Guest guest Posted April 7, 2008 Report Share Posted April 7, 2008 I live in a very small rural town in idaho medical care here is of the old " country doc " style. after having my hands bothering me for a couple of years, swelling, general pain and stiffnes, worse the first 2 hours in the morning, yet still ache through the day. I was told by the doc it was arthritis. no mention of type, or going to specialist, no blood test, x-rays, ect. which for a small place like i'm in, it's ok. sounds like most of those test are not 100% anyway, and there is no way I can afford it. he put me relafen, which seems to help. A quick search via the internet it sounded to me like it matches RA. I also tire easy, and too often feel like I'm 'almost' sick However, my stiff, sore,swollen hands has been constant. slowly getting worse over the last 2 years, I haven't really noticed " flare ups " So could this be something else? other symptoms I should look for that would help to determine if I recieved a correct diagnosis? And if it arthritis as my doc said, should I quite tryng to play guitar or other activities that use my hands a lot? or is the exercise good for it? basically what is the best way to keep it from getting any worse? How fast/slow does it progress? I dont even know what questions to ask, so I appreciate any insights here. Thanks in advance for the groups time, Don Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 7, 2008 Report Share Posted April 7, 2008 Hi Don! Getting testing done, such as RF factor, ANA, anti ccp, sed rate, and a crp would help diagnose the condition. There are a percentage of people though that have RA that do not test positive for the RF factor yet have elevated sed rates (which shows that inflammation is going on in the body) and sed rates. RA can be a very aggressive disease. DMARDS help to slow the progress of damage/joints deforming. Such as Plaquenil, Sulfasalazine, Methotrexate. Many here on biologics such as Enbrel. Its so hard to say what one will be able to do with this disease as each person is different. Some here can do work with their hands and crafts. Others, have major issues with their hands. It seems to go on a case by case basis, and its difficult to predict what will and won't happen with this disease to the body. You have definitely come to the right place! This group is amazing! There are very supportive caring individuals here that offer advice, support, and help. provides us with current medical research and amazing information! --- Don <drfrasher@...> wrote: > I live in a very small rural town in idaho > medical care here is of the old " country doc " style. > after having my hands bothering me for a couple of > years, swelling, general pain and stiffnes, > worse the first 2 hours in the morning, yet still > ache through the day. I was told by the doc it > was arthritis. no mention of type, or going to > specialist, no blood test, x-rays, ect. which > for a small place like i'm in, it's ok. sounds like > most of those test are not 100% anyway, and there is > no way I can afford it. > he put me relafen, which seems to help. A quick > search via the internet it sounded to me like it > matches > RA. I also tire easy, and too often feel like I'm > 'almost' sick > However, my stiff, sore,swollen hands has been > constant. slowly getting worse over the last 2 > years, I haven't > really noticed " flare ups " So could this be > something else? other symptoms I should look for > that would help > to determine if I recieved a correct diagnosis? > And if it arthritis as my doc said, should I > quite tryng to play guitar or other activities that > use my hands a lot? > or is the exercise good for it? > basically what is the best way to keep it from > getting any worse? How fast/slow does it progress? > I dont even know what questions to ask, so I > appreciate any insights here. > Thanks in advance for the groups time, > Don > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > removed] > > ________________________________________________________________________________\ ____ You rock. That's why Blockbuster's offering you one month of Blockbuster Total Access, No Cost. http://tc.deals./tc/blockbuster/text5.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 7, 2008 Report Share Posted April 7, 2008 Don, I would need a diagnosis even if that meant traveling to a larger town/city. If you have RA, in my experience you will need a DMARD to stop the progression of the disease. I was so bad in the beginning but with MTX and Remicade, my life is almost normal. Good Luck, mary in pa [ ] Lots of questions ! I live in a very small rural town in idaho medical care here is of the old " country doc " style. after having my hands bothering me for a couple of years, swelling, general pain and stiffnes, worse the first 2 hours in the morning, yet still ache through the day. I was told by the doc it was arthritis. no mention of type, or going to specialist, no blood test, x-rays, ect. which for a small place like i'm in, it's ok. sounds like most of those test are not 100% anyway, and there is no way I can afford it. he put me relafen, which seems to help. A quick search via the internet it sounded to me like it matches RA. I also tire easy, and too often feel like I'm 'almost' sick However, my stiff, sore,swollen hands has been constant. slowly getting worse over the last 2 years, I haven't really noticed " flare ups " So could this be something else? other symptoms I should look for that would help to determine if I recieved a correct diagnosis? And if it arthritis as my doc said, should I quite tryng to play guitar or other activities that use my hands a lot? or is the exercise good for it? basically what is the best way to keep it from getting any worse? How fast/slow does it progress? I dont even know what questions to ask, so I appreciate any insights here. Thanks in advance for the groups time, Don Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 7, 2008 Report Share Posted April 7, 2008 Don, I second 's thoughts. Are you close to Spokane? [ ] Lots of questions ! I live in a very small rural town in idaho medical care here is of the old " country doc " style. after having my hands bothering me for a couple of years, swelling, general pain and stiffnes, worse the first 2 hours in the morning, yet still ache through the day. I was told by the doc it was arthritis. no mention of type, or going to specialist, no blood test, x-rays, ect. which for a small place like i'm in, it's ok. sounds like most of those test are not 100% anyway, and there is no way I can afford it. he put me relafen, which seems to help. A quick search via the internet it sounded to me like it matches RA. I also tire easy, and too often feel like I'm 'almost' sick However, my stiff, sore,swollen hands has been constant. slowly getting worse over the last 2 years, I haven't really noticed " flare ups " So could this be something else? other symptoms I should look for that would help to determine if I recieved a correct diagnosis? And if it arthritis as my doc said, should I quite tryng to play guitar or other activities that use my hands a lot? or is the exercise good for it? basically what is the best way to keep it from getting any worse? How fast/slow does it progress? I dont even know what questions to ask, so I appreciate any insights here. Thanks in advance for the groups time, Don Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 7, 2008 Report Share Posted April 7, 2008 First, Let me say Thanks to those that took the time to answer my questions! Spokan is a bit of drive from here. Salt Lake is a good 3 hours one way. about the same to Boise. Twin Falls is only about a 45-60 minute drive each way, still fairly small, but much better in a medical sense than where I am at. I'll have to think this over a bit and see what I can do. I am only 43yrs old, and have insurance, however I have been working in a very low paying job in retail, my hands and overall health scare me from attempting the better paying farm work around here. years ago moving would not of been an issue, so as to get better work, however our house is now paid for, and with the current market, trying to sell the house and moving now is a bit of a concern and a big finacial risk. there is a new wherehouse being built in the area, I hope that maybe I will be able to get on there and be in a better postion to afford the testing and better treatment. And I'll hang on to copies of the e-mail to have something to go by when I am able to pursue it. bad catch 22. can't affford the testing and treatment for me hands, yet not sure I'll be able to do the work that will! Thanks again!, Don Praising the Lord anyways ! [ ] Lots of questions ! I live in a very small rural town in idaho medical care here is of the old " country doc " style. after having my hands bothering me for a couple of years, swelling, general pain and stiffnes, worse the first 2 hours in the morning, yet still ache through the day. I was told by the doc it was arthritis. no mention of type, or going to specialist, no blood test, x-rays, ect. which for a small place like i'm in, it's ok. sounds like most of those test are not 100% anyway, and there is no way I can afford it. he put me relafen, which seems to help. A quick search via the internet it sounded to me like it matches RA. I also tire easy, and too often feel like I'm 'almost' sick However, my stiff, sore,swollen hands has been constant. slowly getting worse over the last 2 years, I haven't really noticed " flare ups " So could this be something else? other symptoms I should look for that would help to determine if I recieved a correct diagnosis? And if it arthritis as my doc said, should I quite tryng to play guitar or other activities that use my hands a lot? or is the exercise good for it? basically what is the best way to keep it from getting any worse? How fast/slow does it progress? I dont even know what questions to ask, so I appreciate any insights here. Thanks in advance for the groups time, Don Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 8, 2008 Report Share Posted April 8, 2008 Don, you really need to do something now and stop the progression of this disease. If you wait, you won't be able to work. Take care of this now so you can continue working. Disability is not fun to be on. One often gets depressed when they find themselves hopelessly unable to work. Prevention is the best treatment. > > First, Let me say Thanks to those that took the time to answer my questions! > Spokan is a bit of drive from here. Salt Lake is a good 3 hours one way. about the same to Boise. > Twin Falls is only about a 45-60 minute drive each way, still fairly small, but much better in a medical > sense than where I am at. > I'll have to think this over a bit and see what I can do. I am only 43yrs old, and have insurance, however > I have been working in a very low paying job in retail, my hands and overall health scare me from attempting > the better paying farm work around here. years ago moving would not of been an issue, so as to get better work, > however our house is now paid for, and with the current market, trying to sell the house and moving now is a bit of > a concern and a big finacial risk. there is a new wherehouse being built in the area, I hope that maybe I will be > able to get on there and be in a better postion to afford the testing and better treatment. > And I'll hang on to copies of the e-mail to have something to go by when I am able to pursue it. > bad catch 22. can't affford the testing and treatment for me hands, yet not sure I'll be able to do the work that will! > > Thanks again!, > Don > Praising the Lord anyways ! > > > [ ] Lots of questions ! > > I live in a very small rural town in idaho medical care here is of the old " country doc " style. > after having my hands bothering me for a couple of years, swelling, general pain and stiffnes, > worse the first 2 hours in the morning, yet still ache through the day. I was told by the doc it > was arthritis. no mention of type, or going to specialist, no blood test, x-rays, ect. which > for a small place like i'm in, it's ok. sounds like most of those test are not 100% anyway, and there is > no way I can afford it. > he put me relafen, which seems to help. A quick search via the internet it sounded to me like it matches > RA. I also tire easy, and too often feel like I'm 'almost' sick > However, my stiff, sore,swollen hands has been constant. slowly getting worse over the last 2 years, I haven't > really noticed " flare ups " So could this be something else? other symptoms I should look for that would help > to determine if I recieved a correct diagnosis? > And if it arthritis as my doc said, should I quite tryng to play guitar or other activities that use my hands a lot? > or is the exercise good for it? > basically what is the best way to keep it from getting any worse? How fast/slow does it progress? > I dont even know what questions to ask, so I appreciate any insights here. > Thanks in advance for the groups time, > Don > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 8, 2008 Report Share Posted April 8, 2008 Don, There are many forms of arthritis, so it doesn't necessarily have to be RA. It would be a good idea to see a rheumatologist (even just once) to make sure that it isn't something that requires immediate intervention. Here is a link to the American College of Rheumatology's geographical search tool so that you can find the rheumatologists closest to you: http://rheumatology.org/directory/geo.asp?aud=mem Not an MD > [ ] Lots of questions ! > > I live in a very small rural town in idaho medical care here is of the old " country > doc " style. > after having my hands bothering me for a couple of years, swelling, general pain and > stiffnes, > worse the first 2 hours in the morning, yet still ache through the day. I was told by > the doc it > was arthritis. no mention of type, or going to specialist, no blood test, x-rays, ect. > which > for a small place like i'm in, it's ok. sounds like most of those test are not 100% > anyway, and there is > no way I can afford it. > he put me relafen, which seems to help. A quick search via the internet it sounded > to me like it matches > RA. I also tire easy, and too often feel like I'm 'almost' sick > However, my stiff, sore,swollen hands has been constant. slowly getting worse over > the last 2 years, I haven't > really noticed " flare ups " So could this be something else? other symptoms I should > look for that would help > to determine if I recieved a correct diagnosis? > And if it arthritis as my doc said, should I quite tryng to play guitar or other > activities that use my hands a lot? > or is the exercise good for it? > basically what is the best way to keep it from getting any worse? How fast/slow > does it progress? > I dont even know what questions to ask, so I appreciate any insights here. > Thanks in advance for the groups time, > Don > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 8, 2008 Report Share Posted April 8, 2008 don, do you live near a medical TEACHING hospital? as thats where I filed papers and now get all I need for free......they call me Charity care but I dont care as long as I can get what I need at a time of need...it maybe something worth looking into...I have to drive 2 hrs to get there but they treat me like I was a paying client..no one looks at you badly at all...... so it maybe an option to also look into best of luck Cheryl > > First, Let me say Thanks to those that took the time to answer my questions! > Spokan is a bit of drive from here. Salt Lake is a good 3 hours one way. about the same to Boise. > Twin Falls is only about a 45-60 minute drive each way, still fairly small, but much better in a medical > sense than where I am at. > I'll have to think this over a bit and see what I can do. I am only 43yrs old, and have insurance, however > I have been working in a very low paying job in retail, my hands and overall health scare me from attempting > the better paying farm work around here. years ago moving would not of been an issue, so as to get better work, > however our house is now paid for, and with the current market, trying to sell the house and moving now is a bit of > a concern and a big finacial risk. there is a new wherehouse being built in the area, I hope that maybe I will be > able to get on there and be in a better postion to afford the testing and better treatment. > And I'll hang on to copies of the e-mail to have something to go by when I am able to pursue it. > bad catch 22. can't affford the testing and treatment for me hands, yet not sure I'll be able to do the work that will! > > Thanks again!, > Don > Praising the Lord anyways ! > > > [ ] Lots of questions ! > > I live in a very small rural town in idaho medical care here is of the old " country doc " style. > after having my hands bothering me for a couple of years, swelling, general pain and stiffnes, > worse the first 2 hours in the morning, yet still ache through the day. I was told by the doc it > was arthritis. no mention of type, or going to specialist, no blood test, x-rays, ect. which > for a small place like i'm in, it's ok. sounds like most of those test are not 100% anyway, and there is > no way I can afford it. > he put me relafen, which seems to help. A quick search via the internet it sounded to me like it matches > RA. I also tire easy, and too often feel like I'm 'almost' sick > However, my stiff, sore,swollen hands has been constant. slowly getting worse over the last 2 years, I haven't > really noticed " flare ups " So could this be something else? other symptoms I should look for that would help > to determine if I recieved a correct diagnosis? > And if it arthritis as my doc said, should I quite tryng to play guitar or other activities that use my hands a lot? > or is the exercise good for it? > basically what is the best way to keep it from getting any worse? How fast/slow does it progress? > I dont even know what questions to ask, so I appreciate any insights here. > Thanks in advance for the groups time, > Don > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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