Blood tests back, RA also likely

[Qt314grl]

Ugh. My RF factor, crp and sed rate were up after my knee swelling incident last week. So it’s looking like RA as well. I’m thinking maybe I could try rituxin since it can treat both MS and RA?

[rjoneslaw]

It depend on what type of RA you have. My RA is auto immune so I take something just for it and something else for MS. Make sure that your neurologist and rheumatologist work with each other on the best treatment for you.

[cheshcat]

I'm sorry ❤️

Have you seen a rheumatologist yet? They will probably do more testing too. Like MS, RA is a clinical diagnosis, made by the rheumatologist. But if all those are positive and your knee swelled, it does look likely. Usually RA effects the small joints first, fingers and toes, but that is not to say your knee isn't what is presenting with for you. Your rheumatologist will look at all your joints though. Although RA effects more then joints and is systemic.

I have no idea on meds as I haven't been diagnosed with MS but I am very curious what your rheumatologist and neurologist will decide for you.

[Qt314grl in reply to cheshcat]

cheshcat thanks! So I’ve had joint pain in my fingers and toes for years but I was told it was the wrong joints? 🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️

My biggest issues have been neuropathy and numbness from the MS.

I’m waiting for my GP to set up the referral appt with a rheumy. It’s the same one my mom is going to (who also has Ms!) because she recently had a positive ANA. We are quite the pair.

A few days after the knees went down in swelling, my right wrist puffed up and hurt. Then my left. And now my ankles. So I think it’s pretty clear what’s going on. I’ve had high sed rate and crp for years but my RF was always negative. I’m looking forward to perhaps and extended round of steroids to get this dang inflammation under control!

I’m definitely going to make sure the MS doc and rheumy get on the same page for treatment.

[cheshcat in reply to Qt314grl]

You are going through a lot! RA damage is permanent, so it's good you finally are getting into a rheumatologist!

I am still mad but there's a better test then RF, it's the anti-ccp. Your rheumatologist may or may not run it but I was sick for too long while they scratched their heads and I had an after hours doctor finally ordered the better tests for me. (My mom has had RA for 30 years).

Unfortunately, you can't really get control of RA that fast. Steroids calm things down but then it just all becomes inflamed again, once you stop taking them. You need DMARDs (disease modifying medications) to do the heavy lifting of brining your immune system back under control. Stupid immune system anyways 🤨

I'll be thinking of you! We are at opposite sides of the spectrum. My nerve conduction study is in a few weeks to start the process of re-looking for MS, while you are waiting to see your rheumatologist. I hope both of us get some answers soon 💜

[Qt314grl in reply to cheshcat]

These diseases are so tricky. It doesn’t help that they present with so many darn different permutations. 🤬🤬

[cheshcat in reply to Qt314grl]

I wish there were easier/better ways to test for these diseases! It's sort of crazy to me that we have to linger for so long while they try to figure it out! I'll be watching for updates from you!

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador]

Keep us updated ok? Qt314grl and I hope you feel better very soon!

J🌠

[Qt314grl in reply to Jesmcd2]

Jesmcd2 did you have your nerve study? What are your next steps?

I saw my rheumy today and he diagnosed me with RA pretty much as soon as he sat down because he had seen my lab work. Several joints are pretty bad now. He gave me a month of prednisone and once a week methotrexate. Just poppped 10mg a few hours ago and I’m feeling pretty nauseous

I really like my rheumatologist and it was so nice not to have to fight for a diagnosis like I did with MS.

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador in reply to Qt314grl]

Hi Qt314grl I'm glad you like your Rhumy. I don' have one. I don't think I need one. ?

I have had the nerve conduction study done on both my legs and feet. It didn't end well for anyone. 😞😭😡

If this is what your having done? It hurts. Bottom line. Be prepared. Everyone told me, oh it's easy, they Lied to me!😡🤣

Hang in there.🤗💕

J🌠

[Qt314grl in reply to Jesmcd2]

Oh, I had it done a few months ago. They did my legs and then something with my eye and my shoulder. It was definitely not fun. I felt pretty worked over after it.

So what did they find on yours? Any peripheral neuropathy?

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador in reply to Qt314grl]

Ugh, this is honestly, the BS I went thru with my foot drop dx.

My rt foot feel asleep on the day before Easter bout 10 yrs ago? Hmm ok. Called Dr. Can't get in for a wk. Ok... 1 wk to the day, lost the other foot.

Go to ER, Get sent to big hospital, stay drugged, and get poked and then they try to send me home. Except no one will get me. 😐 My mother tells the nurse to put me in a cab to a motel til she isn't busy. 😐 Nurse called the doc so I could stay an extra nite. 😊

No reason given for foot, except, I was to skinny😡 and the doc flew off the handle at tech for saying that. So no clue.😭😂🤣

And I don't care.😂🤣

J🌠

[Raingrrl]

Sorry to hear this Qt314grl ! Having one autoimmune disease is bad enough! Hope treatment is figured out for you soon.

[greaterexp]

I’m sad to hear this about the RA. I’ll be praying for clarity in diagnosis and that you find a great treatment plan.

Let us know when you get your appointment date.

[Ikeeptrying]

I too have MS and RA. Luckily the RA is being kept under control by daily use of Plaquenil. I'm not on any meds for the MS as I'm SPMS and there's nothing for it. Please keep us posted about any recommendations from your Neuro and Rheumatology doctors. This site is wonderful for spreading any news about meds and other good advice. Thank you for responding and good luck to both of us.

[CalfeeChick CommunityAmbassador]

Sorry to hear about your possible diagnosis. Hope you are feeling better soon. I know with my osteoarthritis which is an aggressive form, heat makes it feel better. perhaps a heat wrap or massage with a cream such as Arnica Capsium. Pepper based, it sure help my leg spasms. Keep us posted. I take Celebrex 200mg. twice as day and it has helped quite a bit. I still have deformities in my fingers, especially the right hand. It sounds icky & was a bit painful, but it actually helped. My ortho doc would give me steroid shots directly into the knuckles, it saved the knuckles on the left hand from getting deformed. Hang in there and do keep us posted. We are here for you!