New Member seeking input . . .

[Guest guest]

I am a new member. Have undergone blood testing recently that showed

elevated SED rate and the anti nuclear antibody test was abnormal, plus

have a finger joint that is beginning to deform. Have had symptoms

that come and go for over 30 years (eg pain in the balls of the feet

for a period of 2 weeks when in my early 20's but never since then),

but in the past 1-2 years have been more constant and for the first

time the blood work shows abnormalities (was done several times over

previous years but was always normal).

In addition to the RA type symptoms that have shown up, over the past 6

months I have also developed some gastero symptoms (occult blood in

stools, bloat, stomach distension) that may or may not be related?

Am having gastero testing done over the next month but couldn't get an

appt with a Rheumatologist until February.

Any thoughts or advice will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[Guest guest]

The symptoms you describe don't seem to be textbook for RA but there are over 100 kinds of inflammatory arthritis that have similar symptoms and it takes a rheumatologist and time to get a diagnosis. Getting a first appointment with a rheumatologist is usually a slow process and if your primary physician thinks you need to see one a call from a doctor can often get an earlier appointment with a rheumatologist. A problem with a single joint is not typical for RA but could be osteoarthritis and that can happen at any age. It sounds to me like the gastro things need to be looked at promptly but I don't see that waiting till February for the rheumatology appointment is necessarily too bad. You might call occasionally to see if they have a cancellation so you can get in earlier. God bless.

----- Original Message -----

From: basket1952

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Sent: Sunday, November 20, 2005 4:36 PM

Subject: New Member seeking input . . .

I am a new member. Have undergone blood testing recently that showed elevated SED rate and the anti nuclear antibody test was abnormal, plus have a finger joint that is beginning to deform. Have had symptoms that come and go for over 30 years (eg pain in the balls of the feet for a period of 2 weeks when in my early 20's but never since then), but in the past 1-2 years have been more constant and for the first time the blood work shows abnormalities (was done several times over previous years but was always normal).In addition to the RA type symptoms that have shown up, over the past 6 months I have also developed some gastero symptoms (occult blood in stools, bloat, stomach distension) that may or may not be related?Am having gastero testing done over the next month but couldn't get an appt with a Rheumatologist until February.Any thoughts or advice will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.