Recognise My Symptoms - What Else Could It Be?

[ShellyWelly]

I wonder if you lovely lot can help? I'm not asking for medical advice or a diagnosis, i'm simply wanting to know if anyone else recognises the symptoms below or has any other condition which might be a possible fit for the below list of symptoms.

If you recognise the following and can suggest a condition for me to find out more about, then please do. Lyme disease has already been ruled out with a blood test. I am negative for the RF and am currently waiting on results for anti CCP.

Prior to my snowboarding accident in January, I'd never experienced any of the following symptoms. A GP originally thought I was having a touch of reactive arthritis. After symptoms persisted, 2 other GPs both suggested RA and I was then referred.

• Stiff, aching, audibly clicking joints that often feel like they are 'stuck' in place

• Pain in both wrists and fingers that makes typing, writing etc. hard

• Loss of strength in hands, can't open lids, carry shopping bags, drive some days

• Painful, stiff, clicking ankles

• Large red inflamed puffy lumps on ankle bone and around ankle

• Pain in feet and toes which makes standing or walking for more than a few minutes very painful

• Joint swelling in fingers (that comes & goes) makes it hard to bend fingers, make a fist, can't wear rings

• Cramp like sensations in wrists, elbows, feet and ankles

• Visible swelling responded well to a course of steroids

• Pain started in wrists (noticed when typing at work) but over the last 7 months, now affects my fingers, ankles, feet, knees and elbows

• Granny had Rheumatism and Spondylosis, mum has osteoarthritis

In light of the above, the rheumatolgist last week concluded that I have Fibromyalgia, which I am not satisfied with.

Would love to hear your thoughts. [I've also posted the same on the NRAS community here]

[fibro10]

Morning I have the same problems I was diagnosed with fibro December 12 after ruling other condition out i all so can not wear my rings Hope you get sorted soon xx

[ShellyWelly in reply to fibro10]

Hi fibro10 that's interesting to know. I didn't realise that Fibro presents primarily with joint pain - everything Ive read had pointed to Fibro causing more generalised muscle pain. Thanks.

[fibro10 in reply to ShellyWelly]

You can pick up a booklet called Fibromyalgia from Arthritis research UK .from the hospital their by physio department. Gives you good info xx

[Shadows-walker]

Have you had a positive for immune issues in bloods?

[ShellyWelly in reply to Shadows-walker]

So far i've only been tested for RF and a normal blood test, so I don't know if their of those tests would pick up immune issues? I had bloods taken last Thursday which I won't know the results of for at least 3 months when I see the rheumatologist again.

[Hidden]

Hi Shellywelly I posted of NRAS community to you and forgot to add that hope you feel better soon. Gentle hugs. Joolz.x

[Mdaisy]

Good Morning Shellywelly,

As I run a local support group as well as volunteering here I've come across symptoms fairly similar before from our members with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS).

Please see the following links;

patient.co.uk/health/comple...

nhs.uk/Conditions/Complex-R...

When you mentioned Steroids helped I thought about Polymyalgia Rheumatica, however the Drs would have seen inflammatory markers in your bloods with this condition I believe. Having 'googled' CRPS can respond well to steroids in the early stages.

As you say we cannot diagnose you but provide the information for your interest. I hope you find the answers you need very soon

Best Wishes

Emma

FibroAction Administrator

[ShellyWelly in reply to Mdaisy]

Thanks for the links Emma, very useful. Shocked to have been told I have something and given zero information on it.

[Mdaisy in reply to ShellyWelly]

No problems Shellywelly,

You can find out all about Fibro from our website fibroaction.org

Plus this link may be of help too;

fibroaction.org/Articles/Be...

Any questions please feel free to ask me and I'll try my best to answer or find out the answer!

Emma

FibroAction Administrator

[bentkeyfoxer]

it certainly sounds like myofacsial pain compounded by arthritis. I have many of the same symptoms. I suggest you ask for a referral to a pain control specialist. There may be an element of RSA as well which typing aggravates.

[ShellyWelly in reply to bentkeyfoxer]

I do have a pain clinic referral, so waiting to find out when appointment is

[TheAuthor]

Hi Shellywelly

I am so sorry to read that you are suffering in this way and I genuinely hope that you can find some resolution and relief to these issues. I can see that you have been given some wonderful advice from Mdaisy, so I won't add to that. I will just wish you all the best of luck and I genuinely hope that you find the answers that you are looking for?

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken x

[ShellyWelly in reply to TheAuthor]

Thank you Ken

[rowantree]

Hypermobility syndrome? Look up the Beighton/brighton criteria.

[ShellyWelly]

Hi Rowantree, thanks had a look into it - there are so many things that fit, no wonder making a diagnosis in this kind of general area is so hard. I had some notes from my Rheumatologist through the post last night and he's revealed that he believes that as well as the Fibro I have Palindromic Rheumatism, which does seem like an excellent fit for my symptoms. However, if this is the case, then I question my Fibro diagnosis as PR also causes fatigue and random pain flares.

[maawasam]

That's my symptoms. At first they thought I had LUPUS, but results came back negative so the rheumy diagnosed fibro. Hope this helps.

[ShellyWelly in reply to maawasam]

Thank you x

[mitziblue]

Sounds a lot like Fibro. Also it maybe a bit of OA as well. Hang in there sweetheart!!! xxx Mitzi

[ShellyWelly in reply to mitziblue]

I will do! Thanks mitziblue x

[trekster22]

Have you explored the possibility of EDS3 or hypermobility syndrome? You can have both fibro and something else. There is an EDS UK community on here which might be able to help. I have both EDS3 and fibro.