feeling worried

[trace58]

My RA is kept under control fairly well with meds, but recently my fatigue has been really bad, poss Fibromyagia , but I have also now got swelling under armpit tenderness , anyone had this ?

[Beanyynwa]

Hi Trace58, so sorry to hear about your fatigue. I can totally empathise because I too am going through horrendous fatigue and pains that are different from previous RA types of pain. Sorry this post is so long.I can't be sure what's going on but symptoms, based on my reading and talking to other suffers, appear similar to Fibromigia.

I was diagnosed with RA in 2010 and responded well to Methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine.

After 6 years, flares started and got worse. Started biological injection-Benapali, in 2018, with 25mg Methotrexate and after a few months felt so much better and no more hydroxychloroquine which was slowly impacting on my vision. Happier days until

I contracted COVID19 in 2021. Never felt so ill and frightened I would die. Luckily got better but sadly my mum died a few weeks later due to impact of having covid and and subsequently a stroke in 2020. 3 weeks after Mum died, younger sister admitted to ICU with COVID19 and on ventilator for 6 weeks and in hospital for 7 months with awful complications - limited mobility, respiratory and cardiac difficulties, PTSD and horrible flashbacks.

At same time, my husband had life saving surgery due to ulcerative colitis, was also in ICU for 2 weeks and now has stoma bag.

I say all this because I was so anxious and fearful but was trying to be strong, pushing myself too hard and caring for everyone but myself. Lack of sleep, rest and food also took its toll. Has this stress and trauma caused me physical problems I am experiencing now?

I was then diagnosed with long covid and PTSD in June 2021. Symptoms continues- fatigue, aching joints and muscles, headaches, anxiety insomnia, increased brain fog, acid reflux, falls due to dizziness and mobility difficulties.

Learned strategies with help of Post Covid Syndrome Team. Returned to work and had bereavement counselling so things were improving. More good then bad days.

Went on much needed holiday to Dubia in July 2023, to improve my mental health and relax. Tried to keep safe from contracting any infections but contracted something very nasty on final day.

Chest infection with stage1 pneumonia and worse asthma attacks. Given nebulisers, steriods and 4 courses of antibiotics inluding intravenously. Coughed so hard fractured 2 ribs.

Went back to work after 6 weeks off. I have not felt right since - horrible fatigue, muscle and joint aches every day and different parts of body - wrists one day then fine but right shoulder and arm ache, next day pain

moves to one knee, then hips, then neck, then hands or certain fingers- what the hell. Area all around my ribs, upper arms and arm pits often swollen and painful. Very sensitive to being touched so sometimes hugs and cuddles hurt.

Never know where pain will be when I wake up.

Hard to stay positive.

Is it progression of RA, another new condition cause by stress and / or another respiratory infection. Is it Fibromigia or another condition?.

I was frightened as my mum had Fibromigia and I saw how painful and debilitating it was for her. 😢 Employer and managers have zero understanding or empathy so delay getting reasonable adjustments. 🙄

I now need to know what this is. Have asked for Rheumatologist appointment as soon as possible.

I hope you can get answers and support soon. I will update you and share any helpful information.

Take care and remember that we are resilient and RA warriors. We can do this. ♥️ 😊

[janmary in reply to Beanyynwa]

What a difficult few years you’ve had. Hope you can get an appointment very soon

[KittyJ]

I would get the swelling checked out by your doctor just to make sure it’s not something that needs treating.🤞🏻

[helixhelix]

swelling in the lymph nodes in your armpits can just mean nothing, or that you have a small infection like a cold, or a virus. Get it checked out by a GP to be sure. And if it’s an infection could be cause of your fatigue.

I’m the other way round, when I get too tired my lymph nodes swell. Used to make be worry, but had it ll checked so now I just try to drink lots and rest and it goes away.

[Deeb1764]

I have had this with my fibro it seems to get everywhere! Just keep an eye and checking and if worried speak to GP

[Hollyhock123]

I often get swelling in the lymph nodes under armpits. Always after a covid jab, but also when I’m fighting an infection, a cold etc. I have raised with GP and they weren’t too concerned as long as they didn’t linger too long. But, I do seem to get them more regularly now, and they are on my list to mention with next RA appointment (when that eventually happens)

[janmary]

Could just be fatigue related but lymph node swelling always needs checking ou

[Kell46]

Hi, I have ra and fibromyalgia. I also have swollen underarm,a scan showed reactive lymph glands which is due to ra,hope this helps

[AgedCrone]

When you find any new swelling when you haven’t bumped or knocked the area should be checked by your GP.