In the early stages of RA, do the symptoms ebb and flow? Some days are so bad, others bearable...

[lotwnic]

In the early stages of RA, do the symptoms ebb and flow? Some days are so bad, others bearable. The "good days" are now measured on degree of "less stiff/pain" but the good days are so much better then the bad... This all started a year ago but has progressed quickly over the last 7 months. Do not have the typical RA swelling but have intense bilateral redness starting at each knuckle to nail - feels like fire And the joint pain (which has now moved from just knuckles to wrists and elbows).I'm sernoneg, waiting for my anti-ccp and first rhemy appt. Feeling confused and lonely.

[helixhelix]

Yup, sounds quite familiar! Everyone's a bit different with this disease but it did build up slowly with me too, so I would have periods of feeling ok. But overall it did steadily get worse until I started the meds. Hope you get to see a rheumy soon. But for many of us this is the worst bit, as all so worrying as well as painful. Do talk to your GP about getting proper pain relief, and use ice and hot packs as well. Polly

[Munchkinella]

Hi there welcome. Sorry you're feeling confused and lonely, we're here to listen.

Yes agree with Polly, I had this, mainly in my feet. Kept blaming my new boots lol. The waiting can be worrying, but hopefully when you've got all your results back the rheumy can sort out your meds for you and you'll feel more settled. Take care. Love Janet xxx

[Hidden]

yes thats how mine came and stayed, but mine started a year before that in my right knee he swole 3 times its size couldnt walk and sat with it elevated for two weeks, then within 3 days it disappeared as tho it had never happened and didnt come back for 2 years. Thats when it started in my hand and arm and gradually spread over 6 months. So hey were here for you, i had a full diagnosis confirming RA sept 2012 and this site is great lovely happy, supportive,kind and really funny people on here, i think i would have gone mad without it. So welcome aboard and hope all goes well on your rheumy visit. xx hugs lena

[Hidden]

Yes me too! I'm in denial just now as things have been so quiet and good since September, but when you describe your symptoms they are pretty much the same as mine were I admit, although after 6 months it settled in hands and wrists and has never completely left them, having had a pop at everything else sporadically. Good luck - as others say this is the place. Tilda x

[lotwnic]

Thanks for the kind words and encouragement. I really appreciated the support.

[Neonkitty]

Yes mine came on over nine months just like you have said. Slowly things happening. No blood result to prove it, no redness of swelling on visits to the Rheumy. I was going mad. Then very quickly it went gaga and came on me practically overnight. Hope you get yours sorted soon and are not in pain.