Guest guest Posted November 3, 2008 Report Share Posted November 3, 2008 Hi , did they draw an antiCCP antibody? ________________________________ From: <leslielick777@...> Sent: Monday, November 3, 2008 1:12:55 PM Subject: [ ] Is it really RA? Hi Everyone, I don't do much here, but am glad that you are here when I need you. I was wondering if there is a more concrete way to know if a diagnosis is correct or not for RA. My initial blood work showed a positive RA/RF I can't remember what it's called. But after each yearly test, it has come back normal and the initial readings were barely positive. My C- reactive Protein levels are off the charts, which only indicates that there is inflammation somewhere in the body. The other tests like ana and others were slightly above or below normal which ever applies. I just want to find out if I truly have the right diagnosis. I have been on MTX for 2 years plus, and Enbrel for about a year with no change. My wrists ache, my fingers ache my knees ache, I have trouble grabbing and holding onto things like a very clumsy child. I never have swelling in my hands, feet, ankles or anywhere for that matter. I do have Osteoarthritis in my neck and spine and other joints of my body. I just need answers and my rheummy is certain that I have RA or ankylosing spondylitis, but there is no real proof that I do. What should I do next? I had a 2nd opinion about a year ago from another rheumatologist who said I don't have RA, but wasn't sure what I had so he sent me home with a prescription for pain which I don't want. So, that was a negative experience. I'm so confused. What should I do next? Is there a way to take fluid from the joint and test it for RA or any other auto immune disorder? Thanks for listening. Have a great day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 3, 2008 Report Share Posted November 3, 2008 --- Yes, that was done with a barely positive result if I'm not mistaken. It has never tested positive again after 2 additional yearly tests. > Hi , did they draw an antiCCP antibody? > > > > > ________________________________ > From: <leslielick777@...> > > Sent: Monday, November 3, 2008 1:12:55 PM > Subject: [ ] Is it really RA? > > > Hi Everyone, > > I don't do much here, but am glad that you are here when I need you. I was wondering if > there is a more concrete way to know if a diagnosis is correct or not for RA. My initial > blood work showed a positive RA/RF I can't remember what it's called. But after each > yearly test, it has come back normal and the initial readings were barely positive. My C- > reactive Protein levels are off the charts, which only indicates that there is inflammation > somewhere in the body. The other tests like ana and others were slightly above or below > normal which ever applies. I just want to find out if I truly have the right diagnosis. I have > been on MTX for 2 years plus, and Enbrel for about a year with no change. My wrists > ache, my fingers ache my knees ache, I have trouble grabbing and holding onto things > like a very clumsy child. > > I never have swelling in my hands, feet, ankles or anywhere for that matter. I do have > Osteoarthritis in my neck and spine and other joints of my body. I just need answers and > my rheummy is certain that I have RA or ankylosing spondylitis, but there is no real proof > that I do. What should I do next? I had a 2nd opinion about a year ago from another > rheumatologist who said I don't have RA, but wasn't sure what I had so he sent me home > with a prescription for pain which I don't want. So, that was a negative experience. > > I'm so confused. What should I do next? Is there a way to take fluid from the joint and test > it for RA or any other auto immune disorder? > > Thanks for listening. > > Have a great day. > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 3, 2008 Report Share Posted November 3, 2008 and group; that is OK. We would love for you to be here but if your busy that is quit all right. I am on the PC all day. At least as much as I can. Hon don't beat yourself up whether its RA. I hope they are helping you with pain. It could be FM (fibromyalgia). There is no blood test or x-ray for FM. Doctors take a written questionnaire from us plus the normal places where the pain is. I watch this show call HOUSE. Dr House spends all his time on the show trying to find diagnoses for diseases. He is some character. He makes me laugh so much. I hope you have seen it. He has maybe 3 diagnoses before he finds what they have. My doctor can't find out what is causing my migraines. Its a trial and error for my doctor. What are you taking for your pain? Your doctor will lead you to the right diagnoses. Give him time. Don't wait to long. And go back to talk with him. That's what I do. If what he is doing is not helping in enough time I go back and ask for more help. I am so sorry your having such a hard time for a diagnoses. I hope he/she is able to find what you have. God bless and take care. gentle hugs Clora From: <leslielick777@...> Subject: [ ] Is it really RA? Date: Monday, November 3, 2008, 2:12 PM Hi Everyone, I don't do much here, but am glad that you are here when I need you. I was wondering if there is a more concrete way to know if a diagnosis is correct or not for RA. My initial blood work showed a positive RA/RF I can't remember what it's called. But after each yearly test, it has come back normal and the initial readings were barely positive. My C- reactive Protein levels are off the charts, which only indicates that there is inflammation somewhere in the body. The other tests like ana and others were slightly above or below normal which ever applies. I just want to find out if I truly have the right diagnosis. I have been on MTX for 2 years plus, and Enbrel for about a year with no change. My wrists ache, my fingers ache my knees ache, I have trouble grabbing and holding onto things like a very clumsy child. I never have swelling in my hands, feet, ankles or anywhere for that matter. I do have Osteoarthritis in my neck and spine and other joints of my body. I just need answers and my rheummy is certain that I have RA or ankylosing spondylitis, but there is no real proof that I do. What should I do next? I had a 2nd opinion about a year ago from another rheumatologist who said I don't have RA, but wasn't sure what I had so he sent me home with a prescription for pain which I don't want. So, that was a negative experience. I'm so confused. What should I do next? Is there a way to take fluid from the joint and test it for RA or any other auto immune disorder? Thanks for listening. Have a great day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 3, 2008 Report Share Posted November 3, 2008 --- Thanks Clora, Yes, I have watched and am a huge fan of the show, HOUSE. I get such a kick out of his brash personality. I was taking MTX and Enbrel, but after a lengthy period of time to see if the mix worked, we discovered that I was gaining no benefit from this coctail, and my doctor wants to try me on the MTX and Remecade, but for some reason she is having trouble getting insurance approval and it's been 8 months now since I've been on any biologics treatments. She has me on Depro and that's it. She did have me try lyrica and that drug made me crazy, so we discontinued that medication. At this point I am not taking anything for pain in the form of a pain killer. Trouble is, there are few and far between doctors who specialize in Rheumatology in my area. You'd think there would be more with the number of people who suffer so from this. I hope you are able to figure out how to get rid of your migraines. I too have suffered from them. However, they miraculously disappeared one day and I have only had a hand full in the last 10 years. Thanks again, Les > > and group; > > that is OK. We would love for you to be here but if your busy that is quit all right. I am on the PC all day. At least as much as I can. > > Hon don't beat yourself up whether its RA. I hope they are helping you with pain. It could be FM (fibromyalgia). There is no blood test or x-ray for FM. Doctors take a written questionnaire from us plus the normal places where the pain is. > > I watch this show call HOUSE. Dr House spends all his time on the show trying to find diagnoses for diseases. He is some character. He makes me laugh so much. I hope you have seen it. He has maybe 3 diagnoses before he finds what they have. > > My doctor can't find out what is causing my migraines. Its a trial and error for my doctor. What are you taking for your pain? Your doctor will lead you to the right diagnoses. Give him time. Don't wait to long. And go back to talk with him. That's what I do. If what he is doing is not helping in enough time I go back and ask for more help. > > I am so sorry your having such a hard time for a diagnoses. I hope he/she is able to find what you have. God bless and take care. > > gentle hugs > Clora > > > > > > > > From: <leslielick777@...> > Subject: [ ] Is it really RA? > > Date: Monday, November 3, 2008, 2:12 PM > > > > > > > Hi Everyone, > > I don't do much here, but am glad that you are here when I need you. I was wondering if > there is a more concrete way to know if a diagnosis is correct or not for RA. My initial > blood work showed a positive RA/RF I can't remember what it's called. But after each > yearly test, it has come back normal and the initial readings were barely positive. My C- > reactive Protein levels are off the charts, which only indicates that there is inflammation > somewhere in the body. The other tests like ana and others were slightly above or below > normal which ever applies. I just want to find out if I truly have the right diagnosis. I have > been on MTX for 2 years plus, and Enbrel for about a year with no change. My wrists > ache, my fingers ache my knees ache, I have trouble grabbing and holding onto things > like a very clumsy child. > > I never have swelling in my hands, feet, ankles or anywhere for that matter. I do have > Osteoarthritis in my neck and spine and other joints of my body. I just need answers and > my rheummy is certain that I have RA or ankylosing spondylitis, but there is no real proof > that I do. What should I do next? I had a 2nd opinion about a year ago from another > rheumatologist who said I don't have RA, but wasn't sure what I had so he sent me home > with a prescription for pain which I don't want. So, that was a negative experience. > > I'm so confused. What should I do next? Is there a way to take fluid from the joint and test > it for RA or any other auto immune disorder? > > Thanks for listening. > > Have a great day. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 3, 2008 Report Share Posted November 3, 2008 , It is often hard to get a firm diagnosis because RA doesn't always present itself in the same way, and these autoimmune diseases have some overlapping symptoms. My advice is to be persistent and keep insisting that your rheumatologist keep trying to diagnose and treat you. Be the squeaky wheel that gets the grease. Good luck! Sue On Monday, November 3, 2008, at 02:12 PM, wrote: > Hi Everyone, > > I don't do much here, but am glad that you are here when I need you. > I was wondering if there is a more concrete way to know if a diagnosis > is correct or not for RA. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 3, 2008 Report Share Posted November 3, 2008 Hi - the first thing that comes to mind is if you are unhappy with your Rheumy, get a second (or third) opinion. It doesn't sound like the second opinion you got was with the brightest crayon in the box as he only pushed the pain pills and put doubt in your mind. Some people have had good luck going to a major medical center (The Mayo Clinic comes to mind). Best of luck to you.......Doreen > > Hi Everyone, > > I don't do much here, but am glad that you are here when I need > you. I was wondering if there is a more concrete way to know if a > diagnosis is correct or not for RA. My initial blood work showed a > positive RA/RF I can't remember what it's called. But after each > yearly test, it has come back normal and the initial readings were > barely positive. My C-reactive Protein levels are off the charts, > which only indicates that there is inflammation somewhere in the > body. The other tests like ana and others were slightly above or > below normal which ever applies. I just want to find out if I > truly have the right diagnosis. I have been on MTX for 2 years > plus, and Enbrel for about a year with no change. My wrists ache, > my fingers ache my knees ache, I have trouble grabbing and holding > onto things like a very clumsy child. > > I never have swelling in my hands, feet, ankles or anywhere for > that matter. I do have Osteoarthritis in my neck and spine and > other joints of my body. I just need answers and my rheummy is > certain that I have RA or ankylosing spondylitis, but there is no > real proof that I do. What should I do next? I had a 2nd opinion > about a year ago from another rheumatologist who said I don't have > RA, but wasn't sure what I had so he sent me home with a > prescription for pain which I don't want. So, that was a negative > experience. > > I'm so confused. What should I do next? Is there a way to take > fluid from the joint and test it for RA or any other auto immune > disorder? > > Thanks for listening. > > Have a great day. > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 3, 2008 Report Share Posted November 3, 2008 , What sort of imaging has been done? MRIs? X-rays? Where? Not an MD On Mon, Nov 3, 2008 at 1:12 PM, <leslielick777@...> wrote: > Hi Everyone, > > I don't do much here, but am glad that you are here when I need you. I was > wondering if > there is a more concrete way to know if a diagnosis is correct or not for > RA. My initial > blood work showed a positive RA/RF I can't remember what it's called. But > after each > yearly test, it has come back normal and the initial readings were barely > positive. My C- > reactive Protein levels are off the charts, which only indicates that there > is inflammation > somewhere in the body. The other tests like ana and others were slightly > above or below > normal which ever applies. I just want to find out if I truly have the right > diagnosis. I have > been on MTX for 2 years plus, and Enbrel for about a year with no change. My > wrists > ache, my fingers ache my knees ache, I have trouble grabbing and holding > onto things > like a very clumsy child. > > I never have swelling in my hands, feet, ankles or anywhere for that matter. > I do have > Osteoarthritis in my neck and spine and other joints of my body. I just need > answers and > my rheummy is certain that I have RA or ankylosing spondylitis, but there is > no real proof > that I do. What should I do next? I had a 2nd opinion about a year ago from > another > rheumatologist who said I don't have RA, but wasn't sure what I had so he > sent me home > with a prescription for pain which I don't want. So, that was a negative > experience. > > I'm so confused. What should I do next? Is there a way to take fluid from > the joint and test > it for RA or any other auto immune disorder? > > Thanks for listening. > > Have a great day. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 3, 2008 Report Share Posted November 3, 2008 Doreen I am so glad you thought of that. You are the brightest crayon in my crayon box. I was concerned for her. your idea is great. I was wondering what she should do too. god bless Clora From: Mimi <mimi212@...> Subject: [ ] Re: Is it really RA? Date: Monday, November 3, 2008, 7:05 PM Hi - the first thing that comes to mind is if you are unhappy with your Rheumy, get a second (or third) opinion. It doesn't sound like the second opinion you got was with the brightest crayon in the box as he only pushed the pain pills and put doubt in your mind. Some people have had good luck going to a major medical center (The Mayo Clinic comes to mind). Best of luck to you.......Doreen > > Hi Everyone, > > I don't do much here, but am glad that you are here when I need > you. I was wondering if there is a more concrete way to know if a > diagnosis is correct or not for RA. My initial blood work showed a > positive RA/RF I can't remember what it's called. But after each > yearly test, it has come back normal and the initial readings were > barely positive. My C-reactive Protein levels are off the charts, > which only indicates that there is inflammation somewhere in the > body. The other tests like ana and others were slightly above or > below normal which ever applies. I just want to find out if I > truly have the right diagnosis. I have been on MTX for 2 years > plus, and Enbrel for about a year with no change. My wrists ache, > my fingers ache my knees ache, I have trouble grabbing and holding > onto things like a very clumsy child. > > I never have swelling in my hands, feet, ankles or anywhere for > that matter. I do have Osteoarthritis in my neck and spine and > other joints of my body. I just need answers and my rheummy is > certain that I have RA or ankylosing spondylitis, but there is no > real proof that I do. What should I do next? I had a 2nd opinion > about a year ago from another rheumatologist who said I don't have > RA, but wasn't sure what I had so he sent me home with a > prescription for pain which I don't want. So, that was a negative > experience. > > I'm so confused. What should I do next? Is there a way to take > fluid from the joint and test it for RA or any other auto immune > disorder? > > Thanks for listening. > > Have a great day. > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 3, 2008 Report Share Posted November 3, 2008 -Hi , I complained to my rheummy a year or so ago about my collar bone hurting terribly, so she took an x-ray, said I had erosion along the clavical bone, but as far as x-rays or MRI are concerned, I've had none that relate to the attempt to diagnose me for RA. I have had to see an orthopedist who has me have get x-rays and an MRI of my neck and spine. She said that there was no evidence as far as she could tell of RA in my cervical spine. I do have compressed discs, which has been diagnosed as degenerative disc disease which is causing compression on my spinal cord and nerve that is causing upper extremities to be numb. I've been told that I have osteo arthritis in these areas as well as the spinal column along my tail bone. Other than that, I've had previous wrist joint disorders which I had to have MRI's done a few times to help diagnose and treat bones in my wrist that lost blood supply and died. These were also treated by an orthopedist who treats joint diseases and disorders, but not looking for rheumatic causes, so nothing was ever mentioned during all my orthopedic treatments until one orthopedist who said that since I have such a large area of joint pain in so many places he suggested I see a rheumatologist and thus here I am 2 1/2 years later, wishing I had a definitive diagnosis. I'd feel so much better about taking these serious meds if I truly knew that I suffer from RA or some other rheumatic condition that explains my pain. I never get swelling, never! Thanks for listening. Maybe the Mayo clinic is the best bet. Take care, Les > , > > What sort of imaging has been done? MRIs? X-rays? Where? > > > > Not an MD > > > > On Mon, Nov 3, 2008 at 1:12 PM, <leslielick777@...> wrote: > > Hi Everyone, > > > > I don't do much here, but am glad that you are here when I need you. I was > > wondering if > > there is a more concrete way to know if a diagnosis is correct or not for > > RA. My initial > > blood work showed a positive RA/RF I can't remember what it's called. But > > after each > > yearly test, it has come back normal and the initial readings were barely > > positive. My C- > > reactive Protein levels are off the charts, which only indicates that there > > is inflammation > > somewhere in the body. The other tests like ana and others were slightly > > above or below > > normal which ever applies. I just want to find out if I truly have the right > > diagnosis. I have > > been on MTX for 2 years plus, and Enbrel for about a year with no change. My > > wrists > > ache, my fingers ache my knees ache, I have trouble grabbing and holding > > onto things > > like a very clumsy child. > > > > I never have swelling in my hands, feet, ankles or anywhere for that matter. > > I do have > > Osteoarthritis in my neck and spine and other joints of my body. I just need > > answers and > > my rheummy is certain that I have RA or ankylosing spondylitis, but there is > > no real proof > > that I do. What should I do next? I had a 2nd opinion about a year ago from > > another > > rheumatologist who said I don't have RA, but wasn't sure what I had so he > > sent me home > > with a prescription for pain which I don't want. So, that was a negative > > experience. > > > > I'm so confused. What should I do next? Is there a way to take fluid from > > the joint and test > > it for RA or any other auto immune disorder? > > > > Thanks for listening. > > > > Have a great day. > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 3, 2008 Report Share Posted November 3, 2008 --- Hi Doreen, That's a great idea. I'll see what I can do about that. I hadn't thought of it, but now that you mention it, I know that the Mayo clinic has a reputation for treating difficult cases, or at least cases that are hard to diagnose, as well as having better outcomes. THank you so much for your suggestion and well wishes, and thanks so much to everyone here who is trying to help me out. You have no idea how much I appreciate it. Take care, Les > Doreen > > I am so glad you thought of that. You are the brightest crayon in my crayon box. I was concerned for her. your idea is great. I was wondering what she should do too. > > god bless > Clora > > > > > > > > From: Mimi <mimi212@...> > Subject: [ ] Re: Is it really RA? > > Date: Monday, November 3, 2008, 7:05 PM > > > > > > > Hi - the first thing that comes to mind is if you are unhappy > with your Rheumy, get a second (or third) opinion. It doesn't sound > like the second opinion you got was with the brightest crayon in the > box as he only pushed the pain pills and put doubt in your mind. Some > people have had good luck going to a major medical center (The Mayo > Clinic comes to mind). Best of luck to you.......Doreen > > > > > > Hi Everyone, > > > > I don't do much here, but am glad that you are here when I need > > you. I was wondering if there is a more concrete way to know if a > > diagnosis is correct or not for RA. My initial blood work showed a > > positive RA/RF I can't remember what it's called. But after each > > yearly test, it has come back normal and the initial readings were > > barely positive. My C-reactive Protein levels are off the charts, > > which only indicates that there is inflammation somewhere in the > > body. The other tests like ana and others were slightly above or > > below normal which ever applies. I just want to find out if I > > truly have the right diagnosis. I have been on MTX for 2 years > > plus, and Enbrel for about a year with no change. My wrists ache, > > my fingers ache my knees ache, I have trouble grabbing and holding > > onto things like a very clumsy child. > > > > I never have swelling in my hands, feet, ankles or anywhere for > > that matter. I do have Osteoarthritis in my neck and spine and > > other joints of my body. I just need answers and my rheummy is > > certain that I have RA or ankylosing spondylitis, but there is no > > real proof that I do. What should I do next? I had a 2nd opinion > > about a year ago from another rheumatologist who said I don't have > > RA, but wasn't sure what I had so he sent me home with a > > prescription for pain which I don't want. So, that was a negative > > experience. > > > > I'm so confused. What should I do next? Is there a way to take > > fluid from the joint and test it for RA or any other auto immune > > disorder? > > > > Thanks for listening. > > > > Have a great day. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 3, 2008 Report Share Posted November 3, 2008 --- IHi Doreen, Thanks for the good advice. I hadn't thought of that, but it's a great idea to look into. I'll see what I can find out about getting in there for an appointment. I live in the deep South, but hopefully, I can arrange for my insurance to let me get an opinion there. I really appreciate your thoughts and advice. Take care, LEs > > Hi - the first thing that comes to mind is if you are unhappy > with your Rheumy, get a second (or third) opinion. It doesn't sound > like the second opinion you got was with the brightest crayon in the > box as he only pushed the pain pills and put doubt in your mind. Some > people have had good luck going to a major medical center (The Mayo > Clinic comes to mind). Best of luck to you.......Doreen > > > > > > Hi Everyone, > > > > I don't do much here, but am glad that you are here when I need > > you. I was wondering if there is a more concrete way to know if a > > diagnosis is correct or not for RA. My initial blood work showed a > > positive RA/RF I can't remember what it's called. But after each > > yearly test, it has come back normal and the initial readings were > > barely positive. My C-reactive Protein levels are off the charts, > > which only indicates that there is inflammation somewhere in the > > body. The other tests like ana and others were slightly above or > > below normal which ever applies. I just want to find out if I > > truly have the right diagnosis. I have been on MTX for 2 years > > plus, and Enbrel for about a year with no change. My wrists ache, > > my fingers ache my knees ache, I have trouble grabbing and holding > > onto things like a very clumsy child. > > > > I never have swelling in my hands, feet, ankles or anywhere for > > that matter. I do have Osteoarthritis in my neck and spine and > > other joints of my body. I just need answers and my rheummy is > > certain that I have RA or ankylosing spondylitis, but there is no > > real proof that I do. What should I do next? I had a 2nd opinion > > about a year ago from another rheumatologist who said I don't have > > RA, but wasn't sure what I had so he sent me home with a > > prescription for pain which I don't want. So, that was a negative > > experience. > > > > I'm so confused. What should I do next? Is there a way to take > > fluid from the joint and test it for RA or any other auto immune > > disorder? > > > > Thanks for listening. > > > > Have a great day. > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 4, 2008 Report Share Posted November 4, 2008 and group; Yes, Than you know how hard some diseases are hard to diagnose. That show (HOUSE) shows how hard it is. House is one of my favorite shows. I am so sorry to hear your insurance is giving you a hard time. Maybe you can ask your doctor can re-file again. Maybe if you complain (complain nicely) he/she will find something that helps you. I am just trying to think of ways that might help. Maybe lyrcia don't make me feel crazy cause I already am haaaaaaaaa. Not making fun of crazy people. I see a mental health doctor every 3 months. There have to be more meds than MTX and remicade she could try to ask for another med or Dmard. Ask and see what happens. Sometimes if we don't say anything they may figure it's not so bad for ya. I use to do that. Take any pain med for my pain. But some pain meds will control the progression of our disease so that's not good to do. It may cause one to give up trying for the right disease. I been there that's why I know. I had to keep urging him to look for something to help my head aches. I would settle for what he was giving me sometimes and I soon realize I need to let him know it's not working. Right now the new migraine pain pills works but soon I will get ammuned to them or they may cause migraines. So we have to keep looking for the cause of the migraines. I will have to remind him soon. Or he will keep prescribing me these. Wow that is so cool your headache disappeared. Did something change? Did you quit eating a certain food. I am just wondering what your trigger was for your headache. I live in a small town. There are no RA doctors here. I have to go to a neighboring town 25 miles away. I am glad we have a few there. There is not many RA doctors in the big town of Spartanburg SC. Gentle hugs Clora > > From: <leslielick777@ ...> > Subject: [ ] Is it really RA? > @gro ups.com > Date: Monday, November 3, 2008, 2:12 PM > > > > > > > Hi Everyone, > > I don't do much here, but am glad that you are here when I need you. I was wondering if > there is a more concrete way to know if a diagnosis is correct or not for RA. My initial > blood work showed a positive RA/RF I can't remember what it's called. But after each > yearly test, it has come back normal and the initial readings were barely positive. My C- > reactive Protein levels are off the charts, which only indicates that there is inflammation > somewhere in the body. The other tests like ana and others were slightly above or below > normal which ever applies. I just want to find out if I truly have the right diagnosis. I have > been on MTX for 2 years plus, and Enbrel for about a year with no change. My wrists > ache, my fingers ache my knees ache, I have trouble grabbing and holding onto things > like a very clumsy child. > > I never have swelling in my hands, feet, ankles or anywhere for that matter. I do have > Osteoarthritis in my neck and spine and other joints of my body. I just need answers and > my rheummy is certain that I have RA or ankylosing spondylitis, but there is no real proof > that I do. What should I do next? I had a 2nd opinion about a year ago from another > rheumatologist who said I don't have RA, but wasn't sure what I had so he sent me home > with a prescription for pain which I don't want. So, that was a negative experience. > > I'm so confused. What should I do next? Is there a way to take fluid from the joint and test > it for RA or any other auto immune disorder? > > Thanks for listening. > > Have a great day. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 4, 2008 Report Share Posted November 4, 2008 I sent you a long post I don't know where it disappeard too. I guess I will find it some day. Any way, Talk to your doc to request a diff DMard or med for your pain. Please don't keep trying for any pain med. I use to do that. hugs Clora > > From: <leslielick777@ ...> > Subject: [ ] Is it really RA? > @gro ups.com > Date: Monday, November 3, 2008, 2:12 PM > > > > > > > Hi Everyone, > > I don't do much here, but am glad that you are here when I need you. I was wondering if > there is a more concrete way to know if a diagnosis is correct or not for RA. My initial > blood work showed a positive RA/RF I can't remember what it's called. But after each > yearly test, it has come back normal and the initial readings were barely positive. My C- > reactive Protein levels are off the charts, which only indicates that there is inflammation > somewhere in the body. The other tests like ana and others were slightly above or below > normal which ever applies. I just want to find out if I truly have the right diagnosis. I have > been on MTX for 2 years plus, and Enbrel for about a year with no change. My wrists > ache, my fingers ache my knees ache, I have trouble grabbing and holding onto things > like a very clumsy child. > > I never have swelling in my hands, feet, ankles or anywhere for that matter. I do have > Osteoarthritis in my neck and spine and other joints of my body. I just need answers and > my rheummy is certain that I have RA or ankylosing spondylitis, but there is no real proof > that I do. What should I do next? I had a 2nd opinion about a year ago from another > rheumatologist who said I don't have RA, but wasn't sure what I had so he sent me home > with a prescription for pain which I don't want. So, that was a negative experience. > > I'm so confused. What should I do next? Is there a way to take fluid from the joint and test > it for RA or any other auto immune disorder? > > Thanks for listening. > > Have a great day. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 4, 2008 Report Share Posted November 4, 2008 , If you can do it, I would go somewhere that specializes in diagnosis. s Hopkins in Baltimore, MD and Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN are two good bets. I've been to Mayo and had a very good experience there. Not an MD On Mon, Nov 3, 2008 at 10:40 PM, <leslielick777@...> wrote: > -Hi , > > I complained to my rheummy a year or so ago about my collar bone hurting > terribly, so > she took an x-ray, said I had erosion along the clavical bone, but as far as > x-rays or MRI > are concerned, I've had none that relate to the attempt to diagnose me for > RA. I have had > to see an orthopedist who has me have get x-rays and an MRI of my neck and > spine. She > said that there was no evidence as far as she could tell of RA in my > cervical spine. I do > have compressed discs, which has been diagnosed as degenerative disc disease > which is > causing compression on my spinal cord and nerve that is causing upper > extremities to be > numb. I've been told that I have osteo arthritis in these areas as well as > the spinal column > along my tail bone. > > Other than that, I've had previous wrist joint disorders which I had to have > MRI's done a > few times to help diagnose and treat bones in my wrist that lost blood > supply and died. > These were also treated by an orthopedist who treats joint diseases and > disorders, but not > looking for rheumatic causes, so nothing was ever mentioned during all my > orthopedic > treatments until one orthopedist who said that since I have such a large > area of joint pain > in so many places he suggested I see a rheumatologist and thus here I am 2 > 1/2 years > later, wishing I had a definitive diagnosis. I'd feel so much better about > taking these > serious meds if I truly knew that I suffer from RA or some other rheumatic > condition that > explains my pain. > > I never get swelling, never! > > Thanks for listening. Maybe the Mayo clinic is the best bet. > > Take care, > > Les Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 4, 2008 Report Share Posted November 4, 2008 --- Thanks , I'll definitely look into it. Thanks so much. > > , > > If you can do it, I would go somewhere that specializes in diagnosis. > > s Hopkins in Baltimore, MD and Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN are > two good bets. > > I've been to Mayo and had a very good experience there. > > > > Not an MD > > > > On Mon, Nov 3, 2008 at 10:40 PM, <leslielick777@...> wrote: > > -Hi , > > > > I complained to my rheummy a year or so ago about my collar bone hurting > > terribly, so > > she took an x-ray, said I had erosion along the clavical bone, but as far as > > x-rays or MRI > > are concerned, I've had none that relate to the attempt to diagnose me for > > RA. I have had > > to see an orthopedist who has me have get x-rays and an MRI of my neck and > > spine. She > > said that there was no evidence as far as she could tell of RA in my > > cervical spine. I do > > have compressed discs, which has been diagnosed as degenerative disc disease > > which is > > causing compression on my spinal cord and nerve that is causing upper > > extremities to be > > numb. I've been told that I have osteo arthritis in these areas as well as > > the spinal column > > along my tail bone. > > > > Other than that, I've had previous wrist joint disorders which I had to have > > MRI's done a > > few times to help diagnose and treat bones in my wrist that lost blood > > supply and died. > > These were also treated by an orthopedist who treats joint diseases and > > disorders, but not > > looking for rheumatic causes, so nothing was ever mentioned during all my > > orthopedic > > treatments until one orthopedist who said that since I have such a large > > area of joint pain > > in so many places he suggested I see a rheumatologist and thus here I am 2 > > 1/2 years > > later, wishing I had a definitive diagnosis. I'd feel so much better about > > taking these > > serious meds if I truly knew that I suffer from RA or some other rheumatic > > condition that > > explains my pain. > > > > I never get swelling, never! > > > > Thanks for listening. Maybe the Mayo clinic is the best bet. > > > > Take care, > > > > Les > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 5, 2008 Report Share Posted November 5, 2008 ((((())))) You are quite welcome. It helps to brain storm with others. Please let us know what you end up doing and how it all works out. We care............Doreen > > --- Hi Doreen, > > That's a great idea. I'll see what I can do about that. I hadn't > thought of it, but now that you mention it, I know that the Mayo > clinic has a reputation for treating difficult cases, or > at least cases that are hard to diagnose, as well as having better > outcomes. > > THank you so much for your suggestion and well wishes, and thanks > so much to everyone here who is trying to help me out. You have no > idea how much I appreciate it. > > Take care, > > Les > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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