More swelling + fatigue than joint damage

[Guest guest]

I wonder if anyone is like me? I have more swelling/edema of the body

and fatigue than visible joint damage. My doctors are confused by this--

my fingers, feet, ankles, legs and abdomen swell throughout the day and

I have extreme fatigue.

But when the doctor does a physical exam he doesn't see damage, with

the exception of my knees--you can hear the lack of cartilage and

grinding.

Last week's checkup, the physician assistant said she heard fluid in my

lungs and I got another dose pack of prednisone. She and the rhummy

think it's time to change biologics from Humira to either Enbrel,

Rituxan, or Remicade.

My mother and her side of the family have a history of edema and nearly

all of them have diabetes (type 2) and heart problems. I am constantly

checked and so far no diabetes, but I do have mitral regurgitation. My

cardiologist sometimes gives me Lasix to reduce the fluid/swelling.

Sometimes it works, and other times the dose pack of prednisone works--

I guess it depends on the type of swelling that is occuring at the

time. I can't tell the difference but the cardiologist and rhummy can.

I wonder does RA cause overall body swelling or is it the mitral

regurgitation or both? I don't think the doctors really know. I'm in

a catch 22.

Anyone else having this problem--less external physical damage, but

more internal physical damage? BTW, my medical history is weird

anyway, Graves Disease at 14, severe allergies at 26 that resulted in

the diagnosis of RA at 26.

Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

K