Possible diagnosis of RA

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I'm a 41 year old female with a possible case of rheumatoid

problems & I'm wondering if anyone can answer any questions for me.

I just woke up one day about 2 months ago & my right hand,

especially the index & ring fingers, were swollen & stiff. Since I

have lymphedema in my legs I thought this was the same thing. I

finally got in to see a lymphedema specialist & he said it was

probably a rhemuatoid problem & to see a rheumatologist. My

appointment with the rheumatologist is on July 8th.

Thanks for listening to my medical background - now for the

questions:

Are there any tests to definitively diagnose this

condition?

Is it common to wake up at night with pain in the

affected areas?

Does this usually affect both sides in a similar fashion?

(My left hand & fingers are now swollen too.)

My fingers are now starting to get 'stuck' when doing

certain activities (holding a paintbrush while painting the deck).

Is that a common occurence? I was able to relax the fingers & get

them to bend after about 30 seconds or so.

I appreciate any insight anyone can give me. I would like to be

able to ask intelligent questions of the doctor & have some

knowledge of the disease before I see him. Thanks!

Geri