Re: New RA? Pam

[Guest guest]

Hi Pam:

Welcome! You have definately come to the right place

for unconditional support, understanding, and great

information. Your RA lab tests can be negative, and

remain that way, and you still could have RA. The

symptoms you describe sure sound like that might be

what you have. I hope that your next doctor can give

you a diagnosis and begin treatment. Sometimes it

takes a while before the med/combo of meds kicks in,

so be patient, but hopefully you will be experiencing

a decrease in your symptoms soon. Hang in there -

Kathe in CA

--- almadelnina <pmreid@...> wrote:

> I had an episode of stiff, swollen, tender hands,

> feet, wrists, ankles

> in August. It got better with Naprosyn 500mg in the

> morning and at

> night. Now is back, only at times involves my neck,

> knees and hips. All

> my lab work is negative, and still have no

> diagnosis. I sympathize with

> everyone, knowing full well the mobility issues. I

> am an RN and have to

> walk and walk all the time. And am at a temp work

> assignment now, with

> a broken down truck, so walking more than ever. And

> it IS tough. My

> meds are not helping at all. I now cannot wear my

> rings, except mid-

> day, about 3 or 4 hours. My hands swell about 2 ring

> sizes every night.

> I cannot flex my hands and fingers in the mornings

> at all, until I soak

> them in hot water. Very frustrating. I do know it is

> not fluid

> retention, and is inflammation, causing it...my

> hands are red, tender

> and warm a lot of the time. I do know some of the

> tests may be normal

> still, in early stages, and not sure what all was

> done previously, just

> that 'the tests for RA, Lupus, and Gout are all

> negative'. I am going

> to a new doctor at my temp living site now, and wish

> me luck, that I

> will finally get a diagnosis and proper treatment,

> so I can continue

> working, for now at least. Just looking for good

> support and

> understanding.

> Pam

>

>

>

>

>

Kathe in CA

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