Guest guest Posted July 19, 2005 Report Share Posted July 19, 2005 HI, I can feel for you. It took them 1 1/2 years or so to diagnose my RA. My inflammatory studies finally went through the roof. Have you been tested for Lyme disease? Sometimes people do get bit by ticks and don't have the bullseye rash. It was just a thought. Also, what about asking for a steroid burst of Prednisone to see if it helps. I know without it I don't think I would be able to walk. I have to say getting done working was the best thing I ever did for my disease as I was just in so much pain and as it took them so long to diagnose me I was just killing myself trying to get up each day and get to work and then would go immediately to bed, my poor family. They had no idea what was wrong with me. I so feel for you. Try to hang in there and I hope you get some relief soon. I would not be afraid to ask about the Prednisone. It could really help you especially if it helps your brother. Maybe there is something genetic going on? Who knows. There are so many autoimmune diseases out there. Good luck! Tracie in Maine > Hello all, > I am nearing the end of my rope and don't know where to turn. I don't know what I > have, nor does anyone else seem to. I have almost constant pain in the joints and muscles > of my legs, worse at night. I have bad arthritis in my low back, neck, knees that I know of. > I had one knee operated on and it is much worse now. The pain just keeps getting worse. > Hands and wrists hurt at times too. > Then there is the fatigue. I am so worn out all the time I feel just about lifeless. I can > barely get through my work shifts and fear I won't be able to work much longer. My work > is fairly physically demanding and well as long hours. > I have been to the doc who has run all the usual tests for RA, Lupus, inflamation. > Nothing comes back positive. My brother has very similar symptoms and problems and > also never has any positive bloodwork. They have decided he has some kind of > rheumatoid problem and have him on prednisone which helps him greatly. > I know this is in a nutshell but I don't want to bore you all. Any words of advice? I find > myself going more and more for pain meds and I don't like it. I'm only 46 years old. Any > help would be greatly appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 19, 2005 Report Share Posted July 19, 2005 HI, I can feel for you. It took them 1 1/2 years or so to diagnose my RA. My inflammatory studies finally went through the roof. Have you been tested for Lyme disease? Sometimes people do get bit by ticks and don't have the bullseye rash. It was just a thought. Also, what about asking for a steroid burst of Prednisone to see if it helps. I know without it I don't think I would be able to walk. I have to say getting done working was the best thing I ever did for my disease as I was just in so much pain and as it took them so long to diagnose me I was just killing myself trying to get up each day and get to work and then would go immediately to bed, my poor family. They had no idea what was wrong with me. I so feel for you. Try to hang in there and I hope you get some relief soon. I would not be afraid to ask about the Prednisone. It could really help you especially if it helps your brother. Maybe there is something genetic going on? Who knows. There are so many autoimmune diseases out there. Good luck! Tracie in Maine > Hello all, > I am nearing the end of my rope and don't know where to turn. I don't know what I > have, nor does anyone else seem to. I have almost constant pain in the joints and muscles > of my legs, worse at night. I have bad arthritis in my low back, neck, knees that I know of. > I had one knee operated on and it is much worse now. The pain just keeps getting worse. > Hands and wrists hurt at times too. > Then there is the fatigue. I am so worn out all the time I feel just about lifeless. I can > barely get through my work shifts and fear I won't be able to work much longer. My work > is fairly physically demanding and well as long hours. > I have been to the doc who has run all the usual tests for RA, Lupus, inflamation. > Nothing comes back positive. My brother has very similar symptoms and problems and > also never has any positive bloodwork. They have decided he has some kind of > rheumatoid problem and have him on prednisone which helps him greatly. > I know this is in a nutshell but I don't want to bore you all. Any words of advice? I find > myself going more and more for pain meds and I don't like it. I'm only 46 years old. Any > help would be greatly appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 19, 2005 Report Share Posted July 19, 2005 My heart goes out to you so completely. I truly understand. For about 5 years now I have been facing the same thing. Every single doctor I saw said the same thing....you're depressed and need to lose weight. Then everything will be fine. Sad part was that every anti-depressant made me even more tired and didn't help the pain. I was told it was all in my head and that I wanted attention. I finally found a doctor about a year ago that ran every test imaginable. She came back and said that I had fibromyalgia and tested positive for RA, but it was borderline. She started monitoring me and withing 6 months, all the test tested positive for Aggressive RA. I am just now starting the journey with Rheumatologist. My first visit to one was a doctor that refused to treat me until I became debilitated (basically). I now have a new doctor that I will see on Aug. 30th. Seems like a long time to wait, but I will. PLEASE don't give up. Keep trying new doctors. Suggest fibromyalgia....no test can prove it, but some medications can help. I'm on cymbalta as an anti-depressant. It also has use for diabetic retinopathy (which I don't have)...however, it helps calm the nerves that send " pain signals " . It's worth a try! God Bless. jreitzrn <reitzj@...> wrote: Hello all, I am nearing the end of my rope and don't know where to turn. I don't know what I have, nor does anyone else seem to. I have almost constant pain in the joints and muscles of my legs, worse at night. I have bad arthritis in my low back, neck, knees that I know of. I had one knee operated on and it is much worse now. The pain just keeps getting worse. Hands and wrists hurt at times too. Then there is the fatigue. I am so worn out all the time I feel just about lifeless. I can barely get through my work shifts and fear I won't be able to work much longer. My work is fairly physically demanding and well as long hours. I have been to the doc who has run all the usual tests for RA, Lupus, inflamation. Nothing comes back positive. My brother has very similar symptoms and problems and also never has any positive bloodwork. They have decided he has some kind of rheumatoid problem and have him on prednisone which helps him greatly. I know this is in a nutshell but I don't want to bore you all. Any words of advice? I find myself going more and more for pain meds and I don't like it. I'm only 46 years old. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 19, 2005 Report Share Posted July 19, 2005 My heart goes out to you so completely. I truly understand. For about 5 years now I have been facing the same thing. Every single doctor I saw said the same thing....you're depressed and need to lose weight. Then everything will be fine. Sad part was that every anti-depressant made me even more tired and didn't help the pain. I was told it was all in my head and that I wanted attention. I finally found a doctor about a year ago that ran every test imaginable. She came back and said that I had fibromyalgia and tested positive for RA, but it was borderline. She started monitoring me and withing 6 months, all the test tested positive for Aggressive RA. I am just now starting the journey with Rheumatologist. My first visit to one was a doctor that refused to treat me until I became debilitated (basically). I now have a new doctor that I will see on Aug. 30th. Seems like a long time to wait, but I will. PLEASE don't give up. Keep trying new doctors. Suggest fibromyalgia....no test can prove it, but some medications can help. I'm on cymbalta as an anti-depressant. It also has use for diabetic retinopathy (which I don't have)...however, it helps calm the nerves that send " pain signals " . It's worth a try! God Bless. jreitzrn <reitzj@...> wrote: Hello all, I am nearing the end of my rope and don't know where to turn. I don't know what I have, nor does anyone else seem to. I have almost constant pain in the joints and muscles of my legs, worse at night. I have bad arthritis in my low back, neck, knees that I know of. I had one knee operated on and it is much worse now. The pain just keeps getting worse. Hands and wrists hurt at times too. Then there is the fatigue. I am so worn out all the time I feel just about lifeless. I can barely get through my work shifts and fear I won't be able to work much longer. My work is fairly physically demanding and well as long hours. I have been to the doc who has run all the usual tests for RA, Lupus, inflamation. Nothing comes back positive. My brother has very similar symptoms and problems and also never has any positive bloodwork. They have decided he has some kind of rheumatoid problem and have him on prednisone which helps him greatly. I know this is in a nutshell but I don't want to bore you all. Any words of advice? I find myself going more and more for pain meds and I don't like it. I'm only 46 years old. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 19, 2005 Report Share Posted July 19, 2005 You are really going through a tough time right now, and I know how hard it is. Have you seen a rheumatologist? It took a while before they figured out what was going on with me too. I am a single mom and I have to keep working just so we can survive. I am having a flare right now, even with pain meds if I move my neck or left shoulder it hurts so bad I get sick to my stomach but I have to stay here so I get paid for the day. I don't know if it's any help but we all know exactly what you are going through, sweetie. We will be hoping that your joints calm down a little and allow you a respite from the pain. Hang in there, we're here for you. I wish I could make it all better. jane > Hello all, > I am nearing the end of my rope and don't know where to turn. I don't know what I > have, nor does anyone else seem to. I have almost constant pain in the joints and muscles > of my legs, worse at night. I have bad arthritis in my low back, neck, knees that I know of. > I had one knee operated on and it is much worse now. The pain just keeps getting worse. > Hands and wrists hurt at times too. > Then there is the fatigue. I am so worn out all the time I feel just about lifeless. I can > barely get through my work shifts and fear I won't be able to work much longer. My work > is fairly physically demanding and well as long hours. > I have been to the doc who has run all the usual tests for RA, Lupus, inflamation. > Nothing comes back positive. My brother has very similar symptoms and problems and > also never has any positive bloodwork. They have decided he has some kind of > rheumatoid problem and have him on prednisone which helps him greatly. > I know this is in a nutshell but I don't want to bore you all. Any words of advice? I find > myself going more and more for pain meds and I don't like it. I'm only 46 years old. Any > help would be greatly appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 19, 2005 Report Share Posted July 19, 2005 You are really going through a tough time right now, and I know how hard it is. Have you seen a rheumatologist? It took a while before they figured out what was going on with me too. I am a single mom and I have to keep working just so we can survive. I am having a flare right now, even with pain meds if I move my neck or left shoulder it hurts so bad I get sick to my stomach but I have to stay here so I get paid for the day. I don't know if it's any help but we all know exactly what you are going through, sweetie. We will be hoping that your joints calm down a little and allow you a respite from the pain. Hang in there, we're here for you. I wish I could make it all better. jane > Hello all, > I am nearing the end of my rope and don't know where to turn. I don't know what I > have, nor does anyone else seem to. I have almost constant pain in the joints and muscles > of my legs, worse at night. I have bad arthritis in my low back, neck, knees that I know of. > I had one knee operated on and it is much worse now. The pain just keeps getting worse. > Hands and wrists hurt at times too. > Then there is the fatigue. I am so worn out all the time I feel just about lifeless. I can > barely get through my work shifts and fear I won't be able to work much longer. My work > is fairly physically demanding and well as long hours. > I have been to the doc who has run all the usual tests for RA, Lupus, inflamation. > Nothing comes back positive. My brother has very similar symptoms and problems and > also never has any positive bloodwork. They have decided he has some kind of > rheumatoid problem and have him on prednisone which helps him greatly. > I know this is in a nutshell but I don't want to bore you all. Any words of advice? I find > myself going more and more for pain meds and I don't like it. I'm only 46 years old. Any > help would be greatly appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 19, 2005 Report Share Posted July 19, 2005 Hi, I am sorry that your going through a rough time. I sure know how you feel, so just know your not alone. Do you have a rheumy? If not, that would be my suggestion. It does take awhile for a diagnose, just don't give up. Just know that we are here for you, Tawny > Hello all, > I am nearing the end of my rope and don't know where to turn. I don't know what I > have, nor does anyone else seem to. I have almost constant pain in the joints and muscles > of my legs, worse at night. I have bad arthritis in my low back, neck, knees that I know of. > I had one knee operated on and it is much worse now. The pain just keeps getting worse. > Hands and wrists hurt at times too. > Then there is the fatigue. I am so worn out all the time I feel just about lifeless. I can > barely get through my work shifts and fear I won't be able to work much longer. My work > is fairly physically demanding and well as long hours. > I have been to the doc who has run all the usual tests for RA, Lupus, inflamation. > Nothing comes back positive. My brother has very similar symptoms and problems and > also never has any positive bloodwork. They have decided he has some kind of > rheumatoid problem and have him on prednisone which helps him greatly. > I know this is in a nutshell but I don't want to bore you all. Any words of advice? I find > myself going more and more for pain meds and I don't like it. I'm only 46 years old. Any > help would be greatly appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 19, 2005 Report Share Posted July 19, 2005 Hi, I am sorry that your going through a rough time. I sure know how you feel, so just know your not alone. Do you have a rheumy? If not, that would be my suggestion. It does take awhile for a diagnose, just don't give up. Just know that we are here for you, Tawny > Hello all, > I am nearing the end of my rope and don't know where to turn. I don't know what I > have, nor does anyone else seem to. I have almost constant pain in the joints and muscles > of my legs, worse at night. I have bad arthritis in my low back, neck, knees that I know of. > I had one knee operated on and it is much worse now. The pain just keeps getting worse. > Hands and wrists hurt at times too. > Then there is the fatigue. I am so worn out all the time I feel just about lifeless. I can > barely get through my work shifts and fear I won't be able to work much longer. My work > is fairly physically demanding and well as long hours. > I have been to the doc who has run all the usual tests for RA, Lupus, inflamation. > Nothing comes back positive. My brother has very similar symptoms and problems and > also never has any positive bloodwork. They have decided he has some kind of > rheumatoid problem and have him on prednisone which helps him greatly. > I know this is in a nutshell but I don't want to bore you all. Any words of advice? I find > myself going more and more for pain meds and I don't like it. I'm only 46 years old. Any > help would be greatly appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 19, 2005 Report Share Posted July 19, 2005 Hi. Sounds like you're in terrible pain. Please, make sure to see your doc again and let them know that you're suffering something awful. Pain control is so important and it helps with the fatigue as well. If you have any sort of sick benefits through work, maybe consider using some of them until you find the right combo of meds or get your pain under control. I could not imagine how difficult it must be fore you to suffer through each day at work. Your body really needs the rest right now and the more you push yourself the more pain you will feel. All the best, I > Hello all, > I am nearing the end of my rope and don't know where to turn. I don't know what I > have, nor does anyone else seem to. I have almost constant pain in the joints and muscles > of my legs, worse at night. I have bad arthritis in my low back, neck, knees that I know of. > I had one knee operated on and it is much worse now. The pain just keeps getting worse. > Hands and wrists hurt at times too. > Then there is the fatigue. I am so worn out all the time I feel just about lifeless. I can > barely get through my work shifts and fear I won't be able to work much longer. My work > is fairly physically demanding and well as long hours. > I have been to the doc who has run all the usual tests for RA, Lupus, inflamation. > Nothing comes back positive. My brother has very similar symptoms and problems and > also never has any positive bloodwork. They have decided he has some kind of > rheumatoid problem and have him on prednisone which helps him greatly. > I know this is in a nutshell but I don't want to bore you all. Any words of advice? I find > myself going more and more for pain meds and I don't like it. I'm only 46 years old. Any > help would be greatly appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 19, 2005 Report Share Posted July 19, 2005 Hi. Sounds like you're in terrible pain. Please, make sure to see your doc again and let them know that you're suffering something awful. Pain control is so important and it helps with the fatigue as well. If you have any sort of sick benefits through work, maybe consider using some of them until you find the right combo of meds or get your pain under control. I could not imagine how difficult it must be fore you to suffer through each day at work. Your body really needs the rest right now and the more you push yourself the more pain you will feel. All the best, I > Hello all, > I am nearing the end of my rope and don't know where to turn. I don't know what I > have, nor does anyone else seem to. I have almost constant pain in the joints and muscles > of my legs, worse at night. I have bad arthritis in my low back, neck, knees that I know of. > I had one knee operated on and it is much worse now. The pain just keeps getting worse. > Hands and wrists hurt at times too. > Then there is the fatigue. I am so worn out all the time I feel just about lifeless. I can > barely get through my work shifts and fear I won't be able to work much longer. My work > is fairly physically demanding and well as long hours. > I have been to the doc who has run all the usual tests for RA, Lupus, inflamation. > Nothing comes back positive. My brother has very similar symptoms and problems and > also never has any positive bloodwork. They have decided he has some kind of > rheumatoid problem and have him on prednisone which helps him greatly. > I know this is in a nutshell but I don't want to bore you all. Any words of advice? I find > myself going more and more for pain meds and I don't like it. I'm only 46 years old. Any > help would be greatly appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 19, 2005 Report Share Posted July 19, 2005 My situation is similar. I had a negative ANA and RA factor. The symptoms pointed to RA but the only thing my bloodwork showed was an elevated CRP during flares and an elevated SED rate. First I was treated with steroids which helped greatly. I didn't want to stay on them for too long because I know what can happen!! I was at the point I couldn't stay at work all day. I am on my feet all day and also have a very physically and mentally demanding job. My rheumy decided to treat it as RA and it has helped. He still doesn't know if it is RA, Lupus, or something else. So, at this point he treats the symptoms and we hope for the best. Now, the rheumy I am with now is my second opinion doc. The first rheumy didn't do anything for me. So, if you get blown off or get the " I don't know what's wrong with you " response from anyone, get a second opinion!! I hope you can find some relief soon. Take care......Marina > Hello all, > I am nearing the end of my rope and don't know where to turn. I don't know what I > have, nor does anyone else seem to. I have almost constant pain in the joints and muscles > of my legs, worse at night. I have bad arthritis in my low back, neck, knees that I know of. > I had one knee operated on and it is much worse now. The pain just keeps getting worse. > Hands and wrists hurt at times too. > Then there is the fatigue. I am so worn out all the time I feel just about lifeless. I can > barely get through my work shifts and fear I won't be able to work much longer. My work > is fairly physically demanding and well as long hours. > I have been to the doc who has run all the usual tests for RA, Lupus, inflamation. > Nothing comes back positive. My brother has very similar symptoms and problems and > also never has any positive bloodwork. They have decided he has some kind of > rheumatoid problem and have him on prednisone which helps him greatly. > I know this is in a nutshell but I don't want to bore you all. Any words of advice? I find > myself going more and more for pain meds and I don't like it. I'm only 46 years old. Any > help would be greatly appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 19, 2005 Report Share Posted July 19, 2005 My situation is similar. I had a negative ANA and RA factor. The symptoms pointed to RA but the only thing my bloodwork showed was an elevated CRP during flares and an elevated SED rate. First I was treated with steroids which helped greatly. I didn't want to stay on them for too long because I know what can happen!! I was at the point I couldn't stay at work all day. I am on my feet all day and also have a very physically and mentally demanding job. My rheumy decided to treat it as RA and it has helped. He still doesn't know if it is RA, Lupus, or something else. So, at this point he treats the symptoms and we hope for the best. Now, the rheumy I am with now is my second opinion doc. The first rheumy didn't do anything for me. So, if you get blown off or get the " I don't know what's wrong with you " response from anyone, get a second opinion!! I hope you can find some relief soon. Take care......Marina > Hello all, > I am nearing the end of my rope and don't know where to turn. I don't know what I > have, nor does anyone else seem to. I have almost constant pain in the joints and muscles > of my legs, worse at night. I have bad arthritis in my low back, neck, knees that I know of. > I had one knee operated on and it is much worse now. The pain just keeps getting worse. > Hands and wrists hurt at times too. > Then there is the fatigue. I am so worn out all the time I feel just about lifeless. I can > barely get through my work shifts and fear I won't be able to work much longer. My work > is fairly physically demanding and well as long hours. > I have been to the doc who has run all the usual tests for RA, Lupus, inflamation. > Nothing comes back positive. My brother has very similar symptoms and problems and > also never has any positive bloodwork. They have decided he has some kind of > rheumatoid problem and have him on prednisone which helps him greatly. > I know this is in a nutshell but I don't want to bore you all. Any words of advice? I find > myself going more and more for pain meds and I don't like it. I'm only 46 years old. Any > help would be greatly appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 19, 2005 Report Share Posted July 19, 2005 Priscilla, What time is your Dr. appt.? Is it with Dr. Dykman? My appt. is also on Aug. 30. I can't remember what time my appt. is though. I know that they will call and remind me. Beth(AR) --- Dalena Chandler <casterramom@...> wrote: > My heart goes out to you so completely. I truly > understand. For about 5 years now I have been > facing the same thing. Every single doctor I saw > said the same thing....you're depressed and need to > lose weight. Then everything will be fine. Sad > part was that every anti-depressant made me even > more tired and didn't help the pain. I was told it > was all in my head and that I wanted attention. > > I finally found a doctor about a year ago that ran > every test imaginable. She came back and said that > I had fibromyalgia and tested positive for RA, but > it was borderline. She started monitoring me and > withing 6 months, all the test tested positive for > Aggressive RA. I am just now starting the journey > with Rheumatologist. My first visit to one was a > doctor that refused to treat me until I became > debilitated (basically). I now have a new doctor > that I will see on Aug. 30th. Seems like a long > time to wait, but I will. > > PLEASE don't give up. Keep trying new doctors. > Suggest fibromyalgia....no test can prove it, but > some medications can help. I'm on cymbalta as an > anti-depressant. It also has use for diabetic > retinopathy (which I don't have)...however, it helps > calm the nerves that send " pain signals " . It's > worth a try! > > God Bless. > > jreitzrn <reitzj@...> wrote: > Hello all, > I am nearing the end of my rope and don't know > where to turn. I don't know what I > have, nor does anyone else seem to. I have almost > constant pain in the joints and muscles > of my legs, worse at night. I have bad arthritis in > my low back, neck, knees that I know of. > I had one knee operated on and it is much worse now. > The pain just keeps getting worse. > Hands and wrists hurt at times too. > Then there is the fatigue. I am so worn out > all the time I feel just about lifeless. I can > barely get through my work shifts and fear I won't > be able to work much longer. My work > is fairly physically demanding and well as long > hours. > I have been to the doc who has run all the > usual tests for RA, Lupus, inflamation. > Nothing comes back positive. My brother has very > similar symptoms and problems and > also never has any positive bloodwork. They have > decided he has some kind of > rheumatoid problem and have him on prednisone which > helps him greatly. > I know this is in a nutshell but I don't want > to bore you all. Any words of advice? I find > myself going more and more for pain meds and I don't > like it. I'm only 46 years old. Any > help would be greatly appreciated. > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 19, 2005 Report Share Posted July 19, 2005 Priscilla, What time is your Dr. appt.? Is it with Dr. Dykman? My appt. is also on Aug. 30. I can't remember what time my appt. is though. I know that they will call and remind me. Beth(AR) --- Dalena Chandler <casterramom@...> wrote: > My heart goes out to you so completely. I truly > understand. For about 5 years now I have been > facing the same thing. Every single doctor I saw > said the same thing....you're depressed and need to > lose weight. Then everything will be fine. Sad > part was that every anti-depressant made me even > more tired and didn't help the pain. I was told it > was all in my head and that I wanted attention. > > I finally found a doctor about a year ago that ran > every test imaginable. She came back and said that > I had fibromyalgia and tested positive for RA, but > it was borderline. She started monitoring me and > withing 6 months, all the test tested positive for > Aggressive RA. I am just now starting the journey > with Rheumatologist. My first visit to one was a > doctor that refused to treat me until I became > debilitated (basically). I now have a new doctor > that I will see on Aug. 30th. Seems like a long > time to wait, but I will. > > PLEASE don't give up. Keep trying new doctors. > Suggest fibromyalgia....no test can prove it, but > some medications can help. I'm on cymbalta as an > anti-depressant. It also has use for diabetic > retinopathy (which I don't have)...however, it helps > calm the nerves that send " pain signals " . It's > worth a try! > > God Bless. > > jreitzrn <reitzj@...> wrote: > Hello all, > I am nearing the end of my rope and don't know > where to turn. I don't know what I > have, nor does anyone else seem to. I have almost > constant pain in the joints and muscles > of my legs, worse at night. I have bad arthritis in > my low back, neck, knees that I know of. > I had one knee operated on and it is much worse now. > The pain just keeps getting worse. > Hands and wrists hurt at times too. > Then there is the fatigue. I am so worn out > all the time I feel just about lifeless. I can > barely get through my work shifts and fear I won't > be able to work much longer. My work > is fairly physically demanding and well as long > hours. > I have been to the doc who has run all the > usual tests for RA, Lupus, inflamation. > Nothing comes back positive. My brother has very > similar symptoms and problems and > also never has any positive bloodwork. They have > decided he has some kind of > rheumatoid problem and have him on prednisone which > helps him greatly. > I know this is in a nutshell but I don't want > to bore you all. Any words of advice? I find > myself going more and more for pain meds and I don't > like it. I'm only 46 years old. Any > help would be greatly appreciated. > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 20, 2005 Report Share Posted July 20, 2005 Beth, My appointment is at 9:30 and yes it is with Dr. Dykman. Maybe we will luck out and get to meet each other?! I'm a little nervous since this is my first appointment with him. After having the bad experiences with other doctors. I'm sure you know what I mean. Have a good day. Beth <mightybeth2001@...> wrote: Priscilla, What time is your Dr. appt.? Is it with Dr. Dykman? My appt. is also on Aug. 30. I can't remember what time my appt. is though. I know that they will call and remind me. Beth(AR) --- Dalena Chandler <casterramom@...> wrote: > My heart goes out to you so completely. I truly > understand. For about 5 years now I have been > facing the same thing. Every single doctor I saw > said the same thing....you're depressed and need to > lose weight. Then everything will be fine. Sad > part was that every anti-depressant made me even > more tired and didn't help the pain. I was told it > was all in my head and that I wanted attention. > > I finally found a doctor about a year ago that ran > every test imaginable. She came back and said that > I had fibromyalgia and tested positive for RA, but > it was borderline. She started monitoring me and > withing 6 months, all the test tested positive for > Aggressive RA. I am just now starting the journey > with Rheumatologist. My first visit to one was a > doctor that refused to treat me until I became > debilitated (basically). I now have a new doctor > that I will see on Aug. 30th. Seems like a long > time to wait, but I will. > > PLEASE don't give up. Keep trying new doctors. > Suggest fibromyalgia....no test can prove it, but > some medications can help. I'm on cymbalta as an > anti-depressant. It also has use for diabetic > retinopathy (which I don't have)...however, it helps > calm the nerves that send " pain signals " . It's > worth a try! > > God Bless. > > jreitzrn <reitzj@...> wrote: > Hello all, > I am nearing the end of my rope and don't know > where to turn. I don't know what I > have, nor does anyone else seem to. I have almost > constant pain in the joints and muscles > of my legs, worse at night. I have bad arthritis in > my low back, neck, knees that I know of. > I had one knee operated on and it is much worse now. > The pain just keeps getting worse. > Hands and wrists hurt at times too. > Then there is the fatigue. I am so worn out > all the time I feel just about lifeless. I can > barely get through my work shifts and fear I won't > be able to work much longer. My work > is fairly physically demanding and well as long > hours. > I have been to the doc who has run all the > usual tests for RA, Lupus, inflamation. > Nothing comes back positive. My brother has very > similar symptoms and problems and > also never has any positive bloodwork. They have > decided he has some kind of > rheumatoid problem and have him on prednisone which > helps him greatly. > I know this is in a nutshell but I don't want > to bore you all. Any words of advice? I find > myself going more and more for pain meds and I don't > like it. I'm only 46 years old. Any > help would be greatly appreciated. > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 20, 2005 Report Share Posted July 20, 2005 Beth, My appointment is at 9:30 and yes it is with Dr. Dykman. Maybe we will luck out and get to meet each other?! I'm a little nervous since this is my first appointment with him. After having the bad experiences with other doctors. I'm sure you know what I mean. Have a good day. Beth <mightybeth2001@...> wrote: Priscilla, What time is your Dr. appt.? Is it with Dr. Dykman? My appt. is also on Aug. 30. I can't remember what time my appt. is though. I know that they will call and remind me. Beth(AR) --- Dalena Chandler <casterramom@...> wrote: > My heart goes out to you so completely. I truly > understand. For about 5 years now I have been > facing the same thing. Every single doctor I saw > said the same thing....you're depressed and need to > lose weight. Then everything will be fine. Sad > part was that every anti-depressant made me even > more tired and didn't help the pain. I was told it > was all in my head and that I wanted attention. > > I finally found a doctor about a year ago that ran > every test imaginable. She came back and said that > I had fibromyalgia and tested positive for RA, but > it was borderline. She started monitoring me and > withing 6 months, all the test tested positive for > Aggressive RA. I am just now starting the journey > with Rheumatologist. My first visit to one was a > doctor that refused to treat me until I became > debilitated (basically). I now have a new doctor > that I will see on Aug. 30th. Seems like a long > time to wait, but I will. > > PLEASE don't give up. Keep trying new doctors. > Suggest fibromyalgia....no test can prove it, but > some medications can help. I'm on cymbalta as an > anti-depressant. It also has use for diabetic > retinopathy (which I don't have)...however, it helps > calm the nerves that send " pain signals " . It's > worth a try! > > God Bless. > > jreitzrn <reitzj@...> wrote: > Hello all, > I am nearing the end of my rope and don't know > where to turn. I don't know what I > have, nor does anyone else seem to. I have almost > constant pain in the joints and muscles > of my legs, worse at night. I have bad arthritis in > my low back, neck, knees that I know of. > I had one knee operated on and it is much worse now. > The pain just keeps getting worse. > Hands and wrists hurt at times too. > Then there is the fatigue. I am so worn out > all the time I feel just about lifeless. I can > barely get through my work shifts and fear I won't > be able to work much longer. My work > is fairly physically demanding and well as long > hours. > I have been to the doc who has run all the > usual tests for RA, Lupus, inflamation. > Nothing comes back positive. My brother has very > similar symptoms and problems and > also never has any positive bloodwork. They have > decided he has some kind of > rheumatoid problem and have him on prednisone which > helps him greatly. > I know this is in a nutshell but I don't want > to bore you all. Any words of advice? I find > myself going more and more for pain meds and I don't > like it. I'm only 46 years old. Any > help would be greatly appreciated. > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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