Re: Newbie with Questions re Number of Joints Involved

March 14, 2008

>

> Short version of long story:

> Fatigue started in mid-2007, postpartum.

> In November, noticed loss of motion in right wrist,

costochondritis,

> and my left knee was slightly " gummy " and slightly painful.

> Didn't take NSAIDS because of breastfeeding.

>

> Fastforward through negative x-rays and MRI showing lots of

> effusions, a steroid pack, a lot of Aleve, a steriod shot that

> worked 3 weeks but never restored my full range of motion, weaning,

> and a month and a half of 15 mg Mobic, and you have:

>

> Jan. 07 ESD 56, CRP 2.56, Anti-CCP 15.5 ( " positive " = 20)(?) and

> negative RF

> Still somewhat visible effusion, still some pain with certain

> activities, unable to open jars, hold kid on right side, etc.

> But I can type, write, etc.

> Shaking hands is iffy.

> Rheum said I have limits in passive & active range of motion, can

> flex wrist only 30 degrees in each direction. Also can't turn palm

> up to ceiling. Can only get halfway there.

>

> Second opinion from renowned rheum in Nashville suggested I go

ahead

> and start on methotrexate, just treat it as RA, as it is so severe

> and I may already have permanent damage to my wrist. Not sure how

> local rheum will react.

>

> Knee and chest pain have been resolved with Mobic. I get achy

> sometimes but mainly in back & neck as a result of typing, posture,

> I think. I can touch the floor just fine, no psoriasis, no bowel

> issues other than constipation, no severe back pain.

>

> Anyone ever encountered something similar?

>

> They always say monoarticular inflammatory arthritis will often go

> away, but mine is so severe. They tried to sample effusion to test

> but didn't hit it.

>

> I guess I'm going to start the methotrexate, to see if it calms

> things down?

>

> Thanks for any input!

>

When the Rheumy wasnt' sure whether or not I had RA (RA factor test

wasn't conclusive), he put me on Prednisone for a month. Since it

caused the morning stiffness to disappear the very next day, he said

that was good evidence for 'RA' and started me on methotrexate.

Good luck!

March 14, 2008

Sorry you're in such a tough spot, .

I'd go with the advice of the Nashville rheumatologist. If it is RA, " wait

is see " is usually a losing proposition. If it isn't RA, and everything

magically calms down to perfectly normal after you've been on methotrexate

(MTX) for awhile, you can always discontinue the MTX.

Not an MD

> [ ] Newbie with Questions re Number of Joints Involved

>