Another newbie and very confused

August 23, 2006

Hi, my name is and my Rheum. says I have RA and OA. What I don't

understand is how exactly are those two differentiated? I had x-rays that showed

degeneration in my little finger. Both of my little fingers are badly involved

for about a year and a half now with pain,stiffness and bone growth (like a

little bump) My CCP tested in Feb 06 as a Weak positive for RA but RF was

negative. Dr. gave me prednisone first which did nothing. Then I started on

hydroxychloroquine in April. It has made no difference in the stiffness and pain

which recently moved to my left forefinger and right wrist too. I have had left

neck and shoulder pain for many years.I took Naproxin for a time but it helped

very little. I have since been trying lots of combinations of herbal pills and

lotion which work about the same as the Nsaids.(not much) What I don't

understand is that my blood retests in 7/06 showed negative for both RF and CCP

and Sed rate was normal. And yet everything continues to get worse. With

everyone's experiences, I was wondering what I should say to the Dr. when I have

my next appointment in 2 weeks. I'm embarrassed to say that I went off the Meds

a week and a half ago because I needed a break from the constant constipation

and illness. I actually feel better now and less depressed. I'm just so confused

right now and don't really trust this dr. as he either shrugs off or denies

anything I ever tell him about how my body feels or other symptoms. There are so

few drs under my insurance I hate to try and find another one. Any suggestions

of what I should do? E-mailing me privately is fine.

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