Undiagnosed but Hurting!

[Guest guest]

Hello,

I am new to the group. Having a little extra time today and hurting

more than usual I decided to do some research. I was tested for RH

and Lupus 3 years ago and everything was negative except my ANA is

positive but low. About a month ago my family doctor tested me again

and it is about the same. She feels I probably do have RH as she

knows others who tested negative for years before showing positive. I

see a rheumatologist and have taken sulindac (generic for what? I

don't remember)for three years. I quit for a short time about 1 1/2

years ago thinking I was imagining the pain but within 3 days I felt

like I'd been run over by a freight train and I ached all day instead

of just in the morning. My pain and stiffness started at 28 years in

my right hip. After 6 months it moved to my left hip but didn't last

as long. A few years later my right elbow got so bad I couldn't lift

a gallon of milk and then that moved to my left. My elbows are never

without some pain. Now my shoulders hurt so bad I can't get

comfortable in bed much of the time. There have been many

other " pains " that are probably related but too numerous to mention.

My sister was diagnosed at age 28 and I have a cousin who became

disabled by his mid-thirties and has had many joints replaced for the

second time. My great-grandmother on the other side of the family

also was in a wheel chair with " rhuematism " . My main concern is, if

I do indeed have RH, how can I get preventative treatment? It seems

all anyone wants to do is try to cover up the pain. I am 50 years

old and love to snowmobile, motorcycle and hunt with my husband. I'd

like to think I can continue this for at least another 15 or 20 years

but I think I am getting worse fast. I'm frustrated and looking for

advice and support.

Thanks, Bev