? Anything work for the pain? > > Thanks, > Joy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 19, 2004 Report Share Posted October 19, 2004 Welcome to the group, Joy! Have you ever seen a rheumatologist? I'll tell you where to go! Mayo Clinic in Rochester http://www.mayoclinic.org/rochester s Hopkins Medicine http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org [ ] New and need advice. > > > > Ok, where do I start. I am 38-years-old, have 3 babies, oldest being > 6, and have symptoms I cannot explain. It starts years ago with > positive ANAs and ESRs. On and off throughout the years, these > levels have been elevated and then next month they are not. I also > have what i call floating symptoms. For instance, I will have a > finger that is swollen one week and the next week it is my foot that > is swollen. I have had hips I cannot lay on. Feet ache constantly. > I have hypothyroidism, GERD, Barrett's esophagus, super elevated > cholesterol levels, and no diagnosis. This week, one of my fingers > feels broken. It is all swollen in the nuckle and can barely move > it. I have sworn for years that i have some type of rheumatological > disease, but doctor's have been slow to diagnose at all. I have for > at least 12 years ached from head to toe, just aching all the time > with these painful joint problems floating aroudn my body. I also > tend to get rashes for no reason. Mainly, my right hand has a > constant rash, but i have had my face blow up for no reason, etc. > Does this sound familiar to anybody? Where do I start with my > doctor? Anything work for the pain? > > Thanks, > Joy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 19, 2004 Report Share Posted October 19, 2004 Welcome to the group, Joy! Have you ever seen a rheumatologist? I'll tell you where to go! Mayo Clinic in Rochester http://www.mayoclinic.org/rochester s Hopkins Medicine http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org [ ] New and need advice. > > > > Ok, where do I start. I am 38-years-old, have 3 babies, oldest being > 6, and have symptoms I cannot explain. It starts years ago with > positive ANAs and ESRs. On and off throughout the years, these > levels have been elevated and then next month they are not. I also > have what i call floating symptoms. For instance, I will have a > finger that is swollen one week and the next week it is my foot that > is swollen. I have had hips I cannot lay on. Feet ache constantly. > I have hypothyroidism, GERD, Barrett's esophagus, super elevated > cholesterol levels, and no diagnosis. This week, one of my fingers > feels broken. It is all swollen in the nuckle and can barely move > it. I have sworn for years that i have some type of rheumatological > disease, but doctor's have been slow to diagnose at all. I have for > at least 12 years ached from head to toe, just aching all the time > with these painful joint problems floating aroudn my body. I also > tend to get rashes for no reason. Mainly, my right hand has a > constant rash, but i have had my face blow up for no reason, etc. > Does this sound familiar to anybody? Where do I start with my > doctor? Anything work for the pain? > > Thanks, > Joy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 19, 2004 Report Share Posted October 19, 2004 Welcome Joy,.....It sounds like you need a new doctor! Do you see a rheumatologist? If not, that is the first thing you need to do, go to someone who knows what their doing. I'm sorry that you have been treated like this with no dx. It's bad enough to deal with pain, but then to not know why, now that is frustrating, most of has been through the same thing. Just don't give up, and find the right doctor for you, Tawny --- In , " kayjamikel " <zookeeperjoy@e...> wrote: > > > Ok, where do I start. I am 38-years-old, have 3 babies, oldest being > 6, and have symptoms I cannot explain. It starts years ago with > positive ANAs and ESRs. On and off throughout the years, these > levels have been elevated and then next month they are not. I also > have what i call floating symptoms. For instance, I will have a > finger that is swollen one week and the next week it is my foot that > is swollen. I have had hips I cannot lay on. Feet ache constantly. > I have hypothyroidism, GERD, Barrett's esophagus, super elevated > cholesterol levels, and no diagnosis. This week, one of my fingers > feels broken. It is all swollen in the nuckle and can barely move > it. I have sworn for years that i have some type of rheumatological > disease, but doctor's have been slow to diagnose at all. I have for > at least 12 years ached from head to toe, just aching all the time > with these painful joint problems floating aroudn my body. I also > tend to get rashes for no reason. Mainly, my right hand has a > constant rash, but i have had my face blow up for no reason, etc. > Does this sound familiar to anybody? Where do I start with my > doctor? Anything work for the pain? > > Thanks, > Joy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 19, 2004 Report Share Posted October 19, 2004 Welcome Joy,.....It sounds like you need a new doctor! Do you see a rheumatologist? If not, that is the first thing you need to do, go to someone who knows what their doing. I'm sorry that you have been treated like this with no dx. It's bad enough to deal with pain, but then to not know why, now that is frustrating, most of has been through the same thing. Just don't give up, and find the right doctor for you, Tawny > > > Ok, where do I start. I am 38-years-old, have 3 babies, oldest being > 6, and have symptoms I cannot explain. It starts years ago with > positive ANAs and ESRs. On and off throughout the years, these > levels have been elevated and then next month they are not. I also > have what i call floating symptoms. For instance, I will have a > finger that is swollen one week and the next week it is my foot that > is swollen. I have had hips I cannot lay on. Feet ache constantly. > I have hypothyroidism, GERD, Barrett's esophagus, super elevated > cholesterol levels, and no diagnosis. This week, one of my fingers > feels broken. It is all swollen in the nuckle and can barely move > it. I have sworn for years that i have some type of rheumatological > disease, but doctor's have been slow to diagnose at all. I have for > at least 12 years ached from head to toe, just aching all the time > with these painful joint problems floating aroudn my body. I also > tend to get rashes for no reason. Mainly, my right hand has a > constant rash, but i have had my face blow up for no reason, etc. > Does this sound familiar to anybody? Where do I start with my > doctor? Anything work for the pain? > > Thanks, > Joy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 19, 2004 Report Share Posted October 19, 2004 No, not yet been to a rheumatologist, but at last visit with my PCP, I asked him for a prescription for Elavil, which i have read helps with general pain that is chronic, and it does help me. So, he then gave me a referral to a rheumatologist, but that was after a negative rheumatoid panel, so i figured why bother. But, I am beginning to think that this is how rheumatological things progress, positive one month, negative the next. This with the finger this week is definitely something and i swear it has been other places. I am going to make an appointment soon. Just was wondering if at my age, my symptoms, does this sound familiar to anybody before they were diagnosed. Did symptoms jump around? Were there periods where there are no symptoms? I am so sorry for being so vague. I am just extremely frustrated this week with this. Not only the finger, but I cannot stand up straight for longer than 5 minutes w/o having pain. I have to bend over to relieve the pain. Thanks all who answered. I will let you know. > > > > > > Ok, where do I start. I am 38-years-old, have 3 babies, oldest > being > > 6, and have symptoms I cannot explain. It starts years ago with > > positive ANAs and ESRs. On and off throughout the years, these > > levels have been elevated and then next month they are not. I also > > have what i call floating symptoms. For instance, I will have a > > finger that is swollen one week and the next week it is my foot > that > > is swollen. I have had hips I cannot lay on. Feet ache > constantly. > > I have hypothyroidism, GERD, Barrett's esophagus, super elevated > > cholesterol levels, and no diagnosis. This week, one of my fingers > > feels broken. It is all swollen in the nuckle and can barely move > > it. I have sworn for years that i have some type of > rheumatological > > disease, but doctor's have been slow to diagnose at all. I have > for > > at least 12 years ached from head to toe, just aching all the time > > with these painful joint problems floating aroudn my body. I also > > tend to get rashes for no reason. Mainly, my right hand has a > > constant rash, but i have had my face blow up for no reason, etc. > > Does this sound familiar to anybody? Where do I start with my > > doctor? Anything work for the pain? > > > > Thanks, > > Joy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 19, 2004 Report Share Posted October 19, 2004 No, not yet been to a rheumatologist, but at last visit with my PCP, I asked him for a prescription for Elavil, which i have read helps with general pain that is chronic, and it does help me. So, he then gave me a referral to a rheumatologist, but that was after a negative rheumatoid panel, so i figured why bother. But, I am beginning to think that this is how rheumatological things progress, positive one month, negative the next. This with the finger this week is definitely something and i swear it has been other places. I am going to make an appointment soon. Just was wondering if at my age, my symptoms, does this sound familiar to anybody before they were diagnosed. Did symptoms jump around? Were there periods where there are no symptoms? I am so sorry for being so vague. I am just extremely frustrated this week with this. Not only the finger, but I cannot stand up straight for longer than 5 minutes w/o having pain. I have to bend over to relieve the pain. Thanks all who answered. I will let you know. > > > > > > Ok, where do I start. I am 38-years-old, have 3 babies, oldest > being > > 6, and have symptoms I cannot explain. It starts years ago with > > positive ANAs and ESRs. On and off throughout the years, these > > levels have been elevated and then next month they are not. I also > > have what i call floating symptoms. For instance, I will have a > > finger that is swollen one week and the next week it is my foot > that > > is swollen. I have had hips I cannot lay on. Feet ache > constantly. > > I have hypothyroidism, GERD, Barrett's esophagus, super elevated > > cholesterol levels, and no diagnosis. This week, one of my fingers > > feels broken. It is all swollen in the nuckle and can barely move > > it. I have sworn for years that i have some type of > rheumatological > > disease, but doctor's have been slow to diagnose at all. I have > for > > at least 12 years ached from head to toe, just aching all the time > > with these painful joint problems floating aroudn my body. I also > > tend to get rashes for no reason. Mainly, my right hand has a > > constant rash, but i have had my face blow up for no reason, etc. > > Does this sound familiar to anybody? Where do I start with my > > doctor? Anything work for the pain? > > > > Thanks, > > Joy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 19, 2004 Report Share Posted October 19, 2004 --- In , " kayjamikel " <zookeeperjoy@e...> wrote: Did symptoms jump around? Were there periods where > there are no symptoms? Yes to both questions. Sierra Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 19, 2004 Report Share Posted October 19, 2004 Did symptoms jump around? Were there periods where > there are no symptoms? Yes to both questions. Sierra Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 19, 2004 Report Share Posted October 19, 2004 Joy, how high is your cholesterol? Does it run in your family? I'll tell you where to go! Mayo Clinic in Rochester http://www.mayoclinic.org/rochester s Hopkins Medicine http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org [ ] Re: New and need advice. > > > > No, not yet been to a rheumatologist, but at last visit with my PCP, > I asked him for a prescription for Elavil, which i have read helps > with general pain that is chronic, and it does help me. So, he then > gave me a referral to a rheumatologist, but that was after a negative > rheumatoid panel, so i figured why bother. But, I am beginning to > think that this is how rheumatological things progress, positive one > month, negative the next. This with the finger this week is > definitely something and i swear it has been other places. > > I am going to make an appointment soon. Just was wondering if at my > age, my symptoms, does this sound familiar to anybody before they > were diagnosed. Did symptoms jump around? Were there periods where > there are no symptoms? I am so sorry for being so vague. I am just > extremely frustrated this week with this. Not only the finger, but I > cannot stand up straight for longer than 5 minutes w/o having pain. > I have to bend over to relieve the pain. > > Thanks all who answered. I will let you know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 19, 2004 Report Share Posted October 19, 2004 Joy, how high is your cholesterol? Does it run in your family? I'll tell you where to go! Mayo Clinic in Rochester http://www.mayoclinic.org/rochester s Hopkins Medicine http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org [ ] Re: New and need advice. > > > > No, not yet been to a rheumatologist, but at last visit with my PCP, > I asked him for a prescription for Elavil, which i have read helps > with general pain that is chronic, and it does help me. So, he then > gave me a referral to a rheumatologist, but that was after a negative > rheumatoid panel, so i figured why bother. But, I am beginning to > think that this is how rheumatological things progress, positive one > month, negative the next. This with the finger this week is > definitely something and i swear it has been other places. > > I am going to make an appointment soon. Just was wondering if at my > age, my symptoms, does this sound familiar to anybody before they > were diagnosed. Did symptoms jump around? Were there periods where > there are no symptoms? I am so sorry for being so vague. I am just > extremely frustrated this week with this. Not only the finger, but I > cannot stand up straight for longer than 5 minutes w/o having pain. > I have to bend over to relieve the pain. > > Thanks all who answered. I will let you know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 20, 2004 Report Share Posted October 20, 2004 A negative rheumatoid factor does not mean anything. Diagnosing RA is like putting together a puzzle. You get enough pieces and you can see what the picture is. Some of us have an elevated rheumatoid factor and some don't. For me, the puzzle pieces were positive rheumatoid factor, mother with severe RA, RA like symptoms, positive response to typical RA drugs. For someone else the puzzle might look different, but have the same diagnosis. You definitely should see a rheumatologist. My symptoms did come and go and jump around at the beginning. It took me 9 months to get a diagnosis, because my rheumy said at first it was just 'brewing' and then finally that I had it. Jennie > > > > > > > > > Ok, where do I start. I am 38-years-old, have 3 babies, oldest > > being > > > 6, and have symptoms I cannot explain. It starts years ago with > > > positive ANAs and ESRs. On and off throughout the years, these > > > levels have been elevated and then next month they are not. I > also > > > have what i call floating symptoms. For instance, I will have a > > > finger that is swollen one week and the next week it is my foot > > that > > > is swollen. I have had hips I cannot lay on. Feet ache > > constantly. > > > I have hypothyroidism, GERD, Barrett's esophagus, super elevated > > > cholesterol levels, and no diagnosis. This week, one of my > fingers > > > feels broken. It is all swollen in the nuckle and can barely > move > > > it. I have sworn for years that i have some type of > > rheumatological > > > disease, but doctor's have been slow to diagnose at all. I have > > for > > > at least 12 years ached from head to toe, just aching all the > time > > > with these painful joint problems floating aroudn my body. I > also > > > tend to get rashes for no reason. Mainly, my right hand has a > > > constant rash, but i have had my face blow up for no reason, > etc. > > > Does this sound familiar to anybody? Where do I start with my > > > doctor? Anything work for the pain? > > > > > > Thanks, > > > Joy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 20, 2004 Report Share Posted October 20, 2004 A negative rheumatoid factor does not mean anything. Diagnosing RA is like putting together a puzzle. You get enough pieces and you can see what the picture is. Some of us have an elevated rheumatoid factor and some don't. For me, the puzzle pieces were positive rheumatoid factor, mother with severe RA, RA like symptoms, positive response to typical RA drugs. For someone else the puzzle might look different, but have the same diagnosis. You definitely should see a rheumatologist. My symptoms did come and go and jump around at the beginning. It took me 9 months to get a diagnosis, because my rheumy said at first it was just 'brewing' and then finally that I had it. Jennie > > > > > > > > > Ok, where do I start. I am 38-years-old, have 3 babies, oldest > > being > > > 6, and have symptoms I cannot explain. It starts years ago with > > > positive ANAs and ESRs. On and off throughout the years, these > > > levels have been elevated and then next month they are not. I > also > > > have what i call floating symptoms. For instance, I will have a > > > finger that is swollen one week and the next week it is my foot > > that > > > is swollen. I have had hips I cannot lay on. Feet ache > > constantly. > > > I have hypothyroidism, GERD, Barrett's esophagus, super elevated > > > cholesterol levels, and no diagnosis. This week, one of my > fingers > > > feels broken. It is all swollen in the nuckle and can barely > move > > > it. I have sworn for years that i have some type of > > rheumatological > > > disease, but doctor's have been slow to diagnose at all. I have > > for > > > at least 12 years ached from head to toe, just aching all the > time > > > with these painful joint problems floating aroudn my body. I > also > > > tend to get rashes for no reason. Mainly, my right hand has a > > > constant rash, but i have had my face blow up for no reason, > etc. > > > Does this sound familiar to anybody? Where do I start with my > > > doctor? Anything work for the pain? > > > > > > Thanks, > > > Joy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 20, 2004 Report Share Posted October 20, 2004 Hello,the rheum. team that i see is 4-5 hours out of state for me.So what i have been doing is taking pictures for them.YOu can also do this,for your dr to see and to keep a journal of your illness progression.That way if you have to go the hospital,switch drs,or whatever situation arises,you have your midical info with you. I also keep copies of all my scans,and all blood work. If your foot swells one day,take that foot pic and then next week take a pic of your finger and take them the dr with you.but make sure you keep the pic. for yourself,i have found that if you let the dr " borrow " them,that they get misplaced.I have also found that you are your best dr. and if you are multiple swelling and pain,than that is what is going on,and they need to respect what you are saying and treat you for those issues.If you are not being validated in your medical care,that affects your mental state,and i think we all know that affects to a certain point how our bodies feel. I know for me,that i feel if my drs dont care,who is going to? So dont give up,there are good drs out there,you just have to find the right one for you. Sorry this is so long, but i have gone years without the proper medical care,until the last 2 years,it is really hard . So hang in there. Lupie Hugs, Cheryl kayjamikel <zookeeperjoy@...> wrote: No, not yet been to a rheumatologist, but at last visit with my PCP, I asked him for a prescription for Elavil, which i have read helps with general pain that is chronic, and it does help me. So, he then gave me a referral to a rheumatologist, but that was after a negative rheumatoid panel, so i figured why bother. But, I am beginning to think that this is how rheumatological things progress, positive one month, negative the next. This with the finger this week is definitely something and i swear it has been other places. I am going to make an appointment soon. Just was wondering if at my age, my symptoms, does this sound familiar to anybody before they were diagnosed. Did symptoms jump around? Were there periods where there are no symptoms? I am so sorry for being so vague. I am just extremely frustrated this week with this. Not only the finger, but I cannot stand up straight for longer than 5 minutes w/o having pain. I have to bend over to relieve the pain. Thanks all who answered. I will let you know. > > > > > > Ok, where do I start. I am 38-years-old, have 3 babies, oldest > being > > 6, and have symptoms I cannot explain. It starts years ago with > > positive ANAs and ESRs. On and off throughout the years, these > > levels have been elevated and then next month they are not. I also > > have what i call floating symptoms. For instance, I will have a > > finger that is swollen one week and the next week it is my foot > that > > is swollen. I have had hips I cannot lay on. Feet ache > constantly. > > I have hypothyroidism, GERD, Barrett's esophagus, super elevated > > cholesterol levels, and no diagnosis. This week, one of my fingers > > feels broken. It is all swollen in the nuckle and can barely move > > it. I have sworn for years that i have some type of > rheumatological > > disease, but doctor's have been slow to diagnose at all. I have > for > > at least 12 years ached from head to toe, just aching all the time > > with these painful joint problems floating aroudn my body. I also > > tend to get rashes for no reason. Mainly, my right hand has a > > constant rash, but i have had my face blow up for no reason, etc. > > Does this sound familiar to anybody? Where do I start with my > > doctor? Anything work for the pain? > > > > Thanks, > > Joy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 20, 2004 Report Share Posted October 20, 2004 Hello,the rheum. team that i see is 4-5 hours out of state for me.So what i have been doing is taking pictures for them.YOu can also do this,for your dr to see and to keep a journal of your illness progression.That way if you have to go the hospital,switch drs,or whatever situation arises,you have your midical info with you. I also keep copies of all my scans,and all blood work. If your foot swells one day,take that foot pic and then next week take a pic of your finger and take them the dr with you.but make sure you keep the pic. for yourself,i have found that if you let the dr " borrow " them,that they get misplaced.I have also found that you are your best dr. and if you are multiple swelling and pain,than that is what is going on,and they need to respect what you are saying and treat you for those issues.If you are not being validated in your medical care,that affects your mental state,and i think we all know that affects to a certain point how our bodies feel. I know for me,that i feel if my drs dont care,who is going to? So dont give up,there are good drs out there,you just have to find the right one for you. Sorry this is so long, but i have gone years without the proper medical care,until the last 2 years,it is really hard . So hang in there. Lupie Hugs, Cheryl kayjamikel <zookeeperjoy@...> wrote: No, not yet been to a rheumatologist, but at last visit with my PCP, I asked him for a prescription for Elavil, which i have read helps with general pain that is chronic, and it does help me. So, he then gave me a referral to a rheumatologist, but that was after a negative rheumatoid panel, so i figured why bother. But, I am beginning to think that this is how rheumatological things progress, positive one month, negative the next. This with the finger this week is definitely something and i swear it has been other places. I am going to make an appointment soon. Just was wondering if at my age, my symptoms, does this sound familiar to anybody before they were diagnosed. Did symptoms jump around? Were there periods where there are no symptoms? I am so sorry for being so vague. I am just extremely frustrated this week with this. Not only the finger, but I cannot stand up straight for longer than 5 minutes w/o having pain. I have to bend over to relieve the pain. Thanks all who answered. I will let you know. > > > > > > Ok, where do I start. I am 38-years-old, have 3 babies, oldest > being > > 6, and have symptoms I cannot explain. It starts years ago with > > positive ANAs and ESRs. On and off throughout the years, these > > levels have been elevated and then next month they are not. I also > > have what i call floating symptoms. For instance, I will have a > > finger that is swollen one week and the next week it is my foot > that > > is swollen. I have had hips I cannot lay on. Feet ache > constantly. > > I have hypothyroidism, GERD, Barrett's esophagus, super elevated > > cholesterol levels, and no diagnosis. This week, one of my fingers > > feels broken. It is all swollen in the nuckle and can barely move > > it. I have sworn for years that i have some type of > rheumatological > > disease, but doctor's have been slow to diagnose at all. I have > for > > at least 12 years ached from head to toe, just aching all the time > > with these painful joint problems floating aroudn my body. I also > > tend to get rashes for no reason. Mainly, my right hand has a > > constant rash, but i have had my face blow up for no reason, etc. > > Does this sound familiar to anybody? Where do I start with my > > doctor? Anything work for the pain? > > > > Thanks, > > Joy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 20, 2004 Report Share Posted October 20, 2004 Joy, I do not post here often, but come to this site daily for support. I am 36 years old and was diagnosed with RA in April of this year. I had never had any symptoms and then in Feb my feet hurt when I would get out of bed. By March, they were always swollen and I could barely walk. I was quickly referred from my PCP to a Podiatrist and finally to a Rheumatologist. I have a very elevated RA factor and sed rate, so diagnosis was a little easier for me. My RA is very aggressive. It is always in my feet but one week my hands or a finger will be swollen, the next week it will be knee, etc. A month ago I had TMJ in my jaw and was told that that is very common with RA since it is a joint. I am currently on 25 mg of methotrexate, 20 mg of bextra, amitriptylin, and folic acid. My rheumy wants to start me on Remicade asap, but I am dragging my feet about adding yet another drug. If you are in pain, you definitely need to get to a rheumatologist. It is the only thing that saved me from severe joint damage and he knows his stuff. I am thankful that my rheumy is very aggressive and will accept nothing less than complete remission before he stops. You also need to be sure to seek support from others who are in chronic pain as well. That is why this board is such a comfort to me at least. When you are younger and don't look sick, it is very hard for others to understand what you are going through. My mother- in-law has had psioratic arthritis for 35 years, so I find a lot of support from her as well. You should also find out everything you can about your conditions. My rheumy is always shocked when he will mention a drug and I will be able to tell him everything about it. Being informed is your best defense. Good luck and know that there are others out there who are in the same boat. I will be thinking about you. --- In , " kayjamikel " <zookeeperjoy@e...> wrote: > > > Ok, where do I start. I am 38-years-old, have 3 babies, oldest being > 6, and have symptoms I cannot explain. It starts years ago with > positive ANAs and ESRs. On and off throughout the years, these > levels have been elevated and then next month they are not. I also > have what i call floating symptoms. For instance, I will have a > finger that is swollen one week and the next week it is my foot that > is swollen. I have had hips I cannot lay on. Feet ache constantly. > I have hypothyroidism, GERD, Barrett's esophagus, super elevated > cholesterol levels, and no diagnosis. This week, one of my fingers > feels broken. It is all swollen in the nuckle and can barely move > it. I have sworn for years that i have some type of rheumatological > disease, but doctor's have been slow to diagnose at all. I have for > at least 12 years ached from head to toe, just aching all the time > with these painful joint problems floating aroudn my body. I also > tend to get rashes for no reason. Mainly, my right hand has a > constant rash, but i have had my face blow up for no reason, etc. > Does this sound familiar to anybody? Where do I start with my > doctor? Anything work for the pain? > > Thanks, > Joy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 20, 2004 Report Share Posted October 20, 2004 Joy, I do not post here often, but come to this site daily for support. I am 36 years old and was diagnosed with RA in April of this year. I had never had any symptoms and then in Feb my feet hurt when I would get out of bed. By March, they were always swollen and I could barely walk. I was quickly referred from my PCP to a Podiatrist and finally to a Rheumatologist. I have a very elevated RA factor and sed rate, so diagnosis was a little easier for me. My RA is very aggressive. It is always in my feet but one week my hands or a finger will be swollen, the next week it will be knee, etc. A month ago I had TMJ in my jaw and was told that that is very common with RA since it is a joint. I am currently on 25 mg of methotrexate, 20 mg of bextra, amitriptylin, and folic acid. My rheumy wants to start me on Remicade asap, but I am dragging my feet about adding yet another drug. If you are in pain, you definitely need to get to a rheumatologist. It is the only thing that saved me from severe joint damage and he knows his stuff. I am thankful that my rheumy is very aggressive and will accept nothing less than complete remission before he stops. You also need to be sure to seek support from others who are in chronic pain as well. That is why this board is such a comfort to me at least. When you are younger and don't look sick, it is very hard for others to understand what you are going through. My mother- in-law has had psioratic arthritis for 35 years, so I find a lot of support from her as well. You should also find out everything you can about your conditions. My rheumy is always shocked when he will mention a drug and I will be able to tell him everything about it. Being informed is your best defense. Good luck and know that there are others out there who are in the same boat. I will be thinking about you. > > > Ok, where do I start. I am 38-years-old, have 3 babies, oldest being > 6, and have symptoms I cannot explain. It starts years ago with > positive ANAs and ESRs. On and off throughout the years, these > levels have been elevated and then next month they are not. I also > have what i call floating symptoms. For instance, I will have a > finger that is swollen one week and the next week it is my foot that > is swollen. I have had hips I cannot lay on. Feet ache constantly. > I have hypothyroidism, GERD, Barrett's esophagus, super elevated > cholesterol levels, and no diagnosis. This week, one of my fingers > feels broken. It is all swollen in the nuckle and can barely move > it. I have sworn for years that i have some type of rheumatological > disease, but doctor's have been slow to diagnose at all. I have for > at least 12 years ached from head to toe, just aching all the time > with these painful joint problems floating aroudn my body. I also > tend to get rashes for no reason. Mainly, my right hand has a > constant rash, but i have had my face blow up for no reason, etc. > Does this sound familiar to anybody? Where do I start with my > doctor? Anything work for the pain? > > Thanks, > Joy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 20, 2004 Report Share Posted October 20, 2004 Good ideas, Cheryl! Having good documentation, including photos, and being fully portable is very important. I'll tell you where to go! Mayo Clinic in Rochester http://www.mayoclinic.org/rochester s Hopkins Medicine http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org Re: [ ] Re: New and need advice. > > > Hello,the rheum. team that i see is 4-5 hours out of state for me.So what i have been doing is taking pictures for them.YOu can also do this,for your dr to see and to keep a journal of your illness progression.That way if you have to go the hospital,switch drs,or whatever situation arises,you have your midical info with you. I also keep copies of all my scans,and all blood work. If your foot swells one day,take that foot pic and then next week take a pic of your finger and take them the dr with you.but make sure you keep the pic. for yourself,i have found that if you let the dr " borrow " them,that they get misplaced.I have also found that you are your best dr. and if you are multiple swelling and pain,than that is what is going on,and they need to respect what you are saying and treat you for those issues.If you are not being validated in your medical care,that affects your mental state,and i think we all know that affects to a certain point how our bodies feel. I know for me,that > i feel if my drs dont care,who is going to? So dont give up,there are good drs out there,you just have to find the right one for you. Sorry this is so long, but i have gone years without the proper medical care,until the last 2 years,it is really hard . So hang in there. > Lupie Hugs, > Cheryl Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 20, 2004 Report Share Posted October 20, 2004 Good ideas, Cheryl! Having good documentation, including photos, and being fully portable is very important. I'll tell you where to go! Mayo Clinic in Rochester http://www.mayoclinic.org/rochester s Hopkins Medicine http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org Re: [ ] Re: New and need advice. > > > Hello,the rheum. team that i see is 4-5 hours out of state for me.So what i have been doing is taking pictures for them.YOu can also do this,for your dr to see and to keep a journal of your illness progression.That way if you have to go the hospital,switch drs,or whatever situation arises,you have your midical info with you. I also keep copies of all my scans,and all blood work. If your foot swells one day,take that foot pic and then next week take a pic of your finger and take them the dr with you.but make sure you keep the pic. for yourself,i have found that if you let the dr " borrow " them,that they get misplaced.I have also found that you are your best dr. and if you are multiple swelling and pain,than that is what is going on,and they need to respect what you are saying and treat you for those issues.If you are not being validated in your medical care,that affects your mental state,and i think we all know that affects to a certain point how our bodies feel. I know for me,that > i feel if my drs dont care,who is going to? So dont give up,there are good drs out there,you just have to find the right one for you. Sorry this is so long, but i have gone years without the proper medical care,until the last 2 years,it is really hard . So hang in there. > Lupie Hugs, > Cheryl Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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