Does this sound like Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Hi there! I am new to the community and I don't have an official diagnosis yet. My appointment with the Rheumatologist is March 13th. My pain began 10 months ago in my lower back and left hip. In Dec. the pain got so bad that I couldn't take it anymore. I went to the doctor and they did MRI & Xray which showed spinal arthritis and degeneration. They sent me to PT twice/week for 4 weeks, but the pain continued to get worse and then I started having pain in my upper back and shoulders. Then mid-February, I had 5 days straight of a low grade fever, super achy, and extremely weak and tired. Less than a week later I developed pain in my wrists, fingers, left knee, and ankles. Now I also have pain in my elbows. My wrists and ankles/feet literally feel sprained. It is a steady throbbing pain with intermittent sharp aches deep down to the bone. I do not have any noticeable swelling yet. My Grandma had both Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus. Just wanted to hear you all's opinion... Does this sound like Rheumatoid Arthritis or another autoimmune disease? I would love to hear your story of how yours began. Thanks everyone!

[SnooW]

Hi, I'm sorry you are going through this. It certainly sounds like some kind of inflammatory arthritis tho there are many types. I'm pleased to hear your first rheumy appt is not so far away now as early treatment is paramount.

My Grandmother was the only one in the family that I knew of who suffered RA before me. I began with sharp and painful shoulder pain intermittently, then one day awoke not being able to use my left hand at all for the pain. I was told by a locum that it was a virus and to go back in 3 wks! Of course I didn't believe that and went back to see a different doc the very next week and he was suspicious of either palindromic arthritis, RA, or Sjogren's Syndrome as by then I also had dry mouth. Anyhow, it was RA.

My advice would be to take a list of any questions you have, a diary of symptoms and what they felt like and which joints were affected, and expect to get undressed for an examination of all your joints so wear something easy to take off and on again. You will also be sent for blood tests and possibly a hand/wrist scan. Not all RA shows visible swelling and the scan shows up inflammation. Your description of your pain going into the bone etc is very like mine when in a flare. Wishing you luck for your appt and look forward to hearing how you get on.

[Hidden]

Hi Hmfeindel,

sorry you are feeling so bad at the moment. Take a look at the section on our website about RA and diagnosis:

nras.org.uk/what-is-ra-article

nras.org.uk/making-a-diagno...

No-one wants it to be RA but if it is then at least you are being seen soon now and will get the treatment you need.

Regards

Beverley (NRAS Helpline)

[Hessie5]

Ditto above comments! Pain is a good thing as it tells us straight away something needs fixing! But always best to get that definitive answer from your consultant. (Ignore Dr Google for the moment too). If there is an issue, you are not alone, today there are the tools, lifestyle changes and brilliant forums like this one to help us in our journey. Everyone has something, remember you are not alone. Wishing you well. Hessie

[Kai--]

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Kindly also have a look-see 👁👁 over at Graceusha1’s post ( healthunlocked.com/nras/pos... ), Hmfeindel. May be some useful bits to help jumpstart your research. 🕵️‍♀️🔎

Very best wishes on the outset of your journey, Hmfeindel. 😌 🙏 🍀 🌺 🌞

[Merely supplemental opinion/ bits I’d found useful: healthunlocked.com/cure-art... ]

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[helixhelix]

Only your rheumatologist can tell you for sure, but your family history and symptoms point to something inflammatory as well as osteoarthritis. But perhaps you might be lucky and just have a bout of reactive arthritis that will go away. Keep a note of all your symptoms for your appointment.