an intro from a newbie

[Guest guest]

Hello everyone, I'm new here, and to this diagnosis. I am a 27 year old,

recently

married woman who got a diagnosis via the phone (results of blood tests for rh

factor). I have always had issues with regard to pain and joints. I was

diagnosed in 95

with Fibromyalgia, all the blood tests were negative at that time for any

arthritis. I

got that under control and was feeling relatively good. Long before that, I had

been

diagosed and treated for lyme's disease when I was about 14 or 15.

2 years ago, for no aparant reason, my left knee swelled up. My GP sent me to

an

orthopedic doctor when Ibuprofen didn't do anything. The orthopedic dr.

couldn't

find anything with an MRI, X-Ray, blood tests, fluid removal/testing, nothing.

He

drained the fluid a couple of times and on the third try gave me a shot of

cortisone

and I was good as new for two years....

A year and a half ago, I was diagnosed with a rare but serious pulmonary/cardiac

disease called Pulmonary Hypertension. I dealt with that diagnosis rather well,

started 24 hour treatment that is pumped in to a catheter in my chest. I was

able to

go back to work last year, and was feeling good.

Now it is now and about six months ago, my knee swelled up again. I tried to

ignore

it, but no luck. Went back to the orthopedic doctor- another MRI showed

possible

cartiledge tear and he wanted to take fluid and tissue samples. End result- no

tear to

repair and a LOT of synovial tissue removed that had grown and expanded way too

much. The fluid results and what he saw lead him to recommend I return to the

rheumatologist to check on RA.

Here I am, now, totally confused and overwhelmed. Dealing with one

life-altering

condition was enough, I don't think I can handle dealing with two... and i

haven't dealt

very well at all as of yet.

Sorry this became so long.... but I thought an intro was an ok place to start.

Thanks!

I am looking forward to knowing mmore about this condition and ways to cope.

I'm

kinda against the norm since it is onlly one joint and not both sides, but

rheumie

wants to start treatment anyways..

Robin =)