Newbie with Questions re Number of Joints Involved

[Guest guest]

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!