Welcome, Myra!

[Guest guest]

Welcome to our group, Myra! I'm indeed sending you a big hug.

It's very common to search for quite awhile before you get a firm

diagnosis. I'm sorry that you've been through so much and that you are

still not feeling very good, but I'm happy to hear that you've seen a

rheumatologist.

Don't listen to anyone, even family, if they tell you that this is all

in your head. I'm sorry to say that hearing that kind of thing from

doctors, friends, and family is a common problem as well.

When you say the your rheumatologist said that " the blood work was not

conclusive for RA I did

test positive for Lupus, " what that is most likely to mean is that you

tested negative for the rheumatoid factor (RF) and positive for ANA

(often times but very inaccurately referred to as the " lupus test " ).

Testing positive for ANA does not mean you have lupus because the ANA

test is not specific to lupus. As many as 30% of people with RA have a

positive ANA and up to 30% of people with RA test negative for RF.

Confusing? Yes. Basically, just keep in mind that there are no lab tests

that will alone rule in or rule out RA. Your history and clinical

evaluation are much more important than any labs. Blood work can provide

some important clues, but it does not make or break the diagnosis. What

about your x-rays? Did they show anything of significance? Or are they

not back yet?

From what you said, it is quite possible that you have RA and I think it

sounds as if your doctor is on the right track.

If you don't feel any better after tomorrow or you get any worse, I

would call the doctor and tell her and ask for help. Make sure she knows

how difficult it is for you to work when you are feeling so bad.

Good luck and keep us posted!

[ ] Hello Intro

> To All:

> I joined a few days back and I see the support and information that

> you give each other. I hope I can help someone but for now I am in

> the confused stage. My Story:

>

> For a least two years I have been telling the docs that I hurt,

> muscle aches and join hurts. The fatigue was something that I was

> not dealing with..I could do no more than go to work and come home

> and try to re-group for the next day. At any point of speaking of

> the pains and fatigue I was told it was depression and handed a

> script for an anti-depressant. No med ever helped..I was still in a

> fog and hurt. With all this I was having heavy weight gain. In

> March of this yeat I was at my GP for a horrible bladder problem and

> I explain to her I thought I was developing a bit of carpal

> tunnel...she gave me some meds and they did help for about a

> week..two weeks later all meds for the bladder infection gone and

> still fighting this infection I told her of the return of my pain and

> the fact that it was moving more to my shoulder. She again told me I

> just need to excersie more and get out of my depression. I try to

> expalin I hurt...my family and duagher just told me it was in my

> head. I hurt more because of this. I have always been a doer an now

> I could not do. So I was labeled lazy depressed.

>

> In April I saw my GYN I was still have major problems getting my

> hormone under check after a hysteroctomy 4 years before. I am major

> estrogen minus after I think high doses of oral meds. I asked him if

> he could recommend an orthopedic. He checked my should and thought

> it was a good idea.

>

> Upon my first visit with dx of impengment with rotator cuff problems

> doc placed a steroid injection in joint. No pain from the shot the

> next day the swelling and pain were more intence. Bextra, Ultra and

> Lortabs did nothing for the pain. Physical therapy brought no

> relief..so artho surgery was schedule. During the surgery he found

> massive inflamation of the synovitis tissue. He recomened a

> rheumatolgist. Swelling in should still much pain...swelling in

> feel, neck and hands. Rheumatologist took blood and ex-rays and upon

> all this she told me the blood work was not conslusive for RA I did

> test positive for Lupus. Regarding her work up my history and the

> pain her dx was RA. She gave no regards to the lupus. I know there

> are many things here and for now I understand why she is saying

> this. I know I will undergo more blood work. She did think it was

> important to start the predisone 5 mgs a day plaquenil 2 times a

> day..bextra and loratabs. The meds were just started so I will have

> a time before I know anything.

>

> My pain is still there...the swelling in legs and feet have increased

> this could be due to the start of the meds. I am overwhelmed with

> the tought of work tomorrow...I do so much better if I just do...and

> rest. I have no help or support on a daily basic so I just do what I

> can. For now I need your opinions...how to do....make it through the

> day...is the doc on the right track....is the meds a good choice....

> and hugs are accepted.

>

> Thank you for your time and I look forward to your replys.

> Myra

> Atlanta,GA 50