Hi Everyone,
I am a regular on sister site of PMR/GCA.I have my Annual Consultation with my Rheumatologist in 2 weeks time . I have been Pred free for 5 months thinking my PMR has now gone . I mentioned to him last visit that my hands are very painful and stiff and he thought along with other joints it was a flare of OA.
In the last 2 weeks I have extreme pain in my hands especially in the early hours of the morning , up into my arms and shoulders Some joints are swollen , some are red though not constantly. I know this could be my OA flaring, but wonder if I now have RA? When first diagnosed with PMR in 2019 my bloods showed a positive RF factor, but later I tested negative for it.
My question is do my symptoms match with others who were first diagnosed with RA?
I wonder if it was my OA would the pain be this constant and in my arms and shoulders?
Thank you and so grateful for any replies I am so pleased to be seeing my Rheumie soon I just hope it all makes sense to him.