Joint pain

[cacosta523]

Hello there! I've posted here before. I have LA and Hashimotos. I'm being treated with an anticoagulant (Eliquis), which is working very well for me. I know some people do not think Eliquis is the proper anticoagulant, but I talked in depth with my hematologist about the drug. My issue now is severe joint pain. It's not every day, or even every week. It comes and goes. Was thinking I may have RA since it is yet another autoimmune disease. I've been tested for Lupus, MS, Sjorgens, etc. all with negative results. My neurologist did find slight arthritis in my neck area and slight carpal tunnel in my left wrist (which has gotten better, almost gone). Should I now be tested for RA?

Thanks!

[Puska]

Not sure what happens in your area but generally RA is one of the panel of tests usually undertaken once a positive ANA is found. So likely already done.

[Tofino5]

I think it would be good to visit your doctor and tell him/her what's going on now. It sounds like you need some help with the pain?

I have APS, LA, Sjogrens and Hashimotos, and I'm on Eliquis. I looked again at the "common side effects" for it, and don't see joint pain listed - not that that means much of anything. I've had this kind of joint pain most of my life. I also have a the kind that settles in to a joint for weeks. It was diagnosed decades ago as fibromyalgia, but recently I was told it's a hallmark of APS and Sjogrens.

The important thing is to keep your doc informed and get the help you need.

Good luck!

[charlieab]

I dont think they will necessarily have tested for RA. Ive been tested for lots of AI conditions but not yet for RA. I think that, if they were looking at possibility of RA, then they would test for rheumathoid factor (RF). But it is not specific to RA. So, if you test positive, it could be the result of a condition you know about already. A more specific test is anti-ACCP which you could ask them to do at the same time.

But I think ultimately it would be a clinical diagnosis based in part on eviednce of any erosive lesions. I would ask rheumatologist about maybe.

[MaryF Administrator]

Hi, it is important also to test levels of vitamin D, B12 and Iron and also Thyroid issues, unfortunately if only the TSH is done it is not detailed enough regarding Thyroid issues, I myself along with others do very detailed private Thyroid tests, which are more accurate, including antibody tests for Thyroid as well as a host of others. MaryF

ps tests like these: TSH, FT4, FT3, TT4, Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies,Thyroglobulin Antibodies, Ferritin ,Folate, Vitamin B12 (NOT ACTIVE B12), C Reactive Protein, Vitamin D (25 OH), REVERSE T3

[cacosta523 in reply to MaryF]

Oh yes. My thyroid levels get tested on a regular basis since my diagnosis! My levels are great right now. I do get B12 injections, but I'm not very good at going in to get them. Vitamin D levels are also good! I think I may just need to be more diligent with my B12 injections!

[MaryF Administrator in reply to cacosta523]

So all the tests above I mention, the reason I ask is often most doctors only do the TSH! I was told mine was fine by doctors for years until I saw the light and did more detailed tests which showed I was severely hypothyroid despite the TSH telling me levels were within range! MaryF

[cacosta523 in reply to MaryF]

That's what mine did for years! Then a wonderful doctor did the more extensive testing finding the Hashimotos!

[Salmonious]

I have taken the B12 shots which sends my levels over the top so the doctor put me on the shots every two months. Anyone heard of this problem in connection with Hughes?