Guest guest Posted April 20, 2004 Report Share Posted April 20, 2004 With almost 1900 members from around the world, I figure this group has seen almost every arthritis symptom there is. I have been trying to get a diagnosis for 16 months now. Pretend you are an intern in Rheumatology and read my case file. Then tell me what you think I have! Thanks, Steve D. -------------------------------- My first symptoms were a rapid onset of pain in my right hand, which was diagnosed as over-use or carpal tunnel syndrome. Within a month the pain was symmetrical to both hands. In a month or so the pain was more like pins and needles. It presents on both hands and wrists, and my forearms as well. My hands fall asleep at night when my arms are folded. Pins and needles sensations subside after a few months but by then my feet are involved as well. I have shooting and stabbing pains that occur sporadically in my hands and feet. Pain comes in a wave which is usually only severe a minute or two. Sometimes it feels like being squeezed by a pair of pliers or slammed in a car door. My pain seem to radiate from muscle or soft tissue rather than the joints. Most of the day, I have a constant burning sensation, like my hands and feet are " lit up " . Late in the day and in bed at night the burning is most noticeable. I am also more sensitive to tactile pain, like minor impacts to the fingers or toes that would not normally be painful. If I over-use my hands, I am sore the next day. I wake up with mild stiffness, which never gets much better or worse throughout the day. I have never had significant swelling of the joints in my hands or feet, but hot weather and humidity causes a significant increase in overall puffiness. In the first nine months I loose weight and am fatigued much of the time. My eyesight seems to have deteriorated, and I have trouble focusing on things, especially close-up. Tests Performed o A nerve conduction study ruled out Carpal Tunnel. o Early in the course of my illness, RF and CR-P levels are slightly elevated, but all subsequent tests have been within normal levels. Fasting glucose and SED rates are also normal. o A five month course of 400mg/day Plaquenil had no effect on my symptoms. Being sero-negative, no one wants to talk about MTX or biologics. o Prednisone at 10-20 mg levels helps substantially to reduce pain and discomfort. When I taper off, the pain is much more noticable. o Hand X-rays show no signs of joint damage to date. o A neurological exam was normal, as were an MRI and tests for small fiber nerve damage. o I have never had symptoms of Psoriasis, except maybe some nail deformities which were attributed to a common fungus. I have been examined by a dermatologist. What the heck have I got? Maybe your story is similar. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 20, 2004 Report Share Posted April 20, 2004 Hi Steve, I am obviously not a doctor but when I get pins and needles pain they tell me it is associated with the nerves...similar to diabetic neuropothy. Have they thought of trying Neorontin? Your case history doesn't sound like my pa case history but of course we are all different. Good Luck, Marti- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 20, 2004 Report Share Posted April 20, 2004 Steve, It sounds a lot like Fibromyalgia. You might ask your Rheumy to test you at the 18 pain points associated with Fibro. I suffer from both PA and Fibro and sometimes it's hard to tell what is causing my pain. Good Luck Sue >From: " Steve Duncan " <sduncanae@...> >Reply- > >Subject: [ ] You be the Doctor >Date: Tue, 20 Apr 2004 20:47:32 -0000 > _________________________________________________________________ FREE pop-up blocking with the new MSN Toolbar – get it now! http://toolbar.msn.com/go/onm00200415ave/direct/01/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 20, 2004 Report Share Posted April 20, 2004 Hello Steve, Some of your symptoms sound like my husbands, especially the feeling like being slammed in a car door part. He was finally daignosed with Rumatoid Arthritis about 9 months ago after 2 trips to the emergency ward at the hospital. First time he woke up in the middlw of the night and was getting paralised, the pain was extreme. Second time about 2 months later he got off a plane and we had to rush him to the hospital, they kkept him in ther 4 days and pumped him full of heavy duty antibiotics, pain went away! So now after being on Prednisone, MTX, Vioxx he is only on Vioxx and antibiotic Minicin. He is trying the antibiotic treatment that some docs use. They believe that RA & PA are caused by a micro type bacteria. He is doing great! He has the same pain as you, more in the muscles and soft tissue rather than in the bones. His wrists and hips bother him the most. I on the hand probably have PA and I want to try the Minicin too if possible. Good Luck, a Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 21, 2004 Report Share Posted April 21, 2004 Hi Steve, I am not medically trained. That said, your symptoms sound like the symptoms I had. I let them progress while getting no answers from the doctors until I could barely walk. I too, showed no signs of psoriasis or nail problems. I have PA. Have you seen a rheumatolgist? There is NO conclusive test for PA, so I am curious how your sero status rules that out... PA is determined by ruling out other possibilities. Your lack of Psoriasis, is not completely unusual. A small amount of folks fall in this category, like I did. After trying several NSAIDS, I developed a " rash " . I thought it was a reaction, it was Psoriasis. Finally diagnosed, I have been on MTX for over 2 years and now have no pain, no swelling 98% of the time. Stay Well, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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