New here with a question

[Guest guest]

I'm 34 and have a history of joint problems due to injury and

hypermobility. I was told years ago to expect early problems with

osteo-arthritis, so I didn't pay much attention to the problems I've

had with ankles, knees, and hips in the last couple of years.

However in the last few months (last 2 especially) I've been having

growing problems with my hands, wrists, and elbows. When I

mentioned this to my doc at my annual he told me that he wanted to

do screening tests for RA.

My major problem at the moment is the largest 2 sets of knuckles on

my hands and my wrists. I would stay that they are more stiff than

painful, and somewhat numb, especially in the morning and when I'm

trying to go to sleep (I have to make sure my hands aren't curled

into fists when I fall asleep or I wake up in real pain). At this

point its more of an annoyance than painful. I sometimes have a

little trouble getting my 16 month old daughter dressed, but that's

not every day (more like stretches of 3 or 4 days once or twice a

month).

So, what I want to ask is...Does this sound familiar? Do you think

I should be concerned about RA or do you think my doc is just being

cautious?

Thank you in advance for any information that you can share.