Hi Everyone (Newbie)

[Guest guest]

I have been scanning this group for the past week, and am truly awed by

some of your stories and how many of you live with your conditions

everyday. I am a RN, and of course, we never think it's going to happen

to us, but something is going on and I finally realized I needed to get

myself checked out.

I have been experiencing symptoms of dry eyes, extreme fatigue at times

(especially in the afternoon and early evening), finger swelling and

generalized malaise for years. I attributed it to a hectic work

schedule, not enough rest, raising 2 kids alone and eating too much salt

and junk, and the winter climate here in the midwest. As part of a

program I participated in, I had genetic testing done to look for

genetic predisposition to certain types of health problems, and the most

significant for me was a tendency toward inflammatory problems. I have

followed some of the recommendations made at that time to decrease my

chances of having those tendencies expressed physically.

About 3-6 months ago, I developed left shoulder and right elbow pain for

no apparent reason and this has been persistent along with what feels

like carpal tunnel. I also have gotten to the point that I can't

comfortably wear my wedding rings--I have to soap them on and off!

Compounding all of this is a failed back surgery for which I will need a

lumbar fusion in the next few weeks. Anyhow, I went to my primary care

MD about 10 days ago and he ran only the ANA and quantitative rheumatoid

factor tests (no sed rate or CRP). The ANA was a weakly positive 1:40,

speckled pattern (which is associated with RA, Sjogren's and a few

others), but my quantitative RF was 2510! After doing some reading, I

realize that this can mean almost anything (there doesn't seem to be a

lot of literature regarding the significance of a really high quant.

RF), but I am really nervous about it and what this might mean. I see

the rheumatologist this Wednesday and already have a ton of questions

for her--most importantly how it will impact the need to get my back

fixed so that I can get back to work!

Thanks for the chance to post and for bearing with me getting my fears

written out (which really helps!). I have much to learn from all of you!

Suzanne