Re: New to RA Have some questions ~Sorry long~

[Guest guest]

Welcome Nichol. Although Erythema Nodosum can be a result of RA, it

has many other causes including Strep, oral contraceptives, sulfa

containing antibiotics and many other conditions. Here is a website

that explains it:

Erythema Nodosum

http://www.umm.edu/dermatology-info/enodo.htm

There are also many reasons for your sed rate to be elevated. The sed

rate is a measure of inflammation, and since Erythema Nodosum

is an inflammatory condition, it could be the reason your sed rate is

elevated. Erythema Nodosum causes fever and joint pain as well.

Do you know what other blood tests were taken?

RA cannot be diagnosed by a blood test alone. I'm glad you're going to

a rheumatologist. You can learn more about RA from this website:

http://rheumatoid.arthritis.freehosting.net/Rheumatoid Arthritis.html

I'm sorry you're feeling so bad and hope whatever is going on can be

treated and you can go back to life as normal.

It's frustrating not knowing what is going on. Sometimes it takes a

long time to get the proper diagnoses.

Hang in there.

a

On May 23, 2005, at 3:16 PM, snrkfamily wrote:

> Hi my name is Nichol and i'm 33 years old. I have been very sick the

> past year. And after a huge batch of test they diagnosed me with

> RA. After talking around I guess alot of my female cousins are being

> diagnosed withit. It started last year I ran a fever for 4 weeks of

> about 99 - 103 degrees. I couldn't even get out of bed I was so

> stiff

> and sore. I ached all over and just felt like I sould die at any

> moment. I then started getting these bumps all over my legs. They

> ended up telling me it was called erythema nodosum. These bumps were

> on my legs for about 6 weeks and I couldn't even walk very well. My

> ankles were red and tender and about twice the size they regularly

> are.  I got well and was doing ok until about 4 weeks ago. Then I

> started running the fever again but no bumps. I felt like I had been

> ran over with a mac truck. I had the fever for 2 1/2 weeks this

> time.

> I went to the dr. and they ran all kinds of tests. I guess my ced

> rate? (inflammation) was suppose to be lower than 20 and it was 87.

> And another inflammation test was 9 times what it was suppose to be.

> I am also very very anemic.

> So they did more tests and came to the conclution that I have RA. I

> have to see a rheumetologist but I can't get in to see one until

> July.

>

> So here is my questions. Are these bumps I had related to the RA? 

> My

> joints arn't hurting that much anymore but my muscels are killing me

> when ever

> I

> do anything. From walking to typing on the computer. Is this normal?

> I

> have always ached here and there but when I get these fever

> episodes,

> I feel like my life is falling apart. I feel like a Hypocondriact?

> But, I really feel awful. The only joints that really bottered me,

> was I have these really swollen joints in my thumbs right at the

> bottom where my hand connects to my thumb. And it feels like all the

> tendens are huge and sore. If I bump them I know they are there and

> they still hurt but, never got red. They

> are on both thumbs. My feet also hurt really bad but not the whole

> foot just one section on the outer joints in the foot. (The small

> ones) but, I think it is funny because they are on both feet the

> same

> place. Both thumbs the same place. I also just have generalized body

> aches. It takes me like 2 hours to get going in the morning. How

> long

> will this last? Last summer I was out for like 12 weeks please don't

> tell me it is going to be a repeat!! Please help me with any

> information to read. Links that help you ext. Thanks so much

>

> Nichol

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Welcome Nichol. Although Erythema Nodosum can be a result of RA, it

has many other causes including Strep, oral contraceptives, sulfa

containing antibiotics and many other conditions. Here is a website

that explains it:

Erythema Nodosum

http://www.umm.edu/dermatology-info/enodo.htm

There are also many reasons for your sed rate to be elevated. The sed

rate is a measure of inflammation, and since Erythema Nodosum

is an inflammatory condition, it could be the reason your sed rate is

elevated. Erythema Nodosum causes fever and joint pain as well.

Do you know what other blood tests were taken?

RA cannot be diagnosed by a blood test alone. I'm glad you're going to

a rheumatologist. You can learn more about RA from this website:

http://rheumatoid.arthritis.freehosting.net/Rheumatoid Arthritis.html

I'm sorry you're feeling so bad and hope whatever is going on can be

treated and you can go back to life as normal.

It's frustrating not knowing what is going on. Sometimes it takes a

long time to get the proper diagnoses.

Hang in there.

a

On May 23, 2005, at 3:16 PM, snrkfamily wrote:

> Hi my name is Nichol and i'm 33 years old. I have been very sick the

> past year. And after a huge batch of test they diagnosed me with

> RA. After talking around I guess alot of my female cousins are being

> diagnosed withit. It started last year I ran a fever for 4 weeks of

> about 99 - 103 degrees. I couldn't even get out of bed I was so

> stiff

> and sore. I ached all over and just felt like I sould die at any

> moment. I then started getting these bumps all over my legs. They

> ended up telling me it was called erythema nodosum. These bumps were

> on my legs for about 6 weeks and I couldn't even walk very well. My

> ankles were red and tender and about twice the size they regularly

> are.  I got well and was doing ok until about 4 weeks ago. Then I

> started running the fever again but no bumps. I felt like I had been

> ran over with a mac truck. I had the fever for 2 1/2 weeks this

> time.

> I went to the dr. and they ran all kinds of tests. I guess my ced

> rate? (inflammation) was suppose to be lower than 20 and it was 87.

> And another inflammation test was 9 times what it was suppose to be.

> I am also very very anemic.

> So they did more tests and came to the conclution that I have RA. I

> have to see a rheumetologist but I can't get in to see one until

> July.

>

> So here is my questions. Are these bumps I had related to the RA? 

> My

> joints arn't hurting that much anymore but my muscels are killing me

> when ever

> I

> do anything. From walking to typing on the computer. Is this normal?

> I

> have always ached here and there but when I get these fever

> episodes,

> I feel like my life is falling apart. I feel like a Hypocondriact?

> But, I really feel awful. The only joints that really bottered me,

> was I have these really swollen joints in my thumbs right at the

> bottom where my hand connects to my thumb. And it feels like all the

> tendens are huge and sore. If I bump them I know they are there and

> they still hurt but, never got red. They

> are on both thumbs. My feet also hurt really bad but not the whole

> foot just one section on the outer joints in the foot. (The small

> ones) but, I think it is funny because they are on both feet the

> same

> place. Both thumbs the same place. I also just have generalized body

> aches. It takes me like 2 hours to get going in the morning. How

> long

> will this last? Last summer I was out for like 12 weeks please don't

> tell me it is going to be a repeat!! Please help me with any

> information to read. Links that help you ext. Thanks so much

>

> Nichol

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

a,

Thanks for the quick response. The links are great! I do have

some other test results but i have no idea what they mean or what

they are for

C-reactive protine is 7.1 Norm 0-.09

RF is 7 Norm <=10

Antinuclear Ab, s is 2.2 Norm >=1.0

HgB is 9.5

Iron is 30ug/dl Norm 37-158

TIBC is 360 Norm 250-450

Trasferrin Saturation 8% Norm 20-100

Ferritin is 22 norm 6-159

Thats all I have to go buy. Doesn't make any sense to me. But thanks

anyway.. Nichol

>

> > Hi my name is Nichol and i'm 33 years old. I have been very sick

the

> > past year. And after a huge batch of test they diagnosed me with

> > RA. After talking around I guess alot of my female cousins are

being

> > diagnosed withit. It started last year I ran a fever for 4

weeks of

> > about 99 - 103 degrees. I couldn't even get out of bed I was so

> > stiff

> > and sore. I ached all over and just felt like I sould die at any

> > moment. I then started getting these bumps all over my legs.

They

> > ended up telling me it was called erythema nodosum. These bumps

were

> > on my legs for about 6 weeks and I couldn't even walk very

well. My

> > ankles were red and tender and about twice the size they

regularly

> > are.  I got well and was doing ok until about 4 weeks ago. Then

I

> > started running the fever again but no bumps. I felt like I had

been

> > ran over with a mac truck. I had the fever for 2 1/2 weeks this

> > time.

> > I went to the dr. and they ran all kinds of tests. I guess my

ced

> > rate? (inflammation) was suppose to be lower than 20 and it was

87.

> > And another inflammation test was 9 times what it was suppose

to be.

> > I am also very very anemic.

> > So they did more tests and came to the conclution that I have

RA. I

> > have to see a rheumetologist but I can't get in to see one until

> > July.

> >

> > So here is my questions. Are these bumps I had related to the

RA? 

> > My

> > joints arn't hurting that much anymore but my muscels are

killing me

> > when ever

> > I

> > do anything. From walking to typing on the computer. Is this

normal?

> > I

> > have always ached here and there but when I get these fever

> > episodes,

> > I feel like my life is falling apart. I feel like a

Hypocondriact?

> > But, I really feel awful. The only joints that really bottered

me,

> > was I have these really swollen joints in my thumbs right at the

> > bottom where my hand connects to my thumb. And it feels like

all the

> > tendens are huge and sore. If I bump them I know they are there

and

> > they still hurt but, never got red. They

> > are on both thumbs. My feet also hurt really bad but not the

whole

> > foot just one section on the outer joints in the foot. (The

small

> > ones) but, I think it is funny because they are on both feet the

> > same

> > place. Both thumbs the same place. I also just have generalized

body

> > aches. It takes me like 2 hours to get going in the morning. How

> > long

> > will this last? Last summer I was out for like 12 weeks please

don't

> > tell me it is going to be a repeat!! Please help me with any

> > information to read. Links that help you ext. Thanks so much

> >

> > Nichol

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

a,

Thanks for the quick response. The links are great! I do have

some other test results but i have no idea what they mean or what

they are for

C-reactive protine is 7.1 Norm 0-.09

RF is 7 Norm <=10

Antinuclear Ab, s is 2.2 Norm >=1.0

HgB is 9.5

Iron is 30ug/dl Norm 37-158

TIBC is 360 Norm 250-450

Trasferrin Saturation 8% Norm 20-100

Ferritin is 22 norm 6-159

Thats all I have to go buy. Doesn't make any sense to me. But thanks

anyway.. Nichol

>

> > Hi my name is Nichol and i'm 33 years old. I have been very sick

the

> > past year. And after a huge batch of test they diagnosed me with

> > RA. After talking around I guess alot of my female cousins are

being

> > diagnosed withit. It started last year I ran a fever for 4

weeks of

> > about 99 - 103 degrees. I couldn't even get out of bed I was so

> > stiff

> > and sore. I ached all over and just felt like I sould die at any

> > moment. I then started getting these bumps all over my legs.

They

> > ended up telling me it was called erythema nodosum. These bumps

were

> > on my legs for about 6 weeks and I couldn't even walk very

well. My

> > ankles were red and tender and about twice the size they

regularly

> > are.  I got well and was doing ok until about 4 weeks ago. Then

I

> > started running the fever again but no bumps. I felt like I had

been

> > ran over with a mac truck. I had the fever for 2 1/2 weeks this

> > time.

> > I went to the dr. and they ran all kinds of tests. I guess my

ced

> > rate? (inflammation) was suppose to be lower than 20 and it was

87.

> > And another inflammation test was 9 times what it was suppose

to be.

> > I am also very very anemic.

> > So they did more tests and came to the conclution that I have

RA. I

> > have to see a rheumetologist but I can't get in to see one until

> > July.

> >

> > So here is my questions. Are these bumps I had related to the

RA? 

> > My

> > joints arn't hurting that much anymore but my muscels are

killing me

> > when ever

> > I

> > do anything. From walking to typing on the computer. Is this

normal?

> > I

> > have always ached here and there but when I get these fever

> > episodes,

> > I feel like my life is falling apart. I feel like a

Hypocondriact?

> > But, I really feel awful. The only joints that really bottered

me,

> > was I have these really swollen joints in my thumbs right at the

> > bottom where my hand connects to my thumb. And it feels like

all the

> > tendens are huge and sore. If I bump them I know they are there

and

> > they still hurt but, never got red. They

> > are on both thumbs. My feet also hurt really bad but not the

whole

> > foot just one section on the outer joints in the foot. (The

small

> > ones) but, I think it is funny because they are on both feet the

> > same

> > place. Both thumbs the same place. I also just have generalized

body

> > aches. It takes me like 2 hours to get going in the morning. How

> > long

> > will this last? Last summer I was out for like 12 weeks please

don't

> > tell me it is going to be a repeat!! Please help me with any

> > information to read. Links that help you ext. Thanks so much

> >

> > Nichol

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

You're welcome Nichol.

C-reactive protein is another measurement of inflammation, but more

accurate than the sed rate. The RF is rheumatoid factor. RF is

elevated 80-90% of the time in someone with RA. It's good that yours

is normal, although it doesn't rule out RA. It's possible to have

sero-negative RA.

The Iron, TIBC and Transferrin Saturation are all different tests to

determine if you're anemic. Iron is stored in the liver. When iron is

needed by the body, the Transferrin binds to the iron & transports to

the bloodstream. As your doctor already told you, you're anemic.

There are many reasons for anemia

With joint pain, an elevated sed rate and CRP, your doctor is doing the

right thing by referring you to a rheumatologist for a consultation.

If you have RA, early treatment is important. Just try not to get

upset over your test results. There are many reasons for the

abnormalities in your blood tests. Diagnosing RA can be challenging.

The rheumatologist may order x-rays to see if there is evidence of

erosion in your joints.

I know it's all confusing now, but hang around here and you'll be

educated. We have many very knowledgeable members here.

a

On May 23, 2005, at 8:02 PM, snrkfamily wrote:

> a,

>

>     Thanks for the quick response. The links are great! I do have

> some other test results but i have no idea what they mean or what

> they are for

>

> C-reactive protine is 7.1  Norm 0-.09

> RF is 7   Norm <=10

> Antinuclear Ab, s  is 2.2  Norm >=1.0

> HgB is 9.5

> Iron is 30ug/dl  Norm  37-158

> TIBC is 360   Norm 250-450

> Trasferrin Saturation  8%   Norm 20-100

> Ferritin is 22   norm 6-159

>

> Thats all I have to go buy. Doesn't make any sense to me. But thanks

> anyway.. Nichol

[Guest guest]

You're welcome Nichol.

C-reactive protein is another measurement of inflammation, but more

accurate than the sed rate. The RF is rheumatoid factor. RF is

elevated 80-90% of the time in someone with RA. It's good that yours

is normal, although it doesn't rule out RA. It's possible to have

sero-negative RA.

The Iron, TIBC and Transferrin Saturation are all different tests to

determine if you're anemic. Iron is stored in the liver. When iron is

needed by the body, the Transferrin binds to the iron & transports to

the bloodstream. As your doctor already told you, you're anemic.

There are many reasons for anemia

With joint pain, an elevated sed rate and CRP, your doctor is doing the

right thing by referring you to a rheumatologist for a consultation.

If you have RA, early treatment is important. Just try not to get

upset over your test results. There are many reasons for the

abnormalities in your blood tests. Diagnosing RA can be challenging.

The rheumatologist may order x-rays to see if there is evidence of

erosion in your joints.

I know it's all confusing now, but hang around here and you'll be

educated. We have many very knowledgeable members here.

a

On May 23, 2005, at 8:02 PM, snrkfamily wrote:

> a,

>

>     Thanks for the quick response. The links are great! I do have

> some other test results but i have no idea what they mean or what

> they are for

>

> C-reactive protine is 7.1  Norm 0-.09

> RF is 7   Norm <=10

> Antinuclear Ab, s  is 2.2  Norm >=1.0

> HgB is 9.5

> Iron is 30ug/dl  Norm  37-158

> TIBC is 360   Norm 250-450

> Trasferrin Saturation  8%   Norm 20-100

> Ferritin is 22   norm 6-159

>

> Thats all I have to go buy. Doesn't make any sense to me. But thanks

> anyway.. Nichol

[Guest guest]

Welcome, Nichol! I'm very sorry that you are not well.

What infectious causes of your erythema nodosum did your physician rule out?

Are you taking any medication?

Not an MD

I'll tell you where to go!

Mayo Clinic in Rochester

http://www.mayoclinic.org/rochester

s Hopkins Medicine

http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org

[ ] New to RA Have some questions ~Sorry long~

> Hi my name is Nichol and i'm 33 years old. I have been very sick the

> past year. And after a huge batch of test they diagnosed me with

> RA. After talking around I guess alot of my female cousins are being

> diagnosed withit. It started last year I ran a fever for 4 weeks of

> about 99 - 103 degrees. I couldn't even get out of bed I was so

> stiff

> and sore. I ached all over and just felt like I sould die at any

> moment. I then started getting these bumps all over my legs. They

> ended up telling me it was called erythema nodosum. These bumps were

> on my legs for about 6 weeks and I couldn't even walk very well. My

> ankles were red and tender and about twice the size they regularly

> are. I got well and was doing ok until about 4 weeks ago. Then I

> started running the fever again but no bumps. I felt like I had been

> ran over with a mac truck. I had the fever for 2 1/2 weeks this

> time.

> I went to the dr. and they ran all kinds of tests. I guess my ced

> rate? (inflammation) was suppose to be lower than 20 and it was 87.

> And another inflammation test was 9 times what it was suppose to be.

> I am also very very anemic.

> So they did more tests and came to the conclution that I have RA. I

> have to see a rheumetologist but I can't get in to see one until

> July.

>

> So here is my questions. Are these bumps I had related to the RA?

> My

> joints arn't hurting that much anymore but my muscels are killing me

> when ever

> I

> do anything. From walking to typing on the computer. Is this normal?

> I

> have always ached here and there but when I get these fever

> episodes,

> I feel like my life is falling apart. I feel like a Hypocondriact?

> But, I really feel awful. The only joints that really bottered me,

> was I have these really swollen joints in my thumbs right at the

> bottom where my hand connects to my thumb. And it feels like all the

> tendens are huge and sore. If I bump them I know they are there and

> they still hurt but, never got red. They

> are on both thumbs. My feet also hurt really bad but not the whole

> foot just one section on the outer joints in the foot. (The small

> ones) but, I think it is funny because they are on both feet the

> same

> place. Both thumbs the same place. I also just have generalized body

> aches. It takes me like 2 hours to get going in the morning. How

> long

> will this last? Last summer I was out for like 12 weeks please don't

> tell me it is going to be a repeat!! Please help me with any

> information to read. Links that help you ext. Thanks so much

>

> Nichol

[Guest guest]

Welcome, Nichol! I'm very sorry that you are not well.

What infectious causes of your erythema nodosum did your physician rule out?

Are you taking any medication?

Not an MD

I'll tell you where to go!

Mayo Clinic in Rochester

http://www.mayoclinic.org/rochester

s Hopkins Medicine

http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org

[ ] New to RA Have some questions ~Sorry long~

> Hi my name is Nichol and i'm 33 years old. I have been very sick the

> past year. And after a huge batch of test they diagnosed me with

> RA. After talking around I guess alot of my female cousins are being

> diagnosed withit. It started last year I ran a fever for 4 weeks of

> about 99 - 103 degrees. I couldn't even get out of bed I was so

> stiff

> and sore. I ached all over and just felt like I sould die at any

> moment. I then started getting these bumps all over my legs. They

> ended up telling me it was called erythema nodosum. These bumps were

> on my legs for about 6 weeks and I couldn't even walk very well. My

> ankles were red and tender and about twice the size they regularly

> are. I got well and was doing ok until about 4 weeks ago. Then I

> started running the fever again but no bumps. I felt like I had been

> ran over with a mac truck. I had the fever for 2 1/2 weeks this

> time.

> I went to the dr. and they ran all kinds of tests. I guess my ced

> rate? (inflammation) was suppose to be lower than 20 and it was 87.

> And another inflammation test was 9 times what it was suppose to be.

> I am also very very anemic.

> So they did more tests and came to the conclution that I have RA. I

> have to see a rheumetologist but I can't get in to see one until

> July.

>

> So here is my questions. Are these bumps I had related to the RA?

> My

> joints arn't hurting that much anymore but my muscels are killing me

> when ever

> I

> do anything. From walking to typing on the computer. Is this normal?

> I

> have always ached here and there but when I get these fever

> episodes,

> I feel like my life is falling apart. I feel like a Hypocondriact?

> But, I really feel awful. The only joints that really bottered me,

> was I have these really swollen joints in my thumbs right at the

> bottom where my hand connects to my thumb. And it feels like all the

> tendens are huge and sore. If I bump them I know they are there and

> they still hurt but, never got red. They

> are on both thumbs. My feet also hurt really bad but not the whole

> foot just one section on the outer joints in the foot. (The small

> ones) but, I think it is funny because they are on both feet the

> same

> place. Both thumbs the same place. I also just have generalized body

> aches. It takes me like 2 hours to get going in the morning. How

> long

> will this last? Last summer I was out for like 12 weeks please don't

> tell me it is going to be a repeat!! Please help me with any

> information to read. Links that help you ext. Thanks so much

>

> Nichol

[Guest guest]

They never was able to find out what I had. It took the dr. 4 weeks

to figure out what was wrong.

> Welcome, Nichol! I'm very sorry that you are not well.

>

> What infectious causes of your erythema nodosum did your physician

rule out?

> Are you taking any medication?

>

>

>

> Not an MD

>

> I'll tell you where to go!

>

> Mayo Clinic in Rochester

> http://www.mayoclinic.org/rochester

>

> s Hopkins Medicine

> http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org

>

>

> [ ] New to RA Have some questions ~Sorry long~

>

>

> > Hi my name is Nichol and i'm 33 years old. I have been very sick

the

> > past year. And after a huge batch of test they diagnosed me with

> > RA. After talking around I guess alot of my female cousins are

being

> > diagnosed withit. It started last year I ran a fever for 4 weeks

of

> > about 99 - 103 degrees. I couldn't even get out of bed I was so

> > stiff

> > and sore. I ached all over and just felt like I sould die at any

> > moment. I then started getting these bumps all over my legs. They

> > ended up telling me it was called erythema nodosum. These bumps

were

> > on my legs for about 6 weeks and I couldn't even walk very well.

My

> > ankles were red and tender and about twice the size they

regularly

> > are. I got well and was doing ok until about 4 weeks ago. Then I

> > started running the fever again but no bumps. I felt like I had

been

> > ran over with a mac truck. I had the fever for 2 1/2 weeks this

> > time.

> > I went to the dr. and they ran all kinds of tests. I guess my ced

> > rate? (inflammation) was suppose to be lower than 20 and it was

87.

> > And another inflammation test was 9 times what it was suppose to

be.

> > I am also very very anemic.

> > So they did more tests and came to the conclution that I have

RA. I

> > have to see a rheumetologist but I can't get in to see one until

> > July.

> >

> > So here is my questions. Are these bumps I had related to the RA?

> > My

> > joints arn't hurting that much anymore but my muscels are

killing me

> > when ever

> > I

> > do anything. From walking to typing on the computer. Is this

normal?

> > I

> > have always ached here and there but when I get these fever

> > episodes,

> > I feel like my life is falling apart. I feel like a

Hypocondriact?

> > But, I really feel awful. The only joints that really bottered

me,

> > was I have these really swollen joints in my thumbs right at the

> > bottom where my hand connects to my thumb. And it feels like all

the

> > tendens are huge and sore. If I bump them I know they are there

and

> > they still hurt but, never got red. They

> > are on both thumbs. My feet also hurt really bad but not the

whole

> > foot just one section on the outer joints in the foot. (The small

> > ones) but, I think it is funny because they are on both feet the

> > same

> > place. Both thumbs the same place. I also just have generalized

body

> > aches. It takes me like 2 hours to get going in the morning. How

> > long

> > will this last? Last summer I was out for like 12 weeks please

don't

> > tell me it is going to be a repeat!! Please help me with any

> > information to read. Links that help you ext. Thanks so much

> >

> > Nichol

[Guest guest]

They never was able to find out what I had. It took the dr. 4 weeks

to figure out what was wrong.

> Welcome, Nichol! I'm very sorry that you are not well.

>

> What infectious causes of your erythema nodosum did your physician

rule out?

> Are you taking any medication?

>

>

>

> Not an MD

>

> I'll tell you where to go!

>

> Mayo Clinic in Rochester

> http://www.mayoclinic.org/rochester

>

> s Hopkins Medicine

> http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org

>

>

> [ ] New to RA Have some questions ~Sorry long~

>

>

> > Hi my name is Nichol and i'm 33 years old. I have been very sick

the

> > past year. And after a huge batch of test they diagnosed me with

> > RA. After talking around I guess alot of my female cousins are

being

> > diagnosed withit. It started last year I ran a fever for 4 weeks

of

> > about 99 - 103 degrees. I couldn't even get out of bed I was so

> > stiff

> > and sore. I ached all over and just felt like I sould die at any

> > moment. I then started getting these bumps all over my legs. They

> > ended up telling me it was called erythema nodosum. These bumps

were

> > on my legs for about 6 weeks and I couldn't even walk very well.

My

> > ankles were red and tender and about twice the size they

regularly

> > are. I got well and was doing ok until about 4 weeks ago. Then I

> > started running the fever again but no bumps. I felt like I had

been

> > ran over with a mac truck. I had the fever for 2 1/2 weeks this

> > time.

> > I went to the dr. and they ran all kinds of tests. I guess my ced

> > rate? (inflammation) was suppose to be lower than 20 and it was

87.

> > And another inflammation test was 9 times what it was suppose to

be.

> > I am also very very anemic.

> > So they did more tests and came to the conclution that I have

RA. I

> > have to see a rheumetologist but I can't get in to see one until

> > July.

> >

> > So here is my questions. Are these bumps I had related to the RA?

> > My

> > joints arn't hurting that much anymore but my muscels are

killing me

> > when ever

> > I

> > do anything. From walking to typing on the computer. Is this

normal?

> > I

> > have always ached here and there but when I get these fever

> > episodes,

> > I feel like my life is falling apart. I feel like a

Hypocondriact?

> > But, I really feel awful. The only joints that really bottered

me,

> > was I have these really swollen joints in my thumbs right at the

> > bottom where my hand connects to my thumb. And it feels like all

the

> > tendens are huge and sore. If I bump them I know they are there

and

> > they still hurt but, never got red. They

> > are on both thumbs. My feet also hurt really bad but not the

whole

> > foot just one section on the outer joints in the foot. (The small

> > ones) but, I think it is funny because they are on both feet the

> > same

> > place. Both thumbs the same place. I also just have generalized

body

> > aches. It takes me like 2 hours to get going in the morning. How

> > long

> > will this last? Last summer I was out for like 12 weeks please

don't

> > tell me it is going to be a repeat!! Please help me with any

> > information to read. Links that help you ext. Thanks so much

> >

> > Nichol

[Guest guest]

I thought I had a bad case of the flu that wouldn't go away - fever,

pain, stiffness, crushing fatigue. All your symptoms are normal. Many

people get the bumps (nodules), you can run a fever just about anytime

for no apparent reason. YOU ARE NOT A HYPOCHONDRIAC, and save your

best cuss words for anyone who infers that you are. You are a very

sick person whose immune system has defected to the other side. Notice

the words " immune system. " That's the part that makes you feel sick -

the immune system churns out powerful chemicals in hopes of killing

off the germs before it kills YOU off. Except this time there aren't

any germs - it has latched onto your joints and is battling them like

a mortal enemy. Yeah, it is normal to feel like he11. If you are

lucky, some of the drugs in the RA aresenal will take your immune

system down a notch or two and let you feel more like a normal person.

Your biggest adjustment will be in having to scale your life WAY WAY

back - you now have only a tiny amount of stamina and energy. You have

to carefully hoard it so you don't run out at a bad time.

GB and keep us posted.

Nina in Tucson

[Guest guest]

I thought I had a bad case of the flu that wouldn't go away - fever,

pain, stiffness, crushing fatigue. All your symptoms are normal. Many

people get the bumps (nodules), you can run a fever just about anytime

for no apparent reason. YOU ARE NOT A HYPOCHONDRIAC, and save your

best cuss words for anyone who infers that you are. You are a very

sick person whose immune system has defected to the other side. Notice

the words " immune system. " That's the part that makes you feel sick -

the immune system churns out powerful chemicals in hopes of killing

off the germs before it kills YOU off. Except this time there aren't

any germs - it has latched onto your joints and is battling them like

a mortal enemy. Yeah, it is normal to feel like he11. If you are

lucky, some of the drugs in the RA aresenal will take your immune

system down a notch or two and let you feel more like a normal person.

Your biggest adjustment will be in having to scale your life WAY WAY

back - you now have only a tiny amount of stamina and energy. You have

to carefully hoard it so you don't run out at a bad time.

GB and keep us posted.

Nina in Tucson

[Guest guest]

Hi;nichol

just make sure u get to a rheumy ASAP....Don't wait till july...call in and

tell them it's urgent.

snrkfamily <snrkfamily@...> wrote:

a,

Thanks for the quick response. The links are great! I do have

some other test results but i have no idea what they mean or what

they are for

C-reactive protine is 7.1 Norm 0-.09

RF is 7 Norm <=10

Antinuclear Ab, s is 2.2 Norm >=1.0

HgB is 9.5

Iron is 30ug/dl Norm 37-158

TIBC is 360 Norm 250-450

Trasferrin Saturation 8% Norm 20-100

Ferritin is 22 norm 6-159

Thats all I have to go buy. Doesn't make any sense to me. But thanks

anyway.. Nichol

>

> > Hi my name is Nichol and i'm 33 years old. I have been very sick

the

> > past year. And after a huge batch of test they diagnosed me with

> > RA. After talking around I guess alot of my female cousins are

being

> > diagnosed withit. It started last year I ran a fever for 4

weeks of

> > about 99 - 103 degrees. I couldn't even get out of bed I was so

> > stiff

> > and sore. I ached all over and just felt like I sould die at any

> > moment. I then started getting these bumps all over my legs.

They

> > ended up telling me it was called erythema nodosum. These bumps

were

> > on my legs for about 6 weeks and I couldn't even walk very

well. My

> > ankles were red and tender and about twice the size they

regularly

> > are. I got well and was doing ok until about 4 weeks ago. Then

I

> > started running the fever again but no bumps. I felt like I had

been

> > ran over with a mac truck. I had the fever for 2 1/2 weeks this

> > time.

> > I went to the dr. and they ran all kinds of tests. I guess my

ced

> > rate? (inflammation) was suppose to be lower than 20 and it was

87.

> > And another inflammation test was 9 times what it was suppose

to be.

> > I am also very very anemic.

> > So they did more tests and came to the conclution that I have

RA. I

> > have to see a rheumetologist but I can't get in to see one until

> > July.

> >

> > So here is my questions. Are these bumps I had related to the

RA?

> > My

> > joints arn't hurting that much anymore but my muscels are

killing me

> > when ever

> > I

> > do anything. From walking to typing on the computer. Is this

normal?

> > I

> > have always ached here and there but when I get these fever

> > episodes,

> > I feel like my life is falling apart. I feel like a

Hypocondriact?

> > But, I really feel awful. The only joints that really bottered

me,

> > was I have these really swollen joints in my thumbs right at the

> > bottom where my hand connects to my thumb. And it feels like

all the

> > tendens are huge and sore. If I bump them I know they are there

and

> > they still hurt but, never got red. They

> > are on both thumbs. My feet also hurt really bad but not the

whole

> > foot just one section on the outer joints in the foot. (The

small

> > ones) but, I think it is funny because they are on both feet the

> > same

> > place. Both thumbs the same place. I also just have generalized

body

> > aches. It takes me like 2 hours to get going in the morning. How

> > long

> > will this last? Last summer I was out for like 12 weeks please

don't

> > tell me it is going to be a repeat!! Please help me with any

> > information to read. Links that help you ext. Thanks so much

> >

> > Nichol

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Hi;nichol

just make sure u get to a rheumy ASAP....Don't wait till july...call in and

tell them it's urgent.

snrkfamily <snrkfamily@...> wrote:

a,

Thanks for the quick response. The links are great! I do have

some other test results but i have no idea what they mean or what

they are for

C-reactive protine is 7.1 Norm 0-.09

RF is 7 Norm <=10

Antinuclear Ab, s is 2.2 Norm >=1.0

HgB is 9.5

Iron is 30ug/dl Norm 37-158

TIBC is 360 Norm 250-450

Trasferrin Saturation 8% Norm 20-100

Ferritin is 22 norm 6-159

Thats all I have to go buy. Doesn't make any sense to me. But thanks

anyway.. Nichol

>

> > Hi my name is Nichol and i'm 33 years old. I have been very sick

the

> > past year. And after a huge batch of test they diagnosed me with

> > RA. After talking around I guess alot of my female cousins are

being

> > diagnosed withit. It started last year I ran a fever for 4

weeks of

> > about 99 - 103 degrees. I couldn't even get out of bed I was so

> > stiff

> > and sore. I ached all over and just felt like I sould die at any

> > moment. I then started getting these bumps all over my legs.

They

> > ended up telling me it was called erythema nodosum. These bumps

were

> > on my legs for about 6 weeks and I couldn't even walk very

well. My

> > ankles were red and tender and about twice the size they

regularly

> > are. I got well and was doing ok until about 4 weeks ago. Then

I

> > started running the fever again but no bumps. I felt like I had

been

> > ran over with a mac truck. I had the fever for 2 1/2 weeks this

> > time.

> > I went to the dr. and they ran all kinds of tests. I guess my

ced

> > rate? (inflammation) was suppose to be lower than 20 and it was

87.

> > And another inflammation test was 9 times what it was suppose

to be.

> > I am also very very anemic.

> > So they did more tests and came to the conclution that I have

RA. I

> > have to see a rheumetologist but I can't get in to see one until

> > July.

> >

> > So here is my questions. Are these bumps I had related to the

RA?

> > My

> > joints arn't hurting that much anymore but my muscels are

killing me

> > when ever

> > I

> > do anything. From walking to typing on the computer. Is this

normal?

> > I

> > have always ached here and there but when I get these fever

> > episodes,

> > I feel like my life is falling apart. I feel like a

Hypocondriact?

> > But, I really feel awful. The only joints that really bottered

me,

> > was I have these really swollen joints in my thumbs right at the

> > bottom where my hand connects to my thumb. And it feels like

all the

> > tendens are huge and sore. If I bump them I know they are there

and

> > they still hurt but, never got red. They

> > are on both thumbs. My feet also hurt really bad but not the

whole

> > foot just one section on the outer joints in the foot. (The

small

> > ones) but, I think it is funny because they are on both feet the

> > same

> > place. Both thumbs the same place. I also just have generalized

body

> > aches. It takes me like 2 hours to get going in the morning. How

> > long

> > will this last? Last summer I was out for like 12 weeks please

don't

> > tell me it is going to be a repeat!! Please help me with any

> > information to read. Links that help you ext. Thanks so much

> >

> > Nichol

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Thank you for all your input. I still cant get into see a reumy

until the middle of July. Right now i am having more muscel

stiffness and sorness than anything is this normal as well? Thanks

again

Nichol

--- In , " Nina Lehman " <AdAstra45@a...>

wrote:

> I thought I had a bad case of the flu that wouldn't go away -

fever,

> pain, stiffness, crushing fatigue. All your symptoms are normal.

Many

> people get the bumps (nodules), you can run a fever just about

anytime

> for no apparent reason. YOU ARE NOT A HYPOCHONDRIAC, and save your

> best cuss words for anyone who infers that you are. You are a very

> sick person whose immune system has defected to the other side.

Notice

> the words " immune system. " That's the part that makes you feel

sick -

> the immune system churns out powerful chemicals in hopes of

killing

> off the germs before it kills YOU off. Except this time there

aren't

> any germs - it has latched onto your joints and is battling them

like

> a mortal enemy. Yeah, it is normal to feel like he11. If you are

> lucky, some of the drugs in the RA aresenal will take your immune

> system down a notch or two and let you feel more like a normal

person.

> Your biggest adjustment will be in having to scale your life WAY

WAY

> back - you now have only a tiny amount of stamina and energy. You

have

> to carefully hoard it so you don't run out at a bad time.

>

> GB and keep us posted.

> Nina in Tucson

[Guest guest]

Thank you for all your input. I still cant get into see a reumy

until the middle of July. Right now i am having more muscel

stiffness and sorness than anything is this normal as well? Thanks

again

Nichol

> I thought I had a bad case of the flu that wouldn't go away -

fever,

> pain, stiffness, crushing fatigue. All your symptoms are normal.

Many

> people get the bumps (nodules), you can run a fever just about

anytime

> for no apparent reason. YOU ARE NOT A HYPOCHONDRIAC, and save your

> best cuss words for anyone who infers that you are. You are a very

> sick person whose immune system has defected to the other side.

Notice

> the words " immune system. " That's the part that makes you feel

sick -

> the immune system churns out powerful chemicals in hopes of

killing

> off the germs before it kills YOU off. Except this time there

aren't

> any germs - it has latched onto your joints and is battling them

like

> a mortal enemy. Yeah, it is normal to feel like he11. If you are

> lucky, some of the drugs in the RA aresenal will take your immune

> system down a notch or two and let you feel more like a normal

person.

> Your biggest adjustment will be in having to scale your life WAY

WAY

> back - you now have only a tiny amount of stamina and energy. You

have

> to carefully hoard it so you don't run out at a bad time.

>

> GB and keep us posted.

> Nina in Tucson