possible diagnosis

[Guest guest]

Good Morning Everyone,

My name is Rob. I am 34 years old and I saw a Rheumatologist this past

week. She did a clinical exam, x-rays and blood work. The doc did

x-rays on my pelvis and my feet. The pelvis because I have been

diagnosed in the past with osteonecrosis(ON) in both hips. I made an

appointment with this doc after I found some information stating that

RA could be a cause for ON.

The doc stated that the x-rays of the pelvis showed sacroilitiis and

the x-rays of the feet showed some mild to moderate arthritis. Upon

examination, she also found nodules on my feet. Because I often have

pain in several joints, she also made a diagnosis of polyarthalgia.

She also stated that the blood work would be back sometime in the

middle of this week. She stated that she couldn't say for certain, but

she is leaning towards a diagnosis of RA, but wanted to wait for the

blood work.

She went ahead and gave me a perscription of Relafen. I have concerns

about taking these types of medication because of the heart attack and

stroke warnings. I am afraid I have no choice. The pain seems to get

worse with each passing day.

I am writing this today because I would like some advice. Based upon

the experiences of the members of this group, what are some of my

options? I guess a better way of asking it is, what are some things I

need to be aware of, things to look out for, and things that I should

be asking my doc when I see her again in 2 months?

Thanks for listening and thanks in advance for the support.

Rob