Please Help Answer Some Questions

[Guest guest]

Hi all:

I have not yet been to see a doctor. Two years ago I started having

terrible pain in my left hip. Nothing relieved it. i never told my

doctor because I just told myself that I'm getting old. (I'm 54) It has

now gotten much worse.

I recently had to go to a gastroenterologist. During my visit, he

picked up my right hand, looked at it, and said " oh. You have

arthritis. " When I was pregnant with my second son (he is now 18), I

had terrible lower back pain. After running tests, the obstetrician

told me that it was not due to my prgnancy. He said I have rheumatism

(his exact word).

Now my knees hurts, the little finger on each hand swells and hurts

terribly, and even my shoulders hurt. My knuckles stay red. Now both

of my hips hurt, not just the left one. I get up in the morning and

feel horrible for about 45 minutes. Then for the rest of the day, my

little fingers, shoulders, & hips hurt.

Does this sound like RA?

Sorry to rattle on so, but I don't know anyone who has RA.

Thanks so much,

sadie