Re: New - Possible RA Diagnosis.

[Guest guest]

,

Wow, it is hard to believe that you got an appointment with a

rheumatologist that soon. Most of us had to wait months. Good job.

Your symptoms sound typical of arthritis inflammation. Only test and

xrays can confirm for sure. I have never had nausea from the RA only

from meds taken for RA.

My fingers do seem to lock in some joints. This was going on 20

years before the RA so I tend to think it is osteo and not

rheumatoid.

I hope that you have a very productive appointment. Be sure to take

a list of all of your complaints and questions. You don't want to

forget anything that could help your doctor. Remember you are your

best health advocate.

Good luck,

Shirley

>

> Hello - I am a 40 year old stay at home mom with two young kids. I

> have been suspecting arthritis of some form for many years.

> Typically, I wake up with swollen hands. And then it goes away

after a

> couple of hours. Last week it seemed to jump to a whole new level

for

> me, however.

>

> It started last Friday with a general feeling of illness and

> exhaustion. And then swelling and pain in my wrists hands, ankles

and

> feet. This has been pretty much constant for 5-6 days. I was also

> feeling a big of nausea. My regular doctor has referred me to a

> rheumatologist. And I have an appointment tomorrow. My regular

> doctor gave me a prescription for Naprosyn but it seemed to only

work

> for 2-3 hours.

>

> Am a little nervous because I have aunts and uncles with RA. Some

more

> severe than others. Haven't really shared with family yet.

>

> Does anyone experiences sorts a bit of trigger finger (in my case

it

> seems to be all of my fingers). Meaning they sort of snap from one

> position to the next? Almost a mechanical way... I am wondering if

> this is another feature. In addition I have been diagnosed with

> keratachonis. Not sure if I spelled that right. Possibly

related? I

> know these are probably questions for my doctor.

>

> Thanks for listening or for any advice you may have.

>

> (from Kalamazoo, Michigan)

>

[Guest guest]

Hi .  I too am a stay at home mom with a two year old and a three year

old.  I have sero-negative RA meaning that all my bloodwork always comes back

normal but it is obvious by physical symptoms that I have RA.  It started in my

hands, wrists, feet, and ankles too.  I had and sometimes still have extreme

fatigue, a flu-ish feeling, and shortness of breath that comes on with very

little exertion, like just getting out of bed.  I have one other person in my

family with sero-negative RA as well and still another with keratochonis too. 

That struck me in your note.  If you can, keep a daily journal of all of your

symptoms, even if you think they may not be related, also rate your pain on a

1-10 scale with 10 being the worst and 0 being nothing.  I bring my journal to

rheumatology each appt.  Helps me keep track of things.  Plus the meds they may

put you on could be many and at varied schedules.  Keep your head up though. 

This group has a

lot of caring people so ask anything you like.

Take care and good luck tomorrow,

Ali

From: cathy.colella <colellafamily@...>

Subject: [ ] New - Possible RA Diagnosis.

Date: Tuesday, September 16, 2008, 4:26 PM

Hello - I am a 40 year old stay at home mom with two young kids. I

have been suspecting arthritis of some form for many years.

Typically, I wake up with swollen hands. And then it goes away after a

couple of hours. Last week it seemed to jump to a whole new level for

me, however.

It started last Friday with a general feeling of illness and

exhaustion. And then swelling and pain in my wrists hands, ankles and

feet. This has been pretty much constant for 5-6 days. I was also

feeling a big of nausea. My regular doctor has referred me to a

rheumatologist. And I have an appointment tomorrow. My regular

doctor gave me a prescription for Naprosyn but it seemed to only work

for 2-3 hours.

Am a little nervous because I have aunts and uncles with RA. Some more

severe than others. Haven't really shared with family yet.

Does anyone experiences sorts a bit of trigger finger (in my case it

seems to be all of my fingers). Meaning they sort of snap from one

position to the next? Almost a mechanical way... I am wondering if

this is another feature. In addition I have been diagnosed with

keratachonis. Not sure if I spelled that right. Possibly related? I

know these are probably questions for my doctor.

Thanks for listening or for any advice you may have.

(from Kalamazoo, Michigan)

[Guest guest]

hi cathy, keep your head up & just hang in there. my ra started in my knees, now

it's all over my body.. it sux!! i'm the only one in

my family w/ this aweful diasese....... keeping a journal sounds great, never

thought of that what ali said..

good luck & god bless,melyndagamez 9/16/08 6:30p.m.cdt

[ ] New - Possible RA Diagnosis.

Date: Tuesday, September 16, 2008, 4:26 PM

   

            Hello - I am a 40 year old stay at home mom with two young kids.  I

have been suspecting arthritis of some form for many years.

Typically, I wake up with swollen hands. And then it goes away after a

couple of hours. Last week it seemed to jump to a whole new level for

me, however. 

It started last Friday with a general feeling of illness and

exhaustion.  And then swelling and pain in my wrists hands, ankles and

feet. This has been pretty much constant for 5-6 days. I was also

feeling a big of nausea. My regular doctor has referred me to a

rheumatologist.  And I have an appointment tomorrow.  My regular

doctor gave me a prescription for Naprosyn but it seemed to only work

for 2-3 hours. 

Am a little nervous because I have aunts and uncles with RA. Some more

severe than others.  Haven't really shared with family yet.

Does anyone experiences sorts a bit of trigger finger (in my case it

seems to be all of my fingers).  Meaning they sort of snap from one

position to the next? Almost a mechanical way... I am wondering if

this is another feature.  In addition I have been diagnosed with

keratachonis.  Not sure if I spelled that right.  Possibly related? I

know these are probably questions for my doctor.

Thanks for listening or for any advice you may have.

(from Kalamazoo, Michigan)

     

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

     

[Guest guest]

Welcome ,

I am late posting, but wanted to send you a warm welcome. I hope you

can find answers at the rheumy appointment. It sure sounds like RA,

I pray you don't have it.

You have found a great RA group, were all here for you. Keep us

posted,Tawny

>

> Hello - I am a 40 year old stay at home mom with two young kids. I

> have been suspecting arthritis of some form for many years.

> Typically, I wake up with swollen hands. And then it goes away

after a

> couple of hours. Last week it seemed to jump to a whole new level

for

> me, however.

>

> It started last Friday with a general feeling of illness and

> exhaustion. And then swelling and pain in my wrists hands, ankles

and

> feet. This has been pretty much constant for 5-6 days. I was also

> feeling a big of nausea. My regular doctor has referred me to a

> rheumatologist. And I have an appointment tomorrow. My regular

> doctor gave me a prescription for Naprosyn but it seemed to only

work

> for 2-3 hours.

>

> Am a little nervous because I have aunts and uncles with RA. Some

more

> severe than others. Haven't really shared with family yet.

>

> Does anyone experiences sorts a bit of trigger finger (in my case it

> seems to be all of my fingers). Meaning they sort of snap from one

> position to the next? Almost a mechanical way... I am wondering if

> this is another feature. In addition I have been diagnosed with

> keratachonis. Not sure if I spelled that right. Possibly related?

I

> know these are probably questions for my doctor.

>

> Thanks for listening or for any advice you may have.

>

> (from Kalamazoo, Michigan)

>

[Guest guest]

and group;

WElcome . We have a few moms still with kids at home here. I

have had pain all my adult life. My doctor years ago said it was all

in my head haaaaa. I didnt beleive that for a second. I never had

any swelling till recently. I am 54 years old. My kids are all

grown.

I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia about 5 years ago. From an old

rheumy I had. He said no RA. My old primary doctor sent me to him

saying I had RA from the blood test. THe old RA doctor gave me some

great pain meds. I was taking morphine for about a year.

I think I slept that whole year. My husband dragged me out of bed

kicking and screaming. He said no more of this you GOT to get up. He

is a wonderful husband. He don't ask anything of me. I use to cook

and clean. For 28 years I did all the cooking and cleaning. I worked

to. He would come home from work. Get a beer and park his butt in

front of the tv. OOOOOOOOOO he is paying now. haaaaaaaaaaaa.

I am from a family of 10 and none of them has RA. My

grandmother had it. Thats the only family member. So your family

will know and understand about RA pain. My family has no clue.

They say you don't look like your in pain. I had many talks about

that with the group and they are very understanding.

What do you mean about your fingers. My fingers and toes goes in a

frozen cramp, is that it? I freak when it happens. Never heard of

trigger finger except with a gun. Yes if I was holding a gun at

someone when it happens they definately would get shot. Its very

painful. I grab my fingers fast when it happens. I stand on my toes

when it happens. THis has been happening to me since I was a young

women.

It can be so frustrating. If it happens when I am driving I got to

pull over and get out of the car for my toes. For my fingers I have

to grab them to stop it. Let me know what it is if you find out.

Cause i have always wonderd what it was.

I have been to kalamzoo Michagan. In fact I went there from

Ohio. I broke down going there at a rest stop. I missed a tornado

because of stopping. Cant think of the town right now that tornado

hit that year. I will think of it later. I live in SC now.

Kalamzoo is a very beautiful plase and the people there are great.

At least the ones I met. I walked through a park there. THey had

lions in underground. I walked on bars. Like cell bars. It was about

34 years ago cause my daughter was an infant at the time. Its hard

to remember. I do remember how grand kalamazoo is.

Yes ask your doctor. You will get a lot of information from the

group. I sure did. will post some great information too. We

are good to listen to any ones complaints. WE are a caring group. So

don't worry about complaining hon.

gentle hugs

Clora

> Hello - I am a 40 year old stay at home mom with two young kids. I

> have been suspecting arthritis of some form for many years.

> Typically, I wake up with swollen hands. And then it goes away

after a

> couple of hours. Last week it seemed to jump to a whole new level

for

> me, however.

>

> It started last Friday with a general feeling of illness and

> exhaustion. And then swelling and pain in my wrists hands, ankles

and

> feet. This has been pretty much constant for 5-6 days. I was also

> feeling a big of nausea. My regular doctor has referred me to a

> rheumatologist. And I have an appointment tomorrow. My regular

> doctor gave me a prescription for Naprosyn but it seemed to only

work

> for 2-3 hours.

>

> Am a little nervous because I have aunts and uncles with RA. Some

[Guest guest]

> What do you mean about your fingers. My fingers and toes goes in a

> frozen cramp, is that it? I freak when it happens. Never heard of

> trigger finger except with a gun. Yes if I was holding a gun at

> someone when it happens they definately would get shot. Its very

> painful. I grab my fingers fast when it happens. I stand on my toes

> when it happens. THis has been happening to me since I was a young

> women.

Found this on the net. Knew I read about RA & Trigger Finger before:

What is trigger finger?

Trigger finger is a " snapping " condition of any of the digits of the

hand when opened or closed. Trigger finger is medically termed

stenosing tenosynovitis.

What are symptoms of trigger finger?

Symptoms of trigger finger develop when either the ring, middle, or

index finger attempts to flex closed while gripping. Instead of a

smooth, continual closure, the digit stutters, then snaps closed. The

closure is frequently associated with pain at the base of the digit

on the palm of the hand. Trigger finger can affect the thumb.

What causes trigger finger?

Trigger finger is caused by local swelling from inflammation or

scarring around the tendons that normally pull the affected digit

inward toward the palm (flexion). Usually trigger finger occurs as an

isolated condition. Sometimes trigger finger is an associated

condition resulting from an underlying illness that causes

inflammation of tissues of the hand, such as rheumatoid arthritis. In

fact, data presented at the 2005 American College of Rheumatology

national meeting suggests that a majority of patients with rheumatoid

arthritis have inflammation around the tendons of the palm of the

hand that could develop into trigger finger.

What is the treatment for trigger finger?

Stretching, ice, and anti-inflammation treatments can be helpful.

Medications that have been used include naproxen, ibuprofen,

diclofenac, and others.

The most rapidly effective treatment is a local cortisone injection

around the affected tendon. Most patients will respond to the

cortisone injection. When a trigger finger persists after two

injections and is not responsive to the above treatments, surgical

procedures to ultimately remove the inflamed or scarred tissue are

considered.

Cheers,

Bob

[Guest guest]

Bob and group;

THanks a lot Bob. I am going to put this in my files to study a bit.

I have had this condition for many many years. THis proves it more

that I have had seronegative RA since I was very young. I have tried

for many years to find out why I hurt so much. ONly recently in the

last few years have I been diagnosed with Fibro and RA. I am 54 now.

Yes the ring finger.

kind gentle hugs

Clora

[Guest guest]

Everyone-

Returned from the RA office a few hours ago. He is convinced that I do not have

RA. Examined me fairly thoroughly and said that my joints seem very healthy.

Also said that he thinks that I may have Parvovirus B19. Which apparently you

can get from young children. Another reason he thinks this is because the

symptoms in my feet and ankles have pretty much disappeared after 3-4 days. And

the symptoms in my hands and wrists are not as severe. Apparently a typical RA

flare would be much longer in duration. He took some blood work for RA but also

for Parvovirus B19 and I will go back in a few weeks.

How freaky is this? Apparently the Parvovirus B19 can have symptoms that

present just at RA or Lupus. So I am now doing a bit of research on that virus.

But certainly this was good news, I think.

Gosh, Bob - great information on the trigger finger. Which I still have going

on.

[sPAM] [ ] Re: New - Possible RA Diagnosis.

> What do you mean about your fingers. My fingers and toes goes in a

> frozen cramp, is that it? I freak when it happens. Never heard of

> trigger finger except with a gun. Yes if I was holding a gun at

> someone when it happens they definately would get shot. Its very

> painful. I grab my fingers fast when it happens. I stand on my toes

> when it happens. THis has been happening to me since I was a young

> women.

Found this on the net. Knew I read about RA & Trigger Finger before:

What is trigger finger?

Trigger finger is a " snapping " condition of any of the digits of the

hand when opened or closed. Trigger finger is medically termed

stenosing tenosynovitis.

What are symptoms of trigger finger?

Symptoms of trigger finger develop when either the ring, middle, or

index finger attempts to flex closed while gripping. Instead of a

smooth, continual closure, the digit stutters, then snaps closed. The

closure is frequently associated with pain at the base of the digit

on the palm of the hand. Trigger finger can affect the thumb.

What causes trigger finger?

Trigger finger is caused by local swelling from inflammation or

scarring around the tendons that normally pull the affected digit

inward toward the palm (flexion). Usually trigger finger occurs as an

isolated condition. Sometimes trigger finger is an associated

condition resulting from an underlying illness that causes

inflammation of tissues of the hand, such as rheumatoid arthritis. In

fact, data presented at the 2005 American College of Rheumatology

national meeting suggests that a majority of patients with rheumatoid

arthritis have inflammation around the tendons of the palm of the

hand that could develop into trigger finger.

What is the treatment for trigger finger?

Stretching, ice, and anti-inflammation treatments can be helpful.

Medications that have been used include naproxen, ibuprofen,

diclofenac, and others.

The most rapidly effective treatment is a local cortisone injection

around the affected tendon. Most patients will respond to the

cortisone injection. When a trigger finger persists after two

injections and is not responsive to the above treatments, surgical

procedures to ultimately remove the inflamed or scarred tissue are

considered.

Cheers,

Bob

[Guest guest]

Wow...how odd to be diagnosed with an illness and be happy about it! :-)

Let's hope it IS the parvovirus. You should be feeling good again in

no time!

Kim

> > What do you mean about your fingers. My fingers and toes goes in a

> > frozen cramp, is that it? I freak when it happens. Never heard of

> > trigger finger except with a gun. Yes if I was holding a gun at

> > someone when it happens they definately would get shot. Its very

> > painful. I grab my fingers fast when it happens. I stand on my toes

> > when it happens. THis has been happening to me since I was a young

> > women.

>

> Found this on the net. Knew I read about RA & Trigger Finger before:

> What is trigger finger?

>

> Trigger finger is a " snapping " condition of any of the digits of the

> hand when opened or closed. Trigger finger is medically termed

> stenosing tenosynovitis.

>

> What are symptoms of trigger finger?

>

> Symptoms of trigger finger develop when either the ring, middle, or

> index finger attempts to flex closed while gripping. Instead of a

> smooth, continual closure, the digit stutters, then snaps closed. The

> closure is frequently associated with pain at the base of the digit

> on the palm of the hand. Trigger finger can affect the thumb.

>

> What causes trigger finger?

>

> Trigger finger is caused by local swelling from inflammation or

> scarring around the tendons that normally pull the affected digit

> inward toward the palm (flexion). Usually trigger finger occurs as an

> isolated condition. Sometimes trigger finger is an associated

> condition resulting from an underlying illness that causes

> inflammation of tissues of the hand, such as rheumatoid arthritis. In

> fact, data presented at the 2005 American College of Rheumatology

> national meeting suggests that a majority of patients with rheumatoid

> arthritis have inflammation around the tendons of the palm of the

> hand that could develop into trigger finger.

>

> What is the treatment for trigger finger?

>

> Stretching, ice, and anti-inflammation treatments can be helpful.

> Medications that have been used include naproxen, ibuprofen,

> diclofenac, and others.

>

> The most rapidly effective treatment is a local cortisone injection

> around the affected tendon. Most patients will respond to the

> cortisone injection. When a trigger finger persists after two

> injections and is not responsive to the above treatments, surgical

> procedures to ultimately remove the inflamed or scarred tissue are

> considered.

>

> Cheers,

> Bob

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Wow, , my daughter had this when she was a kid! Did you have the

rash that is associated with it, though? I Googled Parvovirus B19 and

came up with several links. The Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention is the one I clicked on:

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/revb/respiratory/parvo_b19.htm

And yes, this is wonderful news for you. Parvovirus B19 will go away.

RA doesn't. Stay healthy........Doreen

--- In , " Colella " <colellafamily@...>

wrote:

Everyone-

Returned from the RA office a few hours ago. He is convinced that I

do not have RA. Examined me fairly thoroughly and said that my joints

seem very healthy. Also said that he thinks that I may have

Parvovirus B19. Which apparently you can get from young children.

Another reason he thinks this is because the symptoms in my feet and

ankles have pretty much disappeared after 3-4 days. And the symptoms

in my hands and wrists are not as severe. Apparently a typical RA

flare would be much longer in duration. He took some blood work for RA

but also for Parvovirus B19 and I will go back in a few weeks.

How freaky is this? Apparently the Parvovirus B19 can have symptoms

that present just at RA or Lupus. So I am now doing a bit of research

on that virus. But certainly this was good news, I think.

Gosh, Bob - great information on the trigger finger. Which I still

have going on.

[Guest guest]

,

How cool would that be that it isn't RA but a virus that can be

cured?

I sure hope it turns out that way.

Shirley

>

> Everyone-

>

> Returned from the RA office a few hours ago. He is convinced that

I do not have RA. Examined me fairly thoroughly and said that my

joints seem very healthy. Also said that he thinks that I may have

Parvovirus B19. Which apparently you can get from young children.

Another reason he thinks this is because the symptoms in my feet and

ankles have pretty much disappeared after 3-4 days. And the

symptoms in my hands and wrists are not as severe. Apparently a

typical RA flare would be much longer in duration. He took some

blood work for RA but also for Parvovirus B19 and I will go back in

a few weeks.

>

> How freaky is this? Apparently the Parvovirus B19 can have

symptoms that present just at RA or Lupus. So I am now doing a bit

of research on that virus. But certainly this was good news, I

think.

>

> Gosh, Bob - great information on the trigger finger. Which I

still have going on.

>

>