RA vs Fibromyalgia

[Edgie97]

Hey, this is a long one so I appreciate your time.

I was diagnosed with RA a few months ago after 11 years of skeletal problems. It was on the same day I went in for an emergency appointment (I had bursitis in the hip)

Since being diagnosed, I’ve done my research into it and I thought the doctor was right to diagnose RA based on my symptoms.

However, i came across an article that explained RA and fibromyalgia were commonly mistaken for each other due to having the same symptoms to an extent. I was very shocked to read on, seeing some of the differences between them are;

RA has inflammation, F does not.

RA affects joints symmetrically, F can be any bone, anytime.

F affects muscles as well as joints, and makes them tired.

I am now pretty certain I have been misdiagnosed.. I have no inflammation, I only did because I had bursitis. I could have one hip hurting and my shoulder for e.g, it’s hardly ever symmetrical. My muscles leave me in agony most days, and they are getting progressively weaker (yesterday I could hardly lift a large frying pan up). I even have pain NOT on joints, e.g shins, arms etc. I also suffer headaches and brain fog every day, I thought this was due to not drinking enough water or something...

Has anyone here dealt with this misdiagnosis? Can you have RA without inflammation and have it affect muscles? What’s the difference with how it will affect me?

Your help and advice is appreciated, thank you x

[Deniseelk]

Have you had your Vit D levels checked? This can give achy muscles. What is your fatigue level like? Are you stiff on waking for a period of time? Have you had your anti ccp blood levels checked? Just some areas to consider.

[Edgie97 in reply to Deniseelk]

Yes I have very low Vit D levels, on month 2 of the pills and still suffering. Fatigue is horrendous! I’d say I’m stiff in the morning until I get up and go, I’m stiff when I’ve been still for more than an hour. Not sure what those levels they are, have had the RA blood checks and they’re negative.

I also suffer with brain fog, constant headaches, extreme sensitivity to light, sound and temperature, RLS and numbness/tingling.

[BUDGIEBURDEKIN]

Hi,what a time your having lol, fibromyalgia only efects your muscles and fibres hence the mistakes also fibromyalgia doesn’t cause swellings anywhere, it isn’t easy and there are many people on here that has both so there is a heap of help and advice.

[Edgie97 in reply to BUDGIEBURDEKIN]

I know right, having a lovely time, may aswell move into the docs 🤣 yeah I was shocked to find out I was diagnosed with RA since I have no inflammation what so ever, hopefully I can sort this out and finally get a diagnosis which makes sense x

[Simba1992]

I do understand your worry very well. Like you I would want some more tests done. Hope you will find a good doc. All the best Simba

[AgedCrone]

RA is not an exact science...& we are not doctors, but I can tell you I was diagnosed with RA more than twenty years ago & I have never had symmetrical inflammation....I started having pain in the muscles only in my right arm...believe me RA sure does affect muscles as well as joints..

..then both wrists joined in ....then I got trigger finger....& so it goes on.

If you are thinking you were misdiagnosed...ask for a second opinion.

Have you been given any medication? What type of RA were you diagnosed with?

Don't get hung up on Dr.Google...if I looked up my symptoms now...I could fit either a brain tumour or spinal problems or lots in between.

In fact I have bursitis in my hip & neuromas in my feet.

Go back to your GP & say you'd like a second opinion, but best not to mention your research.....it takes a longtime to get to grips with auto immune diseases . Let the new Rheumy sort things out for you.

[Edgie97 in reply to AgedCrone]

Thank you for your insight. It bugs me that it isn’t a straight forward process, it affects people differently e.g... but I guess I will just have to trust the doctors. I’ll book my rheumy in ASAP. I’m on tramadol and was diagnosed with RA, but I was diagnosed the same day as having bursitis so maybe they assumed I always have inflamed joints? Idk I’ve just got such a melted brain lol

[AgedCrone in reply to Edgie97]

Don't fret.....99% of us have melted brains....haven't met the other 1% yet!

It's easy to say don't stress or worry....but these days I just roll with the blows. If that means the house doesn't get cleaned....so be it!

No one ever won a a prize or any sympathy for being a brave little soldier. Take all the help & advice your doctors can give you.

Hope you are in a better place soon,

[Anniebl24]

I was told recently that it is not always symmetrical.