From Jim in Mississippi

[Guest guest]

Thanks for all the responses! I think the only test for RA was the SED. If any

pain is still here in a week I'll request a specialist. I finished the preds on

Thursday and it's getting more painful every day, although the ankle is much

better. The knee replacements are the result of injuries through the years (I'm

51). I have a high tolerance for pain... I tore my ACL years ago and never went

to the Dr or missed work. I knew that RA comes with a lot of pain but now I

have a REAL idea what it's like! I would look forward to a round of knee

replacement before I'd want to put up with this stuff. I am worried about the

upcoming surgery in June now that I'm having this problem.... I can't imagine

having both at the same time although I realize many of you have had the

replacement due to RA.

Help! I deleted some messages that I didn't mean to delete. One was from a lady

whose husband did hurricane relief in Mississippi and came home with an

infection. First of all, God Bless You all for the support and prayers that

have been sent our way.... the outpouring of help has been unbelievable! The

infection... it is very common for those of us living here to have the " crud "

because of all the mold. We are not seeing a huge outbreak of serious

infections. Please be sure you notify the coast group that you worked with about

any medical problems. We do have loose asbestos, rotting chickens and pork

bellies, and alot of raw sewage in some areas but it's not widespread any more.

Keep us in your prayers.... I was lucky.... had to get a new roof. Flood waters

came within 2 blocks of my house and 7 died within 2 miles of me. My ladyfriend

got a foot and a half of water in her house but it's livable once again.....

pictures and videos don't do justice. Last week we rode the length of the coast

for the first time. Although we had seen the videos and pictures we were still

speechless.... but the coast of Mississippi will rebuild, bigger and better than

ever!

Jim

Ocean Springs, MS

(Right across the Bay from Biloxi)

Re: [ ] Completely Seronegative Inflammatory Arthritis?

Good to know, Sue. Tahnk you.

Jane

Sue <marysue@...> wrote:

My RA started out just like Jim's: moving about from joint to joint,

and not bilateral at all. At one point, the only visible sign I had was

one swollen finger. Jim, I would also advise you to see a

rheumatologist. They know what else to look for besides the lab results.

Sue

On Friday, January 20, 2006, at 09:16 AM, Bargeman wrote:

> Jim, this doesn't sound like RA, but it does sound like some other

> form of inflammatory arthrits. Ra is usually bilaterally equal, from

> what I gather. My Dr believes that this will eventually show up in my

> blood. Good luck. Have they done ANA screen for you? If you have

> insurance, I suggest seeing a Rhuematologist. I don't have ins, and it

> is way out of my price range. Go see a Rheumy, to be safe. LUCK!