How do you know what type of arthritis you have?

[Guest guest]

I have swollen joints in my hands, with deformity of the joints in my

pinky fingers. I have pain in my writs, ankle, knees, back, toes etc.

when I showed to my doctor, he said you have arthritis and I am only

taking anti-inflammatories. Should I be going to a specialist for

diagnosis? Also, do any of the topical creams or ointments work well?

I am on Mobic, does anyone take anything else that they feel is

especially helpful?

Thank you

[Guest guest]

Yes, you should absolutely be going to a rheumatologist for a definitive

diagnosis and meds to stop the progression.  Mobic is just an

anti-inflammatory.  I have not tried any of the creams or ointments.

 

[ ] How do you know what type of arthritis you have?

I have swollen joints in my hands, with deformity of the joints in my

pinky fingers. I have pain in my writs, ankle, knees, back, toes etc.

when I showed to my doctor, he said you have arthritis and I am only

taking anti-inflammatories . Should I be going to a specialist for

diagnosis? Also, do any of the topical creams or ointments work well?

I am on Mobic, does anyone take anything else that they feel is

especially helpful?

Thank you

[Guest guest]

Hi,

Please, see a rheumatologist! I was diagnosed about five years ago.

My rheumy told me, I've had RA for a very long time. I started having

a lot of pain in my early 20's,(now I'm 45.) The quack of a doctor I

had at that time, just told me I had,(arthritis.) I had no idea

there were different types of arthritis. Like your doctor, he would

give me anti-inflammatory meds.

So, please find a good rheumy, you can get treated early. I have

found, " Voltaren Gel " works really good. It is a prescription gel, so

you will have to ask your doctor.

There are a lot of meds to treat RA, your rheumy will find the right

one for you. I am on Humira,(biologic med),methotrexate, Naproxen,

Lortab, and Flexeril. I also take Neurontin for neuropathy pain, and

it helps with my fibromyalgia. I take other meds, but not related to

RA.

If you need help finding a good rheumatologist in your area, just post

on the group. I'm sure someone will help you find one. You take care

of yourself, and just know were here to help you.

Keep us posted, Tawny

>

> I have swollen joints in my hands, with deformity of the joints in

my

> pinky fingers. I have pain in my writs, ankle, knees, back, toes

etc.

> when I showed to my doctor, he said you have arthritis and I am only

> taking anti-inflammatories. Should I be going to a specialist for

> diagnosis? Also, do any of the topical creams or ointments work

well?

> I am on Mobic, does anyone take anything else that they feel is

> especially helpful?

> Thank you

>

[Guest guest]

Hello, Dear.

I just want to echo what others have said. It is so important to see a

rheumatologist. Only with the meds for RA can you slow the progression

or achieve remission. Ask your primary care doctor for a referral.

Good luck,

Shirley

>

> I have swollen joints in my hands, with deformity of the joints in

my

> pinky fingers. I have pain in my writs, ankle, knees, back, toes

etc.

> when I showed to my doctor, he said you have arthritis and I am only

> taking anti-inflammatories. Should I be going to a specialist for

> diagnosis? Also, do any of the topical creams or ointments work

well?

> I am on Mobic, does anyone take anything else that they feel is

> especially helpful?

> Thank you

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you to all who wrote to offer advice. I can see a specialist

without a referral and will do so. I will let you know what happ>

> ens. Your kindness is felt and appreciated!

>

> >

> > I have swollen joints in my hands, with deformity of the joints

in

> my

> > pinky fingers. I have pain in my writs, ankle, knees, back, toes

> etc.

> > when I showed to my doctor, he said you have arthritis and I am

only

> > taking anti-inflammatories. Should I be going to a specialist

for

> > diagnosis? Also, do any of the topical creams or ointments work

> well?

> > I am on Mobic, does anyone take anything else that they feel is

> > especially helpful?

> > Thank you

> >

>

[Guest guest]

I can not get into seeing the rheumatologist until my appt December 16th. I made

an appt with my Primary care doctor for this Monday. I am hearing they sometimes

start patients on Methotrexate. I remember that being a chemo drug. Can anyone

share their experiences with me>

Thank you

Connie

-------------- Original message from " nana2livi " <s.p5315@...>:

--------------

Hello, Dear.

I just want to echo what others have said. It is so important to see a

rheumatologist. Only with the meds for RA can you slow the progression

or achieve remission. Ask your primary care doctor for a referral.

Good luck,

Shirley

>

> I have swollen joints in my hands, with deformity of the joints in

my

> pinky fingers. I have pain in my writs, ankle, knees, back, toes

etc.

> when I showed to my doctor, he said you have arthritis and I am only

> taking anti-inflammatories. Should I be going to a specialist for

> diagnosis? Also, do any of the topical creams or ointments work

well?

> I am on Mobic, does anyone take anything else that they feel is

> especially helpful?

> Thank you

>

[Guest guest]

Connie,

I think you are probably in the south also by you email addy. I am

in Ga. Rheumatologist are few in my area and very difficult to get

an initial visit with. I drive almost 30 miles to see mine.

Many of us here are either still taking it or have taken in. It is

usually one of the first drugs that a rheumatologist tries. I know

that many people have had success with it. I still take it until my

Enbrel has a chance to start working.

Usually you take it once a week in pill form. In addition you take

folic acid to lessen the side effects. Some people have none and

others have different levels of side effects. There are a list of

them if you google it.

The ones that I have experienced are hair thinning, sight nausea and

fatigue. The hair thinning did stop after a while and I use a

volumizing mousse that helps. When you stop the drug your hair fills

back in. My nausea did stop, it was more like an unhappy tummy than

being sick. I take it on Friday's because the following day I am

just about worth nothing. My fatigue has never gotten better because

my RA is still active. My rheummy put me on Enbrel to try to achieve

remission with it.

Some people can not tolerate it at all and others do fine when

switched to MTX injections. Either form you must have regular

bloodwork done to see how your body is handling the MTX.

In addition most of us also started with prednisone for the

inflammation. Large doses are taken for short periods. I have been

on 5mg daily for over a year and it hasn't been a problem.

I hope I answered some of your questions.

Shirley

>

> I can not get into seeing the rheumatologist until my appt

December 16th. I made an appt with my Primary care doctor for this

Monday. I am hearing they sometimes start patients on Methotrexate.

I remember that being a chemo drug. Can anyone share their

experiences with me>

> Thank you

> Connie

[Guest guest]

Hi Connie - can you get on a " cancellation list " with the

Rheumatologist? That way they can call you if they have an

appointment earlier than December?...........Doreen

I can not get into seeing the rheumatologist until my appt December

16th. I made an appt with my Primary care doctor for this Monday. I am

hearing they sometimes start patients on Methotrexate. I remember that

being a chemo drug. Can anyone share their experiences with me>

Thank you

Connie